Happy International Women’s Day 2019! To celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day on March 8th we chat with a key member of the DRW team, Leslie, our Logistics Coordinator.
Hi Leslie! Tell us a bit about yourself, what do you do at DRWakefield and how long have you worked here?
I am a Logistics coordinator, I look after the supply chain, all the way from importing the coffee from the origin country right through to the delivery into our customers – the roasters. The origins I look after are mainly Asia, Brazil, Ethiopia and Papua New Guinea.
I have been with the business since 2015 and joined on my birthday!
What is your favourite thing about working for DRWakefield?
I really like how ethical and sustainable the company is, our unofficial motto from Simon has always been ‘do the right thing’ and everyone here really takes it into their every job.
There is also a real family atmosphere here, we are a small team and very tight knit. There is also a lot of passion and excitement around new coffees that come in, new developments within the company and just general news. I am very lucky to work with very skilled and amazing people.
Which coffee origin is on your bucket list?
I would like to visit all origins but the one I would really like to visit is Ethiopia, to meet the people and understand more about the challenges they face in order to export their coffee.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I spend a lot of my spare time doing Indian dance and Yoga I always loved dancing, but I only started dance lessons the first time I came to London (I’m originally from Haute-Savoie, the Alps in France) when I was 21. The hobby has become a true passion, I am now a dance teacher, I have my dance association in France “Dancing India” and I perform for Shamaa Dance Company in London.
Yoga is also part of my dance training as it helps me with focus and gives me the required strength, balance and stretching for me to teach and perform.
As it’s IWD this month, we interested to hear what women inspire you and why?
I do not have just one inspirational woman who I look up to, I am surrounded by inspiring mothers, dancers, work colleagues and teachers who are giving as much as they can to balance their personal and professional lives. They are following their dreams and passions and help others with their accomplishments or talents.
Do you have a personal mantra you live by?
Yes, be happy and respect people.
