Every Day Is a Fresh Start for Aura Tsai

Aura, you’re a Logistics, Documentation & Settlement Coordinator. What does this mean practically?

Well, as my title says, my job addresses three separate needs.

So first, I need to ensure that the documents I’m sending have no issues before carriers or containers arrive at the unloading port. Every country has its own requirements for documents, so I must be very detail-oriented.

When any processing issue arises, I must find ways to communicate with suppliers to avoid disputes. Normally, suppliers don’t accept high rejection, so it takes time and patience to negotiate with them.

Finally, for tuna trading, I collect information that is crucial to the process, so I’m always in contact with our tuna suppliers daily to keep good relationships and get information in time.

You’ve majored in French and English. Did your study background help you in your career?

What I do now is actually very different from my academic background. That’s why my work and motto are actually about learning by doing — experience is the best teacher (and the Internet is a great source of information)! 

Why is learning on the spot so important?

As I mentioned, suppliers do not accept quality issues easily, so it's not easy to negotiate, especially at the beginning! But with each round of negotiation, I’ve developed stronger attention to detail and enhanced my mediation skills; there’s no other way to do it.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

I love that I meet different people every day and get the chance to know them and communicate with them. I also deeply enjoy that there are no “regular duties”. Every day is basically a fresh start.

You’ve been in the company for 12 years now. What are the main changes that have occurred?

The first 9 years, I was in the Purse Seiner team to deal with shipping documents and settlement. But then I got promoted to coordinator and started managing 5 team members, who have become 6 as of this year. 

The greatest difference I’ve witnessed is actually within me, because I had to learn how to manage people and become a team leader. My focus is no longer on shipping documents or settlements. The most important thing is keeping an eye on my team members, encouraging them, and guiding them when needed. 

And of course, with more years of experience come more connections with suppliers to keep good relationships.

Speaking of good relationships, what’s your take on being a team leader?

Honestly, I believe my team members can do anything. Sometimes people get scared about things they have never done before. It doesn't mean they cannot do it. Therefore, I think the most important thing as a good leader is observing their concerns and giving them the courage to try new things or face the challenges. 

In a way, it’s also about one of our beliefs, “Care for Balance”.  People actively want to be better when they’re listened to, and when they’re in a good and safe environment, myself included! 

A great place to work needs to care for the right balance between personal and professional life, so that talent won’t slip away and can focus instead on their work progress. 

Bolton is definitely that place.