Kristina Hulyda: Reducing logistics costs has become one of the main goals of our team
15. 03. 24
Blitz interview with the leading logistics specialist of Agro-Region Group, Kristina Hulyda.
How did the Agro-Region team respond to the crisis situation, particularly regarding logistical decisions?
Kristina Hulyda: One of the biggest challenges our team faced was excessively high logistics costs. Grain delivery to the port (taking into account certification, loading, and all other expenses) costs farmers twice as much as in EU countries and 1.5 times more than in the USA. The main reason for this is the complex and convoluted documentation process and logistics costs, which constitute a lion’s share of the total supply chain expenses. Therefore, reducing costs became one of the main efficiency goals for the logistics management team.
To reduce costs, Agro-Region purchased 19 tractor units, 13 dump semi-trailers, 5 tarpaulin semi-trailers, and 1 fuel tanker semi-trailer. Our own fleet significantly strengthens Agro-Region’s competitive position. Despite the shortage of grain trucks traditionally present in the transportation market, we significantly reduce logistics costs during the season.
What kind of people do you prefer to work with, and why?
Kristina Hulyda: I feel comfortable working with decisive and responsible people who achieve their goals despite obstacles.
Who inspires you and why?
Kristina Hulyda: My daughter. She is an athlete, holds the title of Master of Sports of Ukraine in acrobatics, and is a champion of Ukraine and international competitions. For me, she is a source of inspiration, love, and joy. She inspires me to be happy and cherish every moment of life, to achieve set goals. I am also inspired by such outstanding figures as Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Coco Chanel. These people were ahead of their time, able to analyze and foresee situations.
How do you see the role of women in business in Ukraine today and in the post-war years?
Kristina Hulyda: Women already demonstrate a powerful impact on the economy of Ukraine. Since February 2022, companies founded or managed by women have been actively assisting refugees and the army, providing not only products but also humanitarian aid and jobs.
The role of women in the post-war recovery of Ukraine will be colossal, given the country’s needs and demographic situation. Women, with their soft skills, empathy, flexibility, responsibility, multitasking abilities, and partnership-building skills, will be unparalleled.
Post-war processes will be no less challenging than they are now because recovery requires both social responsibility and social adaptation of the entire society. Currently, a new role model of society is forming in Ukraine, so the number of women in both blue-collar professions and top management is increasing. Regarding agriculture, according to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, in 2023, women accounted for 52.5% of the total employed in agriculture. This is 5% more than in 2022.