LogistikkForum membersKine Tillung Fredriksen (from left), Hedda Christine Nødtvedt, Michelle Williams (CEO at Grieg Logistics), Anette Utvær, Øyvind Magnussen, Ida Aagaard-Nilsen, Alexander Wilhelm Skredlund and Sebastian Gustafsson. Photo: Elmira Tukaeva
LogistikkForum membersKine Tillung Fredriksen (from left), Hedda Christine Nødtvedt, Michelle Williams (CEO at Grieg Logistics), Anette Utvær, Øyvind Magnussen, Ida Aagaard-Nilsen, Alexander Wilhelm Skredlund and Sebastian Gustafsson. Photo: Elmira Tukaeva

Grieg Logistics’ CEO Michelle Williams: «The world is your oyster!»

Thursday last week, LogistikkForum had invited Michelle Williams, CEO at Grieg Logistics, to talk about workplace culture, #metoo and Grieg Logistics at Molde campus.

By ELMIRA TUKAEVA

Williams graduated from the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy and served in the navy for eight years. She is currently the CEO of Grieg Logistics in Bergen, and has a lot of work experience from the logistics and supply chain industry.

One of the topics Williams covered was how graduates better can integrate into the business culture. Many job seekers focus on their years of studies, grades, CVs and experience during a job interview.

However, she recommended an alternative approach for the job seeker: «Just go and say, “I can do it!”».

Williams said that during the interview, the job seeker should present and demonstrate their personality and competence.

Michelle Williams, CEO of Grieg Logistics. Photo: Elmira Tukaeva
Michelle Williams, CEO of Grieg Logistics. Photo: Elmira Tukaeva

Here are some Williams’ hints for employers doing recruiting:

  • Focus on competence
  • Make sure that fundamental rights are in place
  • Have good company guidelines and policies
  • Make the workplace parenting friendly
  • Open recruiting
  • Focus on diversity

Williams accentuated how important it is to ask questions at work.

«Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions!» she said.

She argued that it is wise to know when to stop debating a decision, even if you disagree:

«If you can’t beat them, join them!”

Also, Williams paid an attention to the «Me Too» movement. She said that if someone experienced sexual harassment, one should talk to the management about the situation. If this doesn´t help, Norway has an ombudsman for these kind of situations: Likestillings- og diskrimineringsombudet.

At the end of her motivational speech, Williams added:

«The world is your oyster!»

She believes anyone can do what they pursue and there are no limits.

The lecture continued with a presentation of Grieg Logistics – a national provider of ships services and industrial terminal operations to oil and gas, shipping, offshore, maritime and general industries.

The HiMolde students present really enjoyed William’s visit on the international Women’s Day, and asked her many questions after her speech.

Students present at Michelle William’s speech. Photo: Elmira Tukaeva
Students present at Michelle William’s speech. Photo: Elmira Tukaeva