Today, we sit down with Peter Langley, the Regional Vice President of Australasia at FedEx Express. With a career that has taken him from chemical engineering in the oil fields to the boardrooms of global logistics, Peter offers a wealth of experience.
He has navigated through diverse industries and cultures, learning invaluable lessons along the way. In our conversation, Peter shares how these experiences have influenced his approach to work, innovation, and leadership, and how he keeps his life balanced amidst the demanding pace of his career.
Peter, you’ve had such a diverse career across different industries and countries. Could you share some of the biggest lessons you’ve picked up along the way and how they play a part in your role at FedEx?
Throughout my career spanning over several decades, including my time at FedEx and TNT, I’ve accumulated valuable insights that have significantly influenced my leadership and teamwork approach.
These experiences, which have had their share of challenges and triumphs, have taught me the importance of patience and viewing every situation as a learning opportunity. They have shaped me into the business leader I am today, capable of turning challenges into avenues for growth.
My tenure in the industry has equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills to remain agile and adaptable in the face of the fast-paced logistics landscape. Some of the key lessons I’ve learned are:
- Embracing continuous improvement: After three decades in the dynamic and competitive logistics industry, I have learned the importance of constantly refining processes, optimising efficiency, and adapting to emerging technologies. This involves fostering a culture within FedEx that encourages innovation and invites feedback from all employees. It’s a strategy that is continuously evolving as we seek to stay ahead of the curve.
- Adaptability and Innovation: Industries evolve, and successful leaders must be adaptable and open to innovation. Embracing change has been a consistent theme in my career, particularly in the fast-paced world of logistics. At FedEx, we commit to staying ahead of industry trends, leveraging technology and innovative solutions to meet the ever-changing demands of our customers.
Was there a particular moment or decision in your career journey that really steered you towards where you are now with FedEx?
As I progressed in my career, there was a pivotal moment that truly steered me towards where I am now with FedEx. It was the realisation that my passion for leading technological advancements in the companies I worked for aligned seamlessly with FedEx commitment to spearheading innovation in logistics technology.
This decision has since been a fundamental aspect of my strategy at FedEx, guiding my efforts to leverage technology and innovation to stay ahead of the curve and deliver unparalleled value to our customers. It’s a journey that continues to inspire me as we push the boundaries of connecting people and possibilities and shape the future of the logistics industry.
You’ve worked in everything from hi-tech to logistics. How have these varied experiences shaped your current approach to business and innovation?
My journey across both hi-tech and logistics industries has profoundly shaped my current approach to business and innovation. These diverse experiences have provided me with a unique perspective, fostering a deep understanding of how hi-tech and logistics can synergise effectively, alongside reinforcing the pivotal role of logistics in today’s business ecosystem.
In the hi-tech sector, I garnered invaluable insights into the relentless pace of technological advancements and the imperative of maintaining a leading edge in innovation. This firsthand experience has significantly influenced my logistics strategy at FedEx.
We continuously harness cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, data analytics, and automation, to drive efficiency, transparency, and customer satisfaction. These innovations have become integral to our operations, which helps us meet and surpass our clients’ expectations.
Complementing this, my extensive experience in logistics has provided me with a profound understanding of supply chain intricacies, transportation dynamics, and warehousing principles. This expertise has been instrumental in devising strategies that optimise our network, streamline processes, and elevate overall operational efficiency.
At FedEx, where the cornerstone of our business is timely and reliable deliveries, these logistics fundamentals underpin every aspect of our operations.
In essence, my multifaceted background has provided me with a holistic understanding of technology and logistics, enabling me to seamlessly integrate innovative solutions into FedEx’s operations. By doing so, we continue to successfully navigate a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Balancing a demanding job and personal life is no small feat. How do you manage it all and keep burnout at bay?
Effective Time Management: Prioritising tasks and managing time efficiently is imperative for me. I always ensure that work-related responsibilities are organised and scheduled, allowing me to have dedicated time to focus on personal and family commitments.
Setting Boundaries: While dedication to the job is important, it’s equally crucial to establish clear boundaries. I make a conscious effort every day to disconnect from work during designated personal time and clear my mind from work-related thoughts, which allows me to recharge and recuperate.
Open Communication: I make sure to maintain open communication with both my team and my family. Having clear communication ensures that expectations are met and prevents any misunderstandings alongside reducing unnecessary stress.
Prioritising Health and Wellness: I invest time in exercise, maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough sleep each night. I’ve learnt how physical well-being directly correlates with mental clarity, contributing to a more sustainable work-life balance.
What are some of your go-to activities for unwinding after a busy week at FedEx?
Quality Family Time: Spending time with my family every week is a must for me. Whether it’s a weekend outing, a family dinner, or simply enjoying a movie night together, these moments help me rest and recharge.
Outdoor Activities: I love partaking in any outdoor activities; I either swim or join my wife walking our dogs to our local park every day, which is a great start to the day.
Technology Detox: Taking a break from screens and technology every day is a must for me. Unplugging from emails and setting quiet times from work-related notifications during weekends helps me unwind and let my mind have a break.
Leading a large team comes with its challenges. How do you promote a healthy work-life balance within your team at FedEx?
Lead by Example: As a leader, I actively demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I ensure that I take breaks, go on trips and holidays, and communicate my own commitment to a healthy balance between professional and personal life to my team.
Set Realistic Goals and Priorities: I often work with the team to establish realistic goals and priorities, which helps to manage workloads effectively. I’ve seen how this prevents employees from feeling overwhelmed and encourages a more manageable pace of work.
Celebrate Achievements and Milestones: We always set aside time to acknowledge and celebrate any achievements, both big and small! The aim of this is to boost team morale and reinforce the idea that hard work is not only recognised but appreciated, building a positive and supportive team culture.
As an example, we just celebrated an employee’s 55-year tenure with FedEx (which commenced with a TNT subsidiary, Kwikasair and then TNT itself, which was subsequently acquired by FedEx), a very impressive milestone! Long tenures like this are a testament to our supportive working environment.
Open Communication: At FedEx we maintain open channels of communication. Encouraging team members to express their needs, concerns, or suggestions related to work-life balance, fostering a culture of support.
Any pearls of wisdom for those in high-pressure jobs on how to stay healthy and happy while chasing their career goals?
Develop a Support System: Make sure to keep a network of friends, family, or mentors who understand your challenges close to you. Having a support system means you never will feel like you’re undertaking challenges alone.
Maintain Hobbies and Interests: Partake in activities you love and enjoy, it will help balance any stress you might feel at work. As mentioned, I love travelling the world and seeing new things with my family.
Continuous Learning: Embrace a mindset where you are open to continuous learning. Stay curious, adapt to new challenges, and view obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than something setting you back.
Remember that finding a balance between career ambitions and personal well-being is a continuous journey. Prioritising your health and happiness not only enhances your overall quality of life, but also contributes to a long and happy career.
