In a quiet corner of Cargolux's headquarters, I sit across from Alice, a poised and articulate Senior Manager in charge of Export Controls Compliance. As a journalist, I’m here to unpack the world of compliance through Alice’s eyes. I quickly realize her role is as much about diplomacy and communication as it is about regulations.
Alice’s responsibilities focus on ensuring that Cargolux’s shipments comply with international regulations. “Since joining Cargolux in 2017, my role has been to protect the company from regulatory breaches," she says. I pay attention to our sensitive shipments – anything our clients are shipping that should be covered by a license when it moves from one country to the other.”
As I listen to her explain her role in detail, I understand that compliance is also deeply human. “We’re not just protecting the company; we’re protecting people,” Alice explains, emphasizing that certain violations could lead to personal legal risk in some countries.
In cases where compliance isn’t met, individuals, not just companies, can face consequences. “For example,” Alice says, “in countries with strict sanctions, a single misstep could expose an employee to legal actions or fines.”
Her team takes this responsibility seriously, embedding checks at every step. From the initial booking all the way to delivery, the team works to shield both the company and its people from risk. For Alice, vigilance and empathy go hand in hand, which surprises me, given my initial expectation of a purely rules-driven job.
Compliance in logistics connects directly to world events
This took me by surprise! Once again, my preconceived ideas are wrong; I’d imagined compliance to be a lot more tied to static procedures. But it’s the opposite! Alice’s team constantly adapts to global shifts like the pandemic or economic sanctions on Russia, which continue to influence trade routes.
“How do you manage to keep up?” I ask. Alice grins, describing how her team collaborates to anticipate changes and adjust their checks accordingly. It’s clear that agility is at the heart of what she does, allowing her to guide Cargolux through a volatile regulatory landscape.
Balancing Compliance and Human Connections
Hearing Alice’s take on the importance of relationships in her work is fascinating. “To implement stringent checks without disrupting business, we need to build trust with other departments,” she tells me. For instance, Alice’s team regularly engages with Cargolux’s sales and global logistics departments to make sure compliance protocols are understood and respected. Her goal isn’t just protecting Cargolux from fines or reputational risks; it’s ensuring her colleagues feel supported in their roles. Alice recognizes that the balance between empathy and assertiveness is delicate. “We’re always trying to minimize business disruption while keeping our standards high,” she says. As she explains the “four-eyes principle”—an informal practice of discussing compliance issues with a second person before making any decisions — I see how Alice’s approach blends rigor with diplomacy.
As a journalist, I’ve encountered many professionals who are deeply passionate about their work, but few enjoy it as much as Alice. She is motivated by the constant learning it requires. “Working in the aviation industry, especially in cargo, gives you a unique view of how the world works,” she tells me.
“Every shipment we handle connects us to the global economy in a direct way—everything from supply and demand to geopolitics affects how we operate.”
She goes deeper and explains how even small changes in one region can have ripple effects worldwide. “For instance, the boom of e-commerce has led to a surge in shipment volumes, making vetting processes more challenging while still requiring strict adherence to compliance standards,” she says. “Or, when the U.S. and China impose trade restrictions, it disrupts supply chains, and suddenly there’s a huge demand for alternate routes, suppliers, and more complex logistics.”
This bird’s-eye view into global events has taught her valuable lessons on the interconnectedness of industries and economies. “One thing I didn’t expect to learn so deeply was just how sensitive our industry is to political decisions,” Alice continues.
“Whenever there’s a new sanction or trade restriction, we’re directly impacted. It’s not just an abstract policy—it immediately affects how we operate, how shipments are booked, and which routes we can or can’t use.”
I find this fascinating, as it explains why Alice has become so invested in her work at Cargolux.
Her recent enrollment in an advanced master’s program, encouraged by her superiors, also shows her openness to growth. “Cargolux encourages us to keep learning,” she explains. Her studies, combined with her everyday experiences, help her see beyond the regulations and understand not just compliance but also the logistical and strategic elements that drive the airline industry. “It’s not just about the rulebook,” she adds. “It’s about understanding how to apply it in a way that keeps the whole machine running smoothly.”
A Day in the Life: The Surprises Behind Compliance
If I were to shadow Alice for a day, I’d likely witness her mix of precision and adaptability firsthand. As she describes her daily routine, which is filled with data checks on high-risk shipments and real-time adaptations, I’m struck by one fact she mentions: only a small fraction of shipments require extra scrutiny. “Less than two percent of what we review doesn’t pass. This shows the impact of Cargolux’s preemptive measures and our clients’ respect for regulations.” Alice’s work in Compliance is as much about values as it is about rules. She leaves me with a thought that resonates beyond the specifics of her job: “Compliance is a team effort,” she says. Through her eyes, I gain a clearer picture of how Cargolux’s success hinges on individuals like Alice who are dedicated, adaptable, and wholeheartedly committed to both the details and the big picture.
