Generation Logistics Case Study

Iwona Palak, Dispatcher – Asda

My name is Iwona Palak. I was born in Poland and moved to the UK in 2016. Shortly after, in 2017, I joined Asda, embarking on a career journey that has been both rewarding and transformative.

I began as a warehouse colleague, eager to understand the wide range of roles in our warehouse environment. From the beginning, I focused on learning the essentials, which meant transferring across different departments to get a comprehensive view of operations.

Through hard work and determination, I earned a promotion to the role of Key Colleague, opening the door to numerous opportunities.

Throughout my journey, I received invaluable support from several managers. They provided clear answers to all my questions, helping me grow at each step.

My ambition and passion for learning have always driven me, and the support I received encouraged me to aim for higher positions within Asda. I then transferred to the Despatch Department, where I learned essential skills like loading products safely for store deliveries and managing loading and despatch times effectively.

Driven by a desire to develop myself for a managerial role, I enrolled in Asda’s “You Can Be” programme. This programme has offered me incredible opportunities to learn and grow and prepared me for a future role as a Department Manager and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

If someone is considering a career in logistics, my advice would be to focus on building both a strategic mindset and a flexible approach to problem-solving. Logistics is a fast-paced, detail-oriented field, so strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential.

Finally, embrace continuous learning. Logistics is constantly evolving with advancements in technology, sustainability practices, and global trends. Staying updated and adaptable will not only make you more competitive but will also open doors to leadership and specialisation opportunities in the field.