Meet Kristy Guo (Cuilan), a Chinese-born, Australia-based founder and CEO of Signature Global Network PTY LTD, a unique global logistics networking company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. With more than two decades of unwavering commitment to the world of logistics, Kristy is not just a CEO but a best-selling author, a dedicated coach, and an award-winning visionary in her own right. Well-known for her passion and positivity, Kristy is also an expert in building multicultural and international networking business communities.

At the core of Kristy’s expertise lies her ability to bring together individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering international networking communities. Her journey began with a remarkable educational feat, as she graduated from university at the tender age of 17, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to learning and innovation.

Kristy’s remarkable career has been further enriched by her work sponsorship from many global organizations, allowing her to explore diverse cultures and expand her horizons. She has a magical connection to various types of people and believes ‘People’ is the key to everything.

With her background and experience in all logistics operational, commercial, and sales areas, she has contributed to significant business growth, company success, and team-building success wherever she goes.

Kristy loves to help and connect with people to grow their mindsets and skills and find the best version of themselves. She loves multiculturalism and always believes that the world’s people are ONE.

Awards and Accolades
In March 2023, Kristy made history as an International Amazon Best Selling Author. Her book, “The Joyful Leader in You,” became the top #1 Amazon Seller and gained Hot Release status across the U.S., Australia, and Canada. Kristy is also a contributing author to “Changemaker” Volume 6, published in September 2021, and further cemented her position as an influencer and thoughtful leader.

Eventually, in 2023, Kristy graced the cover of “The World’s Leader Magazine” as the “World’s Rising High Women Leaders to Watch in 2023.” She also hosted one of the best global logistics conferences in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, featured by several international magazines and media channels, such as ITJ Journal and The Maritime Executive. Etc.

Previously, in 2022, Kristy was recognized as one of “The 10 Most Successful Businesswomen Making a Difference” by CIO Views magazine. Kristy is an AU Mumpreneur Awards nominee and finalist in multiple categories. She proudly secured the Bronze award in the VIC Multicultural Business Excellence category.

Beyond awards and accolades, Kristy is an audiobook author and speaker with Bookboon UK. Her passion for supply chain and logistics took center stage at the 2022 Women in Supply Chain Event, where she served as a speaker, sharing her wisdom and insights with the world.

Leveraging Emerging Technologies
Kristy recognizes the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in the industry. She believes embracing advanced technologies is of utmost importance for the evolution of logistics and freight forwarding.

In the fast-paced world of logistics, it’s easy for professionals to become consumed by the day-to-day demands of their work. However, Kristy firmly believes that the industry cannot afford to ignore the vast potential that Artificial Intelligence offers. It can streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and bring about a new era of logistics.

Leadership Challenges
Kristy believes the most significant leadership challenge is a lack of trust and the hardship of connecting people. She believes that the super convenience of the world makes people less demanding to go out or to meet new people. So, business leaders need to find unique ways to influence and inspire their teams and build trust.

The modern era also presents a unique set of obstacles for leaders, one of the most pressing being the transient nature of today’s workforce. Employees nowadays have several distractions and opportunities vying for their attention, making it immensely challenging for business leaders to retain talent over the long term.

However, Kristy believes leaders can find opportunities. The changing landscape of work and communication offers a platform to create innovative services and solutions, and leaders can leverage these opportunities to address the diminishing trust and disconnection within their teams.

Fostering Innovation and Creativity
Kristy firmly believes that to foster creativity and innovation, business leaders must provide their employees with a safe and secure environment to be themselves while encouraging everyone to be open to any new task and allow them to learn and grow.

“One thing we can do is to give people a chance to swap team roles after one year or two and let them learn different things and achieve more sense of fulfillment. It always gives them fresh minds and increases their creativity,”- she explains. “The other thing is the personal growth of each person. There are always rooms and ways to keep staff and make them valuable to your company if they truly treat them as part of your loving family.”

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
Kristy believes that the society gives more opportunity to women than ever. She feels one of the most essential issues remains with the self-belief system, which blocked many amazing women from being where they wanted to be.

To promote diversity by getting more females into the industry, especially at the leadership levels, Kristy is always looking for female leaders intentionally and encourages them to inspire more women. Kristy also suggests running more female events, offering more opportunities for women to stand up and have their voices, and creating a great community to encourage and support women more.

“As multitaskers, carrying most of the responsibilities of being a mother does take away much time and energy. In saying that, I have always been working a full-time job while being a mum. Now, I own my company and am still a mum who cooks, sends my kids to school, and juggles all roles. It is challenging but also fun. Of course, it won’t be fun if you get zero support from people around you. So, surrounding yourself in the positive and right community is essential, particularly for women,”– explains Kristy.

Looking at the Future
Kristy’s vision is to change the world to be a better place by bringing more peace, love, and harmony while empowering all dreams and letting everyone’s dreams be fulfilled.

“It is like climbing a mountain. I do not have a detailed plan to reach out to the top, but I know I will, and I just need to focus on every small step. I will get there! & We will get there by connecting great minds in this world,”– she concludes.

What exciting things are ahead?
SGNC 2024 will be held in CEBU, Philippines. Expecting 150-200 global leaders from everywhere in the world to make a great history!