Working where others go on holiday: What I have learnt with Jungheinrich in 23 years and 7 countries
Benedict Kothe has worked at Jungheinrich for more than 23 years, leading global teams in Asia and Europe. Embracing challenges, culture and growth has characterised his international journey. Read for yourself.
My name is Benedict, I am 43 years old and have been with Jungheinrich for over 23 years. I moved to Singapore about 5 years ago to manage Jungheinrich's sales units in Singapore and Malaysia in the role of Managing Director.
My path with Jungheinrich
My international orientation within Jungheinrich began early on with various stays abroad during my dual study programme, which I completed in Hamburg from 2001 to 2004. During my studies, I spent five months in Lisbon, Portugal, among other things. After my dual study programme, I was given the opportunity to work in many countries with Jungheinrich locations, including countries such as Finland, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia, China and Portugal, which I also visited regularly. During this time, I was involved in various projects for expansion abroad with a strong focus on the introduction of ERP software and processes.
My further path took me to Shanghai, China, for 3 years in 2007 to continue supporting the expansion of the China sales unit. I then moved to Singapore, where I managed customer service and supported the market entry in India. In 2013, I moved back to Hamburg for 6 years to set up the central customer service for logistics systems. I have been living in Singapore again since 2019. I always found the international collaboration, the interesting challenges and the opportunity to work with different cultures particularly exciting. Jungheinrich has always given me the chance to expand my boundaries. In the first few years, I immersed myself in living and working in a wide variety of countries and benefited from these experiences in many ways.
Why experience abroad is valuable
What has always motivated me about my assignments abroad is working directly with customers and employees from a wide range of cultures. This helps me to develop professionally and personally. Jungheinrich has offered me the support I needed during all my stays abroad, both with organisational issues and with settling into the new environment. However, we also attach great importance to taking things into our own hands in order to learn how things can be solved elsewhere.
Life in an international environment
Singapore and Malaysia are multicultural countries where I work with colleagues from all over the world. This cultural diversity makes the work exciting and the atmosphere often familiar. It's not unusual to spend time together after work, which strengthens the team dynamic. What I particularly like is the feeling that we are all here to make a difference and create something new.
How I balance work and leisure
Daily dialogue with colleagues is very important to me and can therefore be combined well with the lunch break. Here, eating is part of the culture and an important part of socialising with other people.
Working hours are often longer in Asia, so I often spend a lot of time at work in the evenings. To compensate for this, I make time for my family and friends at the weekend. I also enjoy the opportunity to discover Asia from time to time - be it on weekend excursions or short trips to other cities.
My insights from 23 years at Jungheinrich
One of the most important lessons I have learnt from my time abroad is that we often have more in common than we initially think. Patience is key, especially in Asia where adaptation and perseverance are required. If you rise to the challenges, you will grow enormously both professionally and personally.
My tip for a stay abroad
Be open to new experiences and ready to adapt. Even if there are phases in which you doubt yourself, it is precisely these moments that will take you further. After overcoming cultural hurdles, the path is full of exciting opportunities.
The journey is the reward
My journey at Jungheinrich has been extremely varied so far and has brought me to where I am today. There is always something new to learn and discover. I am proud to be part of an international team that works together, grows and celebrates success.
