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2022.12.20
｜CEP
Throughout her 36 years with GMC Group, her presence has shone like an enduring starlight—guiding those around her while bringing hope and strength to the company.
Our featured guest today is our graduating General Manager—Jennifer.
Starting from her vibrant twenties, she navigated life’s milestones here, flourishing and reaching extraordinary heights alongside GMC. Today, let’s look back at Jennifer’s remarkable story at GMC.
Passing the competitive entry process to join the shipping line NYK fresh out of university, Jennifer’s destiny seemed intertwined with the freight forwarding industry from that very moment. Yet, her entry into GMC came through a series of pure coincidences. After working at her first company for six months, a university classmate serving as GMC’s accountant asked if she would be interested in joining GMC as an OP (Operations) staff member. "Mr. Chen (the Chairman) interviewed me back then. We had a pleasant conversation, and he offered better compensation than my previous company, so I thought, 'Why not give it a shot!'"
However, after submitting her resignation, her original employer made persistent efforts to retain her. Hesitant, she declined GMC’s offer. Jennifer laughs as she recalls: "The most incredible part was that GMC’s manager called me multiple times back then. Even though I kept declining, she never gave up. Eventually, unable to resist GMC’s relentless persuasion, I accepted." Moved by the manager’s unwavering sincerity and repeated invitations, Jennifer took the leap—officially kicking off her 36-year journey with GMC.
Life resembles a marathon—twisting and rugged, filled with diverse people and endless trials along the way. From a small team of 6 or 7 employees to today’s scale of over seventy, Jennifer reflects on the evolving roles and challenges she faced across different eras.
As a rookie, Jennifer remained humble, eagerly doing tasks beyond her primary scope of work. Her proactive work ethic and exceptional competence earned her a promotion to Ocean Freight Export OP Manager at the young age of 29. Jennifer holds special gratitude for Ms. Tseng, her manager at the time, who guided her with immense patience and care.
"I am deeply grateful for meeting such a wonderful manager back then. She helped build my confidence at work. I made massive strides during that period and realized just how profound a manager's influence is on an employee’s growth."
The end of her rookie phase marked the beginning of her Growth Phase. Leading a lean, highly efficient team as Ocean Freight Export OP Manager, Jennifer carried heavy responsibilities. She excelled beyond her operational scope, expanding into sales, shipping line contract negotiations, and container allocation. "Back then, container allocations started on Saturday evenings and went deep into the night. That period wasn't just about creating personal value—it was about leading the team to grow stronger together." Working relentlessly through weekends, she rose from Export OP Manager to Head of the Ocean Freight Department, expanding the team from 4 or 5 people to over twenty. Jennifer views this period as a vital stage of value creation—leading up to a pivotal turning point...
Jennifer notes that as Head of Ocean Export, her duties extended beyond departmental management to negotiating contracts and servicing clients. "I always went beyond my assigned job description. In operations, if your service is exceptional, clients continuously return to you for quotes. I brought in a substantial amount of direct account business, and all company shipping line contracts passed through my hands. I was swamped every single day." Balancing management while holding a passion for sales created an overwhelming workload. She eventually requested a transfer to full-time sales. Weighing the dilemma between management and full-time sales, a conversation with Chairman Mr. Chen altered her trajectory. "I talked with Mr. Chen, and he analyzed the pros and cons of management versus sales. He believed a managerial role offered broader exposure and greater room for development, enabling me to leverage my strength to help more people."
Mr. Chen’s words reaffirmed Jennifer's commitment to organizational management, shaping who she is today and creating a far-reaching impact on the company.
In 2010, she assumed the role of General Manager—a brand-new challenge.
"The first two stages felt more like natural outcomes—achieved through hard work and within my capabilities. But when I was promoted to General Manager, I experienced a profound sense of frustration," Jennifer reflects thoughtfully. She went through a period of self-doubt, questioning whether she was truly qualified for the position. "There were days I didn't even want to step into the office. Despite all my experience, I still had moments of intense insecurity." Overcoming this mindset took time, as she transformed setbacks into driving force. "Ultimately, I realized I had to work even harder to elevate myself and become stronger so I could truly fulfill the purpose of this role."
To expand her horizons and absorb new knowledge, Jennifer pursued an EMBA at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST). The EMBA yielded immense benefits for her executive work—sharpening her strategic formulation, decision analysis, innovation capacity, and judgment with a macro vision. Supported and encouraged by Chairman Mr. Chen and CFO Shirley, she quickly navigated past the low point.
"I believe you must firmly trust yourself and stay positive. Furthermore, to ensure the company walks further and longer, passing down the experience and expertise accumulated over decades is crucial."
In her final chapter at GMC, Jennifer not only conquered her internal doubts and flourished through adversity, but also embraced the mission of legacy. She firmly believes that strong conviction and a positive mindset lead teams to scale new heights.
Discussing corporate development, Jennifer emphasizes that a company must possess a crystal-clear operational core. Without one, becoming a top-tier enterprise is impossible. Renowned as an industry leader in US Ocean and Air Freight, GMC laid the bedrock of its leadership on the US trade lane under Jennifer’s direction.
Between 1996 and 2006, Chairman Mr. Chen entrusted Jennifer with contract negotiations with shipping lines. "I take great pride in securing unbeatable, highly competitive contract rates back then. I saw a major business opportunity—we shouldn't remain a conventional forwarder; we needed to leverage these advantageous conditions to expand our market share." Riding this momentum, Jennifer established the Co-load Team in 1997. Powered by competitive contract rates and relentless team effort, they rapidly expanded GMC's market share on the US trade lane, generating high profitability and establishing GMC's dominant position on Taiwan-US routes. At its peak, GMC ranked 2nd in Taiwan’s total export volume to the United States, while the Co-load Team consistently contributed steady profits year after year. Looking back, that innovative breakthrough generated a profound, long-term impact on the company's operations and reputation.
"It became one of our core operational pillars. The ripple effect drove rapid growth across agent development, direct accounts, and co-load sales among peers. I am extremely proud of that decision—its extraordinary impact continues to this day."
As a leader, navigating management requires constant reflection across multiple dimensions. Jennifer believes a leader must set clear goals so team members understand short- and medium-term objectives and execution paths. A manager must simplify complex matters to ensure smooth execution. Regarding team guidance, Jennifer abides by sincerity, mutual trust, positive encouragement, inspiring value creation, and patient, continuous mentorship—building employee confidence to unleash their potential.
"Working in my team might involve higher pressure, but time reveals true intentions. I didn't always play the 'nice' manager; more often, I played the tough one. Over time, team members understood that my high standards were for their growth and the team's benefit. The core personnel I led worked alongside me for many years, with virtually zero turnover."
Additionally, Jennifer advocates for continuous learning regardless of rank. From her initial days at GMC to stepping into the GM role, whenever she identified gaps in her knowledge, she pursued self-improvement through further studies.
"I believe continuous learning not only deepens and broadens your perspective, but also drives team innovation and development."
As Jennifer prepares to graduate from GMC at the end of this month, how does her view of GMC differ from 36 years ago? "During its founding years, GMC was unpolished in many aspects. Today, GMC boasts mature systems, robust financial health, a strong emphasis on teamwork, and deep dedication to employee growth and career development. These represent our fine corporate culture. Even better, our employee benefits rank among the best in the industry, for which we owe special thanks to Chairman Mr. Chen for his care."
Jennifer believes a sound corporate culture acts as a lighthouse, guiding an enterprise through time and environmental shifts—the ultimate key determining longevity. As a founding veteran who grew alongside the company, Jennifer shares a meaningful personal connection: "My family was very poor during my childhood. My mother raised six children single-handedly. From a young age, she taught us that no matter how poor we were, we must maintain integrity, act with honor, refrain from unethical shortcuts, and uphold honesty." This principle shaped Jennifer's entire life and aligned seamlessly with GMC’s core value of "Integrity." "I believe my long tenure here stems from this alignment in core values."
When she first joined GMC, the small team shared deep emotional bonds. "Back then, we worked half-days on Saturdays. After clocking out in the afternoon, we often went out together; on weekday nights, we’d gather at beer houses to drink and dance—those are precious memories."
Jennifer shares a particularly unforgettable memory: "Years ago, in the small meeting room of our old office, I received my first shareholder dividend check. That feeling remains deeply etched in my memory. A few of us young employees were shareholders in GMC, and we worked tirelessly. Looking at the numbers on that check, I thought, 'Is this real?!' It was such a moving, inspiring moment that deeply encouraged us!"
At GMC, she realized self-worth, achieved continuous growth, gained financial success, made lifelong friends, and even met her life partner.
"These are my greatest rewards. I have gained so much—GMC is truly my second family. That is a massive blessing, isn't it?"
Jennifer’s aspirations for GMC’s future align closely with its longstanding core culture—expecting employees to approach work with accountability, create value, remain positive, and deliver great results. "I also eagerly anticipate the emergence of an outstanding leadership successor," Jennifer says.
"A leader is like a orchestra conductor, guiding the ensemble to perform a magnificent symphony! A great leader inspires employees to unlock greater potential, leading the team toward shared goals."
"We possess an excellent corporate culture, strong core values, and many loyal, high-caliber employees. I believe GMC will forge another brilliant 10, 20, or 30 years—I look forward to witnessing its future development! And of course, I hope GMC generates great prosperity year after year (laughs)."
Offering advice to fresh graduates entering the workforce, Jennifer shares: "The fundamentals are staying humble, respecting workplace ethics, and maintaining a respectful attitude. Next is knowing how to present yourself, remaining positive, and going beyond your assigned duties—that’s how you get noticed." For ambitious young professionals, her final point is key:
"Demonstrate a proactive attitude and step out of your comfort zone to tackle missions that showcase your unique value."
Jennifer smiles, asking if that sounds too strict.
"Though stepping out of your comfort zone can feel daunting, the rewards gained from taking that step far exceed your imagination!"
When speaking of the person she wishes to thank most and who influenced her most deeply, Jennifer highlights Chairman Mr. Chen. "He trusted me implicitly, granted me countless opportunities, promoted me, and provided a platform to shine. Whenever I stood at a crossroads, he offered guidance. He cared for both my career and my family. He is the greatest benefactor of my life, and the person I am most grateful to."
Jennifer adds: "I also want to extend special thanks to two wonderful partners—my incredible, strong teammates who fought alongside me through thick and thin, May and Tina. Without them, I wouldn't be who I am today. Thank you for your tolerance and trust." Reflecting on the storms navigated together over three decades, Jennifer’s voice carries deep gratitude and emotion: "Our connection in this lifetime runs extraordinarily deep. We fulfilled each other. I feel immensely blessed. I better stop here, or I might start crying (laughs)."
"My life transformed because of these benefactors—thank you!"
Graduation Time: Time to do all the things that make you truly happy; enjoy and embrace the years ahead!
Post-graduation, Jennifer prioritizes physical health, planning to hire a personal trainer for regular workouts. "I also want to learn flower arrangement, photography, and singing. Most of all, I want to travel the world, explore more countries, spend time with my two cats, and enjoy a life of leisure (laughs). I feel like one morning I'll wake up and suddenly realize, 'Ah! I don't have to go to the office anymore!'" Jennifer’s mood reflects a mix of fond farewells and eager anticipation for what lies ahead.
"There are so many things I’ve always wanted to do that were hard to pursue for extended periods or in a relaxed state. Now I can finally enjoy my second chapter in life!"
Word has it that Jennifer, a lifelong beauty, starred in commercials in her youth! Did she ever consider entering show business?
"In my student days, a classmate introduced me to audition at an ad agency. I passed and filmed several commercials—such as for Kobayashi Optical, YAMAHA motorcycles, facial cleansers, along with print ads." Mentioning this experience, Jennifer smiles: "It was a fun experience. The enjoyable part was having professionals do your makeup and posing for photos—it took 2 to 3 hours tops, and you could earn 4,000 to 5,000 NTD in pocket money."
Jennifer shares that she also loved acting and singing. During her school years, she participated in drama competitions and repeatedly won Best Actress awards. Not only did she love acting, she excelled at it. Asked if she ever had stardom dreams, she laughs: "To me, it was an unforgettable memory. But as fate had it, I didn't pursue an entertainment career and entered the corporate workforce instead. Looking back, this path was a wonderful choice—a place where I could fully unleash my influence and leadership charisma."
For Jennifer, GMC was the greatest stage of her life.
