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2023.01.03
｜CEP
Engaging, warm, and enthusiastic, with a smile as bright as sunshine always on her face.
She treats every client with absolute sincerity, just like a close friend. Our interviewee today is Mandy, Manager of the Central Taiwan Branch!
Having worked in sales at GMC for 17 years, Mandy seems like a "natural-born salesperson." What keeps her so deeply passionate about sales work to this day? Let’s dive into her story to find out!
With a natural love for interacting with people, Mandy worked part-time at a hypermarket during her university years. She thoroughly enjoyed the job, navigating different sales stations as effortlessly as strolling through her own garden. These part-time experiences inspired her to pursue a career in sales after graduation.
"The specific industry wasn't my main consideration. I loved work environments that allowed me to connect and interact with many people, so I chose sales. In fact, before joining GMC, my only impression of freight forwarding was 'shipping goods abroad' and 'importing goods from overseas.' I had only a vague idea of what it actually entailed or how it operated."
Speaking of how she joined GMC, Mandy recalls her fresh-out-of-school drive and passion for sales, eager to take on the challenge right after graduating.
"I interviewed with many companies back then, and then I met GMC," Mandy says. "The interviewer was Ben. Just a few days after the interview, he called to invite me to join GMC." Remembering that scene from 17 years ago feels as if it were yesterday. Ultimately, Mandy followed her heart, coming to GMC to embark on her sales journey.
With no background in freight forwarding—essentially a blank slate—Mandy brought her love for making friends and her sales experience, choosing the role of GMC sales representative as her first job after graduation. Remarkably, she has stayed to this day.
"Sales requires immense passion. When you have passion, it becomes contagious."
Driven by her warm personality, Mandy naturally builds strong relationships with clients. Rather than calling them "clients," the term "good friends" fits much better.
"I will never forget my very first client," Mandy says.
"I still remember visiting her for the first time when her child was in kindergarten. Recently, during a casual chat, I said, 'Your kid must be pretty big now.' To my surprise, she replied, 'Yeah! He just finished his military service.' Time really flies!" Mandy can’t help but marvel at how swiftly time slips through our fingers.
Along the way, Mandy has encountered clients from various fields and industries. To her, clients are like benefactors. Sometimes, even if a contact person can't make the final vendor decision, they will still look for other opportunities to cooperate.
"Whenever there’s something we can help with, whether they end up working with us or not, clients are willing to give me a chance to try. They are all my benefactors." Mandy’s interactions with clients go far beyond business transactions; they resemble old friends who have known each other for years.
"I'm always deeply grateful to my clients for giving me so many learning opportunities. That’s why, for every single shipment they entrust to me, I hold a deep sense of responsibility and mission. I make sure the cargo arrives safely at its destination, and that brings me immense joy (laughs)."
Mandy believes that when both parties trust each other and genuinely appreciate one another, it creates better chemistry, a deeper understanding of client needs, and a stronger, lasting relationship.
"Client acquisition is an ongoing challenge for sales—it takes significant time and care to nurture. Clients are what matter most."
Developing new accounts is undeniably a demanding challenge, but one that Mandy thoroughly enjoys. The key lies not only in maintaining passion but also in understanding each client's unique personality and habits.
"Just like making friends, everyone likes to be treated differently. The closer you get and the better you understand them, the more mutually supportive the relationship becomes."
For salespeople, this is often the most difficult aspect, yet it is also the most charming.
In sales outreach, facing closed doors is a common occurrence. When a prospect's heart is firmly shut, it can be intimidating, leaving one hesitant to knock.
"I still approach clients with an open mind to understand them and offer services tailored to their needs," Mandy says. "A client who became a close friend once told me, 'Our teamwork at work is truly seamless!' In the end, they didn't just become a regular client; we became great friends."
"When you successfully acquire a new client, it feels like something earned entirely through your own hard work from start to finish—you treasure it deeply!"
Mandy then shares a story about a trip to Kenting. Amidst a dense crowd, she suddenly heard someone shout, "Mandy! Mandy!" Turning around, she was surprised to bump into one of her clients.
"I said, 'Oh my goodness! How on earth did you recognize me in this sea of people?!' She replied, 'Your voice is way too recognizable!'" Recalling this moment, Mandy bursts into laughter. "That unexpected encounter in the crowd left a lasting impression on me!"
Over these 17 years with GMC, Mandy has achieved great results at work and harvested many cherished friendships.
This past June, Ben, Manager of the Central Taiwan Branch, officially retired and handed the torch over to Mandy. "Ben’s retirement was planned, but it still felt like a young child suddenly having to grow up overnight to support a family. Standing on my own requires much more courage than before."
Mandy smiles softly. "I used to think managers made decisions quickly, little knowing that every decision was the result of careful deliberation—a judgment forged through years of experience. It’s truly not easy."
Now taking over the management role from Ben, what is Mandy’s leadership style? Known for her positive demeanor and sunny smile, Mandy believes that the most crucial quality for a leader is "inspiration."
"Sometimes people underestimate themselves, believing their abilities stop at a certain level without realizing they are capable of much more. Through inspiration, you can help them unleash their potential and create greater value."
Mandy adds: "There’s a saying about putting the right people in the right places. By understanding your team members' traits, strengths, and potential, and guiding them effectively, you can inspire them to excel."
As a manager, Mandy has learned to leverage the strength of her team, making the most of everyone’s talents. "While I may not be as all-around thorough as Ben, I can harness the power of the team. We communicate, discuss, and brainstorm solutions together," Mandy says humbly. Differing opinions are bound to arise, which is why exchanging perspectives and analyzing pros and cons lead to the best decisions.
"After attending the Carnegie training course brought in by the company this year, I gained new realizations about leading a team," Mandy says. "My deepest takeaway was the importance of 'letting employees speak more.'" By listening to her team, bridging communication gaps, and thoughtfully adjusting the pace and direction, Mandy leads her team with the same warmth and resolve that define her personality. While learning from her predecessor’s footsteps and building her own courage, Mandy has supported the Central Taiwan Branch—her professional family—in her own unique way.
When asked about the person who influenced her most at the company, Mandy smiles gently: "Ben, of course."
"He was not only the manager who interviewed me and an outstanding salesperson, but also a role model worth learning from. He possessed extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, foresight, and decisive judgment. More importantly, he was always willing to share."
Ben frequently shared life and work experiences with the team. Through his stories, team members built closer bonds and gained valuable life insights. "Working with him was a wonderful experience and an unforgettable memory. He is the person who influenced me the most."
"Ben also cared deeply about us—from major life updates down to what we had for lunch. He noticed every detail. He would ask what we were having for lunch, whether it was nutritious, or if it would make us gain weight, instantly turning into a personal nutritionist to boost our health." Mandy laughs warmly at the memory.
Mandy’s journey at GMC is deeply intertwined with Ben. From her initial interview to her promotion as Central Taiwan Branch Manager, Ben walked beside her, leaving a profound impact.
"To me, Ben is a role model; to the Central Taiwan Branch, he is a spiritual pillar."
Ben was vital to the Central Taiwan team. Mandy is deeply grateful that he cared for team members like family, allowing everyone to work hard for the company, their families, and themselves in a secure environment.
Having spent 17 years at GMC, when asked if she ever experienced a "seven-year itch," Mandy laughs: "Not really! I thoroughly enjoy every day at GMC. Life is busy and fulfilling, and before I knew it, 17 years had passed."
"With a group of close, like-minded partners, you can keep pressing forward. Once you build a strong rapport, you fall in love with this place more and more."
Mandy smiles, "Granted, this is my first job, and I haven't worked at other companies, so I don't know if other places are as joyful as ours."
A harmonious work culture is one of GMC’s key strengths. On the professional side, Mandy believes GMC’s team is exceptional—she frequently learns alongside everyone as they march together toward shared goals.
"What one person cannot accomplish alone can be done exceptionally well through a team. Everyone puts aside egos to fulfill our mission of serving clients together. I love that about us."
Mandy’s eyes sparkle as she shares her perspective on GMC. "I feel GMC is a deeply trustworthy company that places trust at the top—which means 'integrity.' I love working in a company with such a framework, and I love working with everyone. Every day is packed with energy. Everyone's dedication and passion for work inspire me, making me want to build a top-tier team together."
Jimmy, Chairman of GMC, often promotes core corporate values to give employees clear direction. The principle Mandy resonates with most is the fundamental employee attitude: "Proactive Reporting, Taking Ownership, and Service Passion."
Mandy believes that mastering these fundamentals keeps everyone performing at their best. "Although these are basic capabilities, executing them to perfection builds a solid client base and fosters highly efficient partnerships. We are all one team."
"I believe the best competition isn't with others, but with yourself. Become uniquely you!"
Mandy breaks into a bright, radiant smile.
"Live as your unique self and become a person of value. Define your own worth."
In life, there’s no need to constantly compare yourself with others. One only needs to periodically reflect: Am I walking on the right path? Through self-reflection, examine yourself. When you don't know where to step next, cast your gaze and goals a bit further. As you move toward your target, your abilities will grow, experience will accumulate, and you will become a better version of yourself.
"I often approach people and experiences in life with gratitude. Whether in work or life, so many people have encouraged me along the way. Within my capacity, I do my best to help others in return." Mandy reflects that there are simply too many people to thank, which is why keeping a grateful heart is so essential.
