Get to Know Sam Lindsey, Network’s Commercial & Operations Director for NAM.

Sam has been with Network Aviation Group for over 12 years, having joined the team way back in May 2014 and with his recent ascent to Commercial and Operations Director of NAM, Network’s future looks promising!

Our “Get to Know” feature is back after a short time away. Get to Know is an original Network feature where we interview individuals from the wider Network Aviation Group team from around the world. We find out more about them, such as their role models and icons, how they got into the industry and everything in between. So, let’s shine the spotlight this time on Sam Lindsey…

How did you get into airfreight/logistics?

When I was 19, I saw an interesting advert in the newspaper ‘All African cargo airline looking for Operations Assistant’….I was asked if I could name 5 African countries and thankfully the African Cup of Nations had just been on TV, so I scraped through! After a couple of months, I was thrown in the deep end, taking responsibility for the crew scheduling for 50+ crew members, a role I really enjoyed.

What quote has most resonated with you?

One that immediately springs to mind, I would say, is “Pressure makes diamonds.”

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I’ve received some great pieces of advice over the years, but one that sticks out to me is “keep positive, there is a solution somewhere for every problem.”

What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?

Most recently, climbing Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains range during winter. I highly recommend it to anyone, as you see a completely different side of Morocco and the views are truly amazing. A trip that I won’t forget for a long time!

If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Nelson Mandela – to hear his unbelievable story and to learn about all of the hurdles that he overcame
throughout his life.

Michael Jordan – to understand the mindset behind his success, especially how he dealt with failure,
and what drove him to stay at the top for so long.

Elton John – With his colourful past, I think there are still a few wild stories there to share…

What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?

I have an international sailing licence, but I think I would get lost without my Dad’s navigation skills!

What hobby have you always wanted to try but never got around to?

I’d love to give scuba diving a try, to explore what’s hiding underneath the deep blue seas…

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I’d love to have the ability to time travel – to see and experience some historical and future events. It would certainly help some decision making in our line of business, but maybe that’s cheating!

What’s your proudest moment and your biggest regret?

My proudest moment has to be my wedding day (which was very recently!) My biggest regret – to be honest, I try to forget about those and keep learning from any mistakes…!

If there was a movie made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role?

Harrison Ford, but I’m not sure it would quite meet the Indiana Jones standards, however!

Looking back over your career, what would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics?

Do it. You will learn a lot about the world and work with people of all nationalities. Ask questions and be curious! Every day is a school day.

How do you motivate your team?

I try to empower them with knowledge and the ability to make their own decisions.

What is the one thing you can’t travel without?

My headphones, for a good playlist or podcast.

Who is your role model?

I would say my Dad, he has a great outlook on life and doesn’t take things too seriously.

What would your autobiography be called? ‘Working late, moving freight’

Are you a cat or a dog person? I‘m a dog person, 100%!

What is the best and worst purchase you’ve made?

Best and possibly worst purchase – my first car, a Rover Metro, although I wish I still had it today….

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It’s got to be a Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings!

What’s your most used emoji?

Laughing face… you’ve got to keep smiling.

A BIG thank you to Sam for sharing these insightful answers with us.

Network Aviation Group’s Sam Lindsey Air Side in Libreville, LBV.