60 Seconds with Jonathan Clark, Network Aviation Group’s Chief Executive Officer
Jonathan has been with Network Aviation Group for over a year, having joined back in January 2024 and with his 35+ years of experience in the air cargo industry, the future of Network is bright and changing for the better…
How did you get into airfreight/logistics?
I was sent to the job centre by my parents after finishing school and waiting to start University. The careers officer had a book of jobs and the first one in her folder was under “A” for Airfreight. I was told it was a permanent job, however I was only looking for something to cover the summer. I went for the interview that day with MSAS Cargo International and got the job. Never looked back!
What quote has most resonated with you?
“Believe nothing you hear and only one half of what you see.” Edgar Allan Poe.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A job worth doing is worth doing well. My stepfather always said this and it stuck in my mind.
What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
Bungy jumping in Florida, rock climbing in the Dolomites, swimming with Dolphins in New Zealand and most recently motor racing at Spa Francorchamps.
If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Winston Churchill: would like to listen to him talking about his life in politics while smoking one of his famous cigars.
Sir David Attenborough: I love nature and if I am not in the bush, then watching and listening to Sir David is fascinating. Can only imagine the untold stories that could be shared over dinner.
Guenther Steiner: Anyone that watches Formula 1 – Drive to Survive (Netflix) would understand this one. He has quite a story about starting the Haas team and he has such a great personality.
What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?
I really enjoy being at home with my family and my two dogs. Life is busy, but family life brings you down to earth. Nothing I love more than being on holiday with my Wife and son in our favourite place South Africa.
What hobby have you always wanted to try but never got around to?
I also wanted to skydive, which is funny as I am a bit scared of heights. If you hadn’t pursued a career in airfreight, what other field would you have liked to go into? Most likely motorsport or something to do with cars.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Very simple, the ability to heal.
What’s you proudest moment and your biggest regret?
Proudest: The birth of my son 17 years ago. Biggest regret: Not leaving a previous job sooner and realising there are better companies to work for.
If there was a movie made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role?
Has to be a Scotsman, Sean Connery if he was alive or Ewan McGregor would make a good alternative.
Looking back over your career, what would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics?
Work for a really good company that makes you happy and the people around you are fun. Don’t take work too seriously and be prepared to move around to gain new skills and experiences. If you get the opportunity to work overseas grab it with both hands, those life experiences are precious. The airfreight industry is full of opportunities!
How do you motivate your team?
Listen to your team, take an interested in what they do, be positive, make time, never criticise and treat everyone with respect.
What is the one thing you can’t travel without?
My phone. I once left my phone behind when I went on an overseas business trip in Africa and that taught me a valuable lesson. Check and double check your essentials before any trip.
Who is your role model?
My stepfather without doubt was my role model. Generous, fun, kind, selfless, practical and full of wisdom.
What would your autobiography be called?
Learn and move on…
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Early riser or night owl? Early riser. Best part of the day.
What is the best and worse purchase you’ve made?
Best purchase would have been my home in South Africa. Worse purchase would have been a car I bought new some years ago. It had an engine fault from the second week and I should have insisted on a replacement. Had the car for three years and drove me mad. Live and learn.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your like, what would it be?
A dozen Mozambique prawns butterflied with some lemon butter on the braai (BBQ).
What’s your most used emoji?
Smiley face. 🙂
Jonathan Clark, Network Aviation Group’s Chief Executive Officer
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