Road to Excellence: Azeez Dhanoa’s Journey in Transportation and Leadership
In our latest Road to Excellence feature, we spotlight Azeez Dhanoa, whose career trajectory is as inspiring as it is dynamic. From real estate to transportation, Azeez has embraced transformation and continuous growth, showcasing his ability to adapt, lead, and excel. Guided by mentorship and fueled by his relentless drive, Azeez has become an integral part of the team at Lotus Terminals. Here’s a look at his remarkable journey.
From Real Estate to Transportation
Before joining Lotus Terminals, Azeez spent several years working in real estate, focusing on residential and multi-acre development site sales. During this time, he honed valuable skills in sales, negotiation, and relationship building. However, as the industry became increasingly competitive during the COVID-19 pandemic, Azeez reflected on his long-term career goals and decided it was time to explore a more stable and dynamic field.
“The real estate market was fluctuating, and I realized I wanted a new challenge,” he recalls. That challenge came in the form of an opportunity at Lotus Terminals, introduced by the Bal family, whom Azeez has known his entire life. Joining the sales team marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would redefine his career and personal growth.
Navigating the Transition
Transitioning into the logistics industry came with its share of challenges. “My knowledge was very surface level. I was a blank canvas,” Azeez admits. But with guidance from Lotus Terminals CEO Prab Bal, who encouraged him to shadow team members across departments, Azeez immersed himself in learning the intricacies of transportation—from different truck and trailer types to industry-specific terminology.
Drawing on his real estate experience, Azeez’s ability to adapt and pivot proved invaluable. “Like in real estate, there’s no cookie-cutter transaction in logistics. “Knowing how and when to pivot is crucial,” he says. This mindset enabled him to tackle his new role with confidence and ingenuity.
Leadership and Growth in Operations
Under the mentorship of Glen Anweiler, Field Operations Manager at Lotus Terminals, Azeez transitioned into a leadership role in yard and warehouse operations. He describes his approach as collaborative and proactive, emphasizing the importance of leading by example. “If I’m representing a higher standard and strong work ethic, anything less becomes unacceptable for the team,” he explains.
The turning point in Azeez’s leadership journey came last spring when Glen was away for several weeks. As COO Ricky Bal recalls, it was a defining moment. “I told Azeez, ‘It’s on you now.’ He had to step into the role of managing yard and warehouse operations entirely on his own. This was his TSN turning point.”
Ricky describes how empowering Azeez to take the reins unlocked his potential almost overnight. “It showed us that this performance was always in him. We took a risk by giving him the opportunity, and he rose to the occasion.” Azeez embraced the challenge, demonstrating leadership, decisiveness, and a newfound confidence.
When Glen returned, the transformation was evident. “Azeez had not only managed the yard operations effectively but also gained the respect of his peers. He showed us that when given the chance, he could truly take the bull by the horns,” Ricky adds.
Reflecting on this period, Azeez credits the trust and support he received from both Ricky and Glen. “They believed in me and gave me the opportunity to grow. It’s something I’ll always be grateful for,” he says.
Skills That Drive Success
Azeez credits his fluency in Punjabi as an unexpected yet vital skill in his role. “Speaking Punjabi helps immensely when communicating with drivers and customers. It’s allowed me to bridge gaps and ensure smoother operations,” he notes.
His background in business development also gives him a unique edge. “Providing a level of care, even when not directly interacting with customers, sets us apart. Customers notice when you go the extra mile to ensure a project’s success,” Azeez shares.
Lessons and Insights
For Azeez, becoming a student of the trade has been pivotal. He actively learns from seasoned team members while offering his perspective to enhance operations. “We collaborate on ideas to identify the safest and most efficient plans of action,” he says. This approach has helped him tackle challenges head-on, from identifying potential risks in freight handling to building trust with customers.
Mentorship has played a significant role in Azeez’s growth. Under Glen Anweiler’s watchful eye, Azeez has honed his skills in operational strategy and leadership. “Glen has a wealth of experience, and observing his problem-solving methods has been invaluable,” Azeez says. This mentorship has empowered him to take initiative and lead with confidence, fostering a dynamic learning environment within the team.
Looking ahead, Azeez sees automation and AI as transformative forces in the industry, though he acknowledges safety concerns. “The seamless integration of robotics and AI in warehouses will be impactful, but ensuring safety is still key,” he observes.
A Personal Perspective
On a personal level, Azeez finds immense meaning in the transportation industry. “Before Lotus, I didn’t grasp the multiple channels a product goes through before reaching the end user. Being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding,” he says.
Outside of work, Azeez embraces self-improvement and new challenges. Recently, he’s focused on health and personal growth, taking up pickleball and adopting a disciplined lifestyle. “I’m not satisfied unless I’m pushing myself to the limit,” he says. This drive translates directly into his work, where he continuously seeks ways to improve and innovate.
The Road Ahead
Azeez’s future goals reflect his commitment to both personal and professional growth. “I want to remain pliable, ready to take on any role that helps Lotus grow,” he says. By bringing fresh perspectives to projects and fostering efficiency, Azeez aims to contribute to the company’s ongoing success.
Fun Fact
A sports enthusiast, Azeez isn’t afraid to try something new. “I took up pickleball over the summer, and it quickly became an obsession,” he shares with a laugh. This passion for growth and exploration defines Azeez’s approach to life and work.
Final Thoughts
Azeez Dhanoa’s journey exemplifies adaptability, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days in sales to his current role in operations, Azeez has continuously pushed boundaries, embodying the core values of Lotus Terminals. His story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to make bold career transitions while embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with them.
