Behind the Scenes - Meet Nguyen

In this behind-the-scenes conversation, we meet Nguyen Nguyen, Logistics Manager for Sucafina Instant EMENA & Americas, based in Vietnam. Working with teams across multiple geographies and time zones, she operates at the point where planning meets delivery. She shares her professional journey, what strong execution really means in a global setup, and the unseen work (if done well) that keeps operations moving smoothly.   

1. For those who may not know you well, how would you describe your professional journey in a few words? And what led you to Sucafina Instant? 

After graduating in 2017, I was looking for a company where I could build my career. Sucafina stood out quickly, both for its international environment, which matched my aspirations, and for its strong focus on coffee. 

I joined Sucafina Instant SA (SISA) in September 2018 as an Execution Specialist, without a clear plan to choose between entities at the time. Over the years, I progressed from Execution Specialist to Team Leader, and today to Logistics Manager. 

Looking back seven years on, I’m proud of how much the Instant department has grown and evolved. Being able to grow alongside it and continue contributing to its development has been a very rewarding part of my journey. 

 2. Managing execution/logistics across different regions, cultures and time zones comes with challenges. What is the most demanding part of this setup? Can you tell us a time when you really overcame a challenge successfully? 

The most demanding part is ensuring that everyone, regardless of location, works to the same standards. That isn’t always straightforward. Each country has its own culture and way of working. 

I feel I overcame this challenge in 2024, a few years after stepping into a team leader role. Over time, I learned how to find the right balance between different cultures and bring them together around shared goals. That alignment made a real difference in how the team works today. 

 3. What is one part of your work that is rarely visible to others, but absolutely essential to keeping operations on track? 

A part of my work that is rarely visible is being available when it matters most. My role doesn’t fit neatly into set hours, but that flexibility allows me to support the team and the trading desk across time zones. It’s an important part of keeping things moving smoothly and making sure people have what they need when they need it. 

 4. Looking back, what habit or mindset has helped you most in handling pressure, constant change and cross-regional coordination? 

I shifted my mindset by treating uncertainty as default rather than a disruption. By letting go of the expectation that conditions will stabilize, I’ve been able to stay grounded under pressure, adapt more quickly to changes and make clearer decisions even in ambiguous situations. 

 5. If you could give one honest piece of advice to someone starting a career in operations or logistics today, what would it be? 

Be consistently detail-oriented and meticulous in how you approach your work. Start by learning the core procedures, so you truly understand what you’re doing rather than operating on autopilot. Focus on building a reputation for doing things properly and seeing them through.