Costa Rica has seen a notable rise in women leaders across various sectors, reflecting a broader trend towards gender equality and empowerment in the country. This shift is emblematic of a societal evolution where women are increasingly taking on prominent roles traditionally dominated by men, contributing significantly to both economic growth and social change. Among these trailblazers is Roxana Sosa Ortiz, the CEO of Tripp Cargo, whose journey to leadership exemplifies resilience, determination, and unwavering ambition. Raised in modest circumstances, Roxana's early life was shaped by the encouragement of her father, who instilled in her a belief in the power of education and personal development. Despite facing the challenges of early parenthood and juggling multiple jobs from a young age, Roxana remained undeterred in her pursuit of success.

As CEO of Tripp Cargo, Roxana Sosa Ortiz has not only shattered glass ceilings but has also become an inspiring figure for aspiring leaders, especially women, in Costa Rica and beyond. Her success story underscores the transformative power of perseverance and vision, demonstrating that with dedication and a steadfast belief in oneself, anything is possible.

In a landscape where female leadership is increasingly recognized and valued, Roxana's journey serves as a testament to the limitless potential of women in leadership roles. Let’s hear more from her in this interaction.

Could you share your journey through the logistics industry so far? What pivotal moments have shaped your career?

One of the most significant milestones in my logistics career was the day I decided to establish my own company. Supported by my husband, we embarked on this thrilling adventure. It was a promising start as clients wholeheartedly backed us, offering essential resources like telephones and office furniture. Remarkably, one company even provided us office space to kickstart our operations. Additionally, another firm allocated a budget for our initial six months. Thus, in June 2005, Tripp Cargo was born.

These gestures fill both me and my company with immense pride, showcasing how the market embraced our service. Clients didn't just view us as another market player but as a trusted strategic partner entrusted with managing their most valuable asset—their cargo.

Equally pivotal was positioning Tripp Cargo in the international arena. For the past decade, we've proudly been part of a global organization spanning 198 countries with over 8,500 offices worldwide. This affiliation enables us to seamlessly transport goods to and from Costa Rica to any corner of the globe—an achievement that presented its fair share of challenges.

Could you discuss the key areas of expertise you've developed as a leader in logistics over the past two decades?

One of the primary areas I've focused on is fostering innovation within our operations, distinguishing Tripp Cargo by offering services beyond mere transportation. We aim to stay ahead by staying informed about global trends and developments, sharing this knowledge promptly with our clients. This proactive approach enables them to make informed logistical decisions, transforming us into strategic partners rather than just service providers. This evolution reflects the ethos that defines Tripp Cargo under my leadership.

A cornerstone of our strength lies in our adept handling of international and national information. We conduct comprehensive market studies to discern the evolving needs of global importers and exporters. Combined with insights from our network of agents worldwide, this strategic approach distinguishes Tripp Cargo in Costa Rica's cargo handling landscape.

Please introduce us to Tripp Cargo and elaborate on your responsibilities as the company’s CEO.

At Tripp Cargo, I oversee the commercial and marketing teams, ensuring their effective direction. Additionally, I am responsible for maintaining quality control across various departments. My role extends to developing new market strategies aimed at supporting local companies in their logistical decision-making processes. Furthermore, I serve as the vital liaison between our Costa Rican offices and our global counterparts around the world.

Could you share your current focus areas and priorities for driving growth at Tripp Cargo?

Currently, Tripp Cargo is undergoing a restructuring process, where we are carefully defining our strategic direction for the next decade. Our priorities for growth revolve around several key initiatives. Firstly, we aim to position Tripp Cargo as a leader in providing comprehensive and sustainable logistics solutions in Costa Rica. Strengthening our network of global agents is another critical area, ensuring we offer exceptional logistical support worldwide. Additionally, we are committed to guaranteeing security and trust throughout our clients' value chains.

A significant focus is also on developing a high-performance commercial team that embodies our family business culture, making our clients feel like part of an extended family dedicated to providing personalized and timely service. Lastly, we are accelerating our business growth and market expansion, leveraging our extensive expertise to support and enhance the quality of our services.

What have been your most significant accomplishments in your leadership journey? What principles have guided your success over the years?

In my leadership journey, the most significant achievements have been driven by my team's unwavering commitment to providing expert guidance on international trade issues through Tripp Cargo. It's not just about me; it's about a dedicated team that strives for excellence in service to meet market needs every day.

Another major triumph has been my role as Director of the Customs and Logistics Commission at the Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce for the past decade. Leading this commission and successfully advocating for legislative amendments that benefit the commerce sector in our country has been immensely fulfilling.

Additionally, I take pride in gaining international recognition for my career and contributions. Despite being a small company, we have competed effectively on both national and global stages, delivering innovative and high-quality services that have significantly benefited our clients in the import and export sectors.

As for my Success Mantra, my passion lies in helping people, companies, and my country. I approach my work with unwavering conviction and determination to achieve my goals.

To aspiring women leaders & entrepreneurs

It is within every entrepreneur the power grow, strengthen and help create a great company. A great company does not need to be big, the success of any company is determined by its profitability and sustainability. That is why my advice to women leaders and entrepreneurs is to work with passion and commitment like I have over my many years in this business. Always remember your determination to achieve success is always enough.

A business leader you admire & why

A business leader I admire is Michelle Obama. Her exceptional intelligence, charisma, and dedication to empowering others have made her a standout figure. Michelle Obama has actively collaborated with numerous women, supporting them in achieving their dreams and making a positive impact in their lives.

Roxana Sosa Ortiz, CEO, Tripp Cargo

Roxana Sosa Ortiz is the CEO of Tripp Cargo, a leading firm in Costa Rica's logistics sector. Holding a Bachelors in Business Administration with a specialization is International Commerce and Customs, Roxana has a passion for innovation and client satisfaction. Over the years, she has guided Tripp Cargo's growth and international recognition. Additionally, Roxana is also renowned for her advocacy in the Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce.