Trust and the process

Giordana Sperling-Doppstadt, Member of the Executive Board at Duisburger Hafen AG (duisport)

Few places symbolize change quite like the Port of Duisburg. Evolving from a traditional cargo hub into a digitally connected logistics ecosystem, duisport is transforming itself into a key player at the intersection of digitalization, sustainability, and global supply chains. At the heart of this transformation is Giordana Sperling-Doppstadt. As Executive Board Member for People & Corporate Services, she is responsible for shaping the cultural and organizational shift in one of Europe’s most important inland ports. We spoke with her about leadership in turbulent times, the courage to change – and why transformation is never just a technical process.

Ms. Sperling-Doppstadt, what does change mean to you personally and in your role at duisport? How has your view on transformation evolved over the years, and what motivates you to actively shape it?

Giordana Sperling: “For me, change is not an exception—it's the norm.”

I’ve always been curious by nature and see transformation as an opportunity: a chance to shape the future, to drive progress, and to create something meaningful together. This mindset has guided me since my time at RWE and continues to inspire me at duisport. The logistics and port industry is undergoing a profound transformation, and I truly enjoy being part of that journey.

duisport is at the center of multiple major transitions, from digitalization and sustainability to shifting geopolitical dynamics. How does this affect the role of employees, and what does it mean for leadership today?

Giordana Sperling: Especially in times of profound change, leaders must remain open, curious, and willing to evolve continuously. The past few years have shown us how quickly global circumstances can shift—sometimes overnight. That’s why mental readiness is key.

"Today, leadership is about providing direction, building trust, and guiding people through uncertainty with clarity and empathy."

You’re responsible for key areas such as organization, culture, and people development. How do you future-proof a company with deep-rooted traditions without losing its identity or cohesion?

Giordana Sperling: That’s one of the biggest challenges—and it requires a great deal of sensitivity. Change isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continuous process that takes time. The key is to carry forward the best of the past while staying open to new technologies and progress. This is how we preserve our identity, strengthen cohesion, and still move confidently into the future.

Duisport brings together people from very different backgrounds—IT, logistics, operations, and more. In a fast-changing world, how do you help everyone stay open to change while also giving them a sense of direction and purpose?

Giordana Sperling: Change only works when it makes sense—not just for the company, but for the people behind it. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to acknowledge concerns, ease fears, and offer perspective. When employees understand that transformation can improve their daily work and open up new opportunities, they’re much more willing to embrace it.

“It’s about building trust and creating a shared sense of direction.”

The energy transition is reshaping the logistics sector, with growing pressure to decarbonize and operate more sustainably. How is duisport approaching this shift—not just in terms of infrastructure, but also in how it engages and empowers people to drive sustainable change from within?

Giordana Sperling: The port and logistics sector is now a driver of innovation—and at duisport, we’re proud to be at the forefront. The Port of Duisburg is evolving into a key hub for decarbonization and is actively advancing the energy transition. For us, sustainability isn’t an add-on—it’s part of our DNA. But here too, what truly matters is that our people see the purpose behind it. When they understand how sustainable practices positively impact their work and lives, real change happens—from within.

This year’s edition of AFRY Insights is dedicated to "embracing change in a new world". What current transformation do you find most challenging – and where do you see its greatest opportunity?

Giordana Sperling: The energy transition has been a constant companion throughout my career—and it remains one of the most fascinating challenges of our time.

It’s demanding because it disrupts established structures. But it also offers tremendous opportunities: for innovation, for new business models, and for positioning Europe as a global leader in sustainability. We need to seize these opportunities with courage. Sometimes, it’s better to act than to endlessly debate. Perhaps that’s the Italian side of me speaking.

If you could make one wish for the future of work – for logistics and beyond – what would it be?

Giordana Sperling: My wish for the future of work is that we fully embrace the potential of digitalization—to simplify workflows, accelerate processes, and create more space for creativity. The less time we spend on administrative tasks, the more time we have for what truly drives us forward: new ideas, collaboration—and perhaps even the occasional cappuccino.

This article is part of our AFRY Insights publication series, where experts from AFRY Management Consulting share their insights into emerging global trends across the energy and bioindustry sectors, as well as sustainability transformation.