Vanessa Head, P.Log., CCS, CSC

Manager, Farrow International, a div. of Russell A. Farrow Limited

Director, Ontario West - Women in Logistics

Background

Vanessa Head is the Manager of Farrow International, Toronto the freight forwarding division of Russell A. Farrow Limited. Vanessa began her career path as a Correctional Officer for the Ontario Ministry of Corrections. In 2000 she decided to return to college to pursue a new calling in the field of International Trade. After graduating #1 in her class, she began her career in warehousing and distribution. After nearly four years with this focus, Vanessa decided to expand her skills and take on new challenges. She became the Manager of Farrow International in 2005. She found her niche there where she handles all types of freight movements, in all modes of transportation.

Qualifications

  • Professional Logistician Certification (P. Log.) - Canadian Professional Logistics Institute
  • Certified Customs Specialist - Canadian Society of Customs Brokers
  • Cargo Security Coordinator - Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association
  • International Trade Diploma - Sir Sandford Fleming College

Career Journey

  • Early Stage - career focus in law enforcement
  • 2000 - changed career focus to International business and trade
  • Three years in management
  • Continual commitment to education
  • Russell A. Farrow Limited has been in the brokerage and trade business for nearly 100 years - family owned and personal relationships are still the cornerstone to our continued success.
  • Professional services firm offering:
    • Customs Brokerage services across North America
    • Full service freight forwarding and international consulting

Challenges

  • Time Management
  • Networking
  • Work/Personal Life Balance

Success Factors

  • Commitment to Ongoing Education
  • Determined Focus on career goals
  • Relationship Building
  • Supportive Employer

Things that make Vanessa tick:

Sailing - this has been a passion of mine for fourteen years and will be a life-long pastime. Getting out on the water, the sails full and trimmed, the sound of the boat cutting though the waves, the adrenaline rush of your competition on your stern. What a rush!

Yoga - the integration of mind, body and spirit - the one place I can go, quiet my mind, settle into inner meditation and let the rest of the world disappear for just a short time, to center myself. What a blessing!

My family - I come from a small town, and a family of six. I don't know what I would do without them. They are my cheering squad, always rallying for my success and happiness. How fortunate am I!

Reading - I devour books like a lion devours breakfast. All genres, however I am currently enjoying Cesar Milan's "Be the Pack Leader" and it is serving me well as a brand new dog owner. Thank you Dog Whisperer!!

Sadie - my dog. She is the best friend you could ask for!

Music - all genres, but a special spot in my heart for the fiddle! Currently searching for a new instructor to pick up my lessons again. No public recordings yet!!

Friends - these are the people who stand in your corner, for no other reason than they love you and they choose you. YOU know who you are!!

Vanessa's words:

Be the Best YOU, you can be, not the best imitation of those around you!

Follow your dreams, no matter that you cannot see the how, believe, and live in accordance with those dreams, and they will be realized.

And to take a quote from one of my favorite authors, Og Mandino (1923-1996)

"Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life God intended for you with grace, strength, courage and confidence."

MOTTO: "You can do anything, just put your mind to it" (Thanks Dad!)

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