Inside Nagel

On Career Paths, Identity, and Diversity in Action

Diversity Day

On Diversity Day, May 19, we want to highlight diversity where it is lived out every day: in the stories of our colleagues.

One such story is that of Amina from the Performance Management department in Groß-Gerau. She started as an apprentice, grew in her role, pursued her studies on the side, took on more responsibility, and ventured into new areas within the company. At the same time, she decided to wear her hijab as a way to visibly express an important part of her identity in her everyday work life.

In this interview, we’d like to find out what has driven her along her journey, what experiences have shaped her, and what message she’d like to share on Diversity Day.

A multifaceted journey

Can you briefly describe how your journey at the Nagel Group began and what steps you've taken since then?

After graduating from high school in 2017, I immediately started my apprenticeship at the Bochum location and began my bachelor’s degree program. Unfortunately, the Nagel Group didn’t offer a dual study program for my graduating class, so in consultation with my apprenticeship supervisor at the time, I began a combined study program. How I got into freight forwarding and logistics is also an interesting story. Back in 6th or 7th grade, I already said I’d like to work in logistics, without really having a clue what that actually entailed. But I’ve always admired the entire structure of the supply chain and, above all, the trucks themselves.

My absolute favorite department has always been Customer Service, and it remains so to this day. Fortunately, my colleagues at the time also appreciated my work there, which made it possible for me to join the Customer Service team. And not only that—shortly after completing my apprenticeship and as I was nearing the end of my bachelor’s degree, I was also promoted to deputy department head. That was an enormous show of trust on the part of the Bochum management, for which I’m still very grateful today. It was one of the first major milestones in my professional career. In Bochum, I also got involved in performance management and worked on customer analyses and key performance indicators. That, too, was very educational and laid the foundation for my current position.

You've also broken new ground within the company. How did you experience that transition, and what helped you settle into a new environment?

Yes, that’s right. In 2023, I had to move to Wiesbaden for personal reasons. My branch manager in Bochum at the time put me in touch with Erik Bernknecht, the branch manager in Groß-Gerau, which allowed me to make a smooth professional transition within the Nagel Group. In October 2023, I joined the Groß-Gerau office as head of the Service Network department and took over a team of seven employees. Fortunately, thanks to my time in customer service in Bochum, I already knew some of my colleagues in Groß-Gerau through email and phone contact. That made it much easier for me to start this new chapter.

How has the Nagel Group supported you along your journey so far?

That’s a great question—one I’m actually asked quite often and am always happy to answer when I talk about my career path. I’ve always found the Nagel Group, including all the managers who have mentored me so far, to be very supportive and encouraging. I’ve been given a lot of trust, encouraged to develop my skills, and consistently well-supported along the way. For example, I was able to continue my part-time master’s program in Dortmund even though I was already living in Wiesbaden and working in Groß-Gerau. That was made possible in the first place by the flexible option of remote work.

Personal Identity and Visibility

How did you decide to wear your hijab as part of your daily work routine? What thoughts, insecurities, or moments of encouragement have accompanied you on this journey?

For me, the decision to wear a hijab was a lengthy and very deliberate process. I had already made that decision for myself quite some time ago. I realize that for some people, the hijab is difficult to understand or is even viewed negatively. For me, however, it is the visible expression of my religious identity—something I have been living from within for a long time.

At the same time, for me, the hijab also symbolizes self-determination, because I make a conscious decision to wear it and follow my own path. It’s an expression of my spirituality, but also of strength and resolve—precisely because it isn’t always the easiest path. For me, authenticity means that my inner self and my outer self are in harmony. And it shows that emancipation takes many forms: every woman defines her own path, and this is mine.

How did the people around you react when you took that step?

Both my personal and professional circles have reacted positively across the board, and I’m truly very grateful for that. So far, I haven’t had any negative experiences related to my hijab. Of course, reactions have varied, but that’s completely normal and understandable—after all, it is a visible change at first. I still remember my first day wearing a hijab at the office very well. I was nervous and had a lot on my mind: How will my coworkers react? Will the way they treat me change? Will I perhaps be reduced to just my hijab?

Ultimately, I started the day quite deliberately as I always do: I greeted everyone, made small talk, poured myself a cup of coffee, and went about my daily work routine as usual. I did notice some nonverbal reactions—such as a brief silence, even though we’d been talking normally just moments before—but I decided to approach the situation with an open mind and without prejudice. And that was exactly the key for me: Once my coworkers realized that I hadn’t changed as a person, everything very quickly felt completely natural again. For me, this confirmed that, in the end, it’s behavior, performance, and interpersonal relationships that matter—not what you’re wearing.

What would you like to see when it comes to dealing with visible diversity—for example, when people have questions or aren't sure how to react?

I can only encourage people to consciously set aside their prejudices and embrace diversity with an open mind. Forming your own opinion is crucial in this process, and the best way to do that is through honest dialogue.

My hope is that people will have the courage to reach out to one another and ask questions when something seems unfamiliar or not immediately understandable to them. As long as this is done respectfully and with consideration, it’s perfectly fine. It usually only becomes uncomfortable when reservations, insecurity, or prejudices hang unspoken in the air. An open and respectful dialogue helps to avoid exactly that and foster genuine understanding.

Leadership, Team Culture, and Belonging

As a leader, what does it mean for you to create an environment where diverse people can find their place and continue to grow?

For me as a leader, this means first and foremost creating an environment where people feel seen, respected, and valued, regardless of their background or individual life circumstances. Especially in our logistics industry, we work with a wide variety of people every day—whether they’re international drivers, colleagues abroad, or our customers. Diversity here isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a real source of added value. Different perspectives help us think more flexibly, find solutions, and sometimes even think “outside the box.”

Personal Message for Diversity Day

What advice would you give to people who are considering revealing an important part of their identity in the workplace but still feel unsure?

I would advise them to take as much time as they need to make this decision, because it’s a very personal step. It’s completely normal to feel uncertain. The important thing is to listen to your own instincts and move forward at a pace that feels right. And even though you can’t control how others react, you can control how you deal with it yourself. Openness, calmness, and self-confidence go a long way in this. In the end, it’s about staying true to yourself, and that’s always a win.

What is your message to all colleagues on Diversity Day?

Diversity begins with authenticity. Be yourself and accept others as they are.