The second edition of Conexión 21 took place on July 3rd, consolidating itself as a meeting space for the different generations that have been part of the 21 Young People of Grupo T21 , an initiative that brings together professionals who, through their talent, vision and leadership, have contributed to the transformation of the transport and logistics sector.

During the evening, more than 50 young people from this community participated in an exchange of experiences with industry leaders, who shared personal stories, professional challenges, and key moments that shaped their careers. The goal was to foster a close dialogue with the new generations beginning their development within these strategic sectors of the economy .

The day began with the participation of Patricia Pérez Salazar, general director for Mexico and Central America of AP Moller-Maersk , who recounted part of her professional journey and the challenges she faced to reach the position she currently holds within one of the most important companies in maritime transport and logistics globally.

Through her experience, the executive highlighted the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and adaptability in building a solid career in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment. Her presentation served as a starting point for a conversation focused on leadership, professional growth, and the opportunities the industry offers to new generations.

She recalled her professional beginnings, especially when her time in China was her first “humbling experience.” Four languages, proper credentials, proper universities. I’m ready for many doors to open for me, and I wanted the doors of a company that, living in Colima, I saw the containers of a star, but I didn’t even get to the application process.

During her presentation, “The Value of Rewriting the Script ,” she stated that those doors opened in Mexico, where she began another great dream: building a family. However, a mentor of Danish origin challenged her to push beyond her comfort zone, “and my profile began to be redefined.”

In that sense, he told the new generations of young people in the industry that “they can reinvent themselves as many times as they want, start over and redirect the car ,” adding that during the process of redefining their career path, “it’s not the title but what you are reaping because you are reaffirming your identity.”

The conversation continued with Romualdo Tellería Gómez, CEO of Grupo Industrial Tellería , who recalled the beginnings of the family company that was founded in 1968 by his grandfather, marking the start of an “amazing story. My grandfather founded more than 20 companies throughout his life, some of which were publicly traded, one of them being in charge of cement distribution.”

He emphasized that even though they were one of the main cement transporters, they moved on to moving oversized cargo and that’s how the logistics firm was born.

“It arose from a need, from a problem that wasn’t my grandfather’s but his client’s. One of the first lessons is that many times we see problems outside and we have two options: to say that it’s not my problem or to put ourselves in our clients’ shoes and make them our challenges; that’s how new companies and new businesses can be consolidated in a group where they didn’t exist before,” he pointed out.

Similarly, he maintained that behind a canceled contract that appears to be the end, “it can actually be the beginning , if you decide to see what lies behind this catastrophe that seems to cloud our judgment. The lesson is that behind a lost contract, you shouldn’t ask or lament why things happen to you, but rather what good might come after. Great opportunities arise from problems as serious as this.”

Meanwhile, Paola Núñez, Supply Chain Director at OfficeMax , highlighted her 27-year career, where she has worked in large companies until reaching the transportation and logistics sector.

He emphasized that sports and his family have been the driving force behind his professional achievements, although curiosity was an essential part of what “opened doors for me. I went down to the offices where customer orders were taken, where all the logistics operations took place, and I asked what they did, and that was the door that opened for me to spend 11 years at Cemex, with five positions in growth.”

Therefore, he maintained that limits “are in the mind ,” and that one must also have a service-oriented attitude, a willingness to learn. “Balance has been essential, balancing the circles.”

“All the challenges you set for yourself can be achieved as long as you have discipline and perseverance, as well as calmness. Follow your dreams, everything is possible, everything you believe and think,” he assured.

In this way, Conexión 21 reaffirmed its purpose of strengthening the bonds between those who have been part of this community , promoting learning, collaboration and the exchange of knowledge between established leaders and young talents who seek to make their mark in transportation and logistics.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Evangelina del Toro  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Conexión 21, a space to share experiences and build the future of Mexico’s logistics sector apareció primero en T21.

T21’s 21 Young People is an initiative that for more than a decade has highlighted emerging talent that is transforming the industry in Mexico.

In this context, young and experienced voices gathered in the same space with the same intention of sharing, inspiring, and accompanying.

The evening unfolded in a dynamic format: each panel was led by a mentor with extensive experience in the industry, who shared personal reflections, key learnings, and advice with the attendees, who then indicated where they are in their careers. This fostered an authentic, generous, and forward-thinking dialogue.

In every corner of the room, mentors and young people conversed, listened to each other, and found common ground between different but complementary paths.

Industry icons shared their experiences from afar, not from the podium.

Erik Markeset, CEO of Tsol ; Reto Malfatti, Supply Chain Professional; Francisco Fabila, Managing Director of Ferrocarril y Terminal del Valle de México ; Rafael Martínez, Senior Director of CS&L HUB MTY at Mondelez International ; Juan Pablo Pacheco, Director of HAF Logística Internacional ; Sandra Aragonez, Senior Director at Alvarez & Marsal ; Elsy Ocejo, VP of Supply Chain at ILLES Foods ; and Daniela Zarza, Business Director Premium at Union Pacific Railroad , were the mentors who guided the roundtable discussions, where they talked about their beginnings, the moments when they had doubts, what helped them make difficult decisions, and the people who shaped their path.

Each story was accompanied by questions, reflections, and gratitude from the audience.

During the conversations, key topics such as leadership, talent development, strategic vision, training, and the importance of human connection for professional growth were addressed.

Osiel Cruz Galindo, Corporate and New Business Manager at Grupo T21, offered a message that outlined the meaning of this initiative.

“Global companies are already implementing formal mentoring programs; in 2024, 92% did so, compared to 84% in 2022. It’s a clear trend. However, in Mexico, only 50% of companies have adopted it, many of their own free will. There’s still much to be done,” he emphasized.

Cruz Galindo emphasized that having a mentor can increase the chances of career advancement by up to 58%.

“This isn’t a formal process, and we don’t intend that to be the case, but we do want tonight to inspire you to seek out a mentor, someone who has traveled a similar path to the one you’re embarking on and who can offer real guidance,” he said.

The evening concluded in a highly motivating atmosphere, with a shared dinner and conversation among all attendees, as if each conversation sowed a spark of possibility.

Connection 21 thus consolidates its position as a breeding ground for meaningful professional relationships, committed to young talent, collective learning, and continued leadership in the transportation and logistics sector.

With information from Karina Quintero .

Comment and follow us on X: @jenna_GH_ / @karinaquintero  / @GrupoT21

El cargo Connection 21: An intergenerational bonding experience in the logistics sector apareció primero en T21.