In the latest episode of Truckstop, the podcast from Transport Media, Filip Goossens, CEO of On Time Logistics, joins host Jeroen Ver Schakelen for a candid conversation about leadership, work-life balance, and the role of technology in the future of logistics.
Filip Goossens is not a typical manager who starts his day quietly. “I try to start the day around five o’clock,” he says. “I usually work two hours at home to get ahead of the rest. Around seven o’clock I have breakfast with my family and then I leave for the branch, sometimes even earlier, to meet drivers and really start the day on site.”
This approach characterizes his vision on leadership: being close to the people, being well organized and setting clear priorities. Goossens strongly believes in the principle of “work hard, play hard”. From Monday to Friday he is fully committed to the company, but in his spare time he consciously distances himself. “I have always tried to organize my work in such a way that I do not have to be operationally active at moments that are actually intended for my family or myself.”
Work hard, play hard
Balance is not an empty concept for Goossens. He strives for harmony between work, family and personal interests. “I’m thinking about the company 24/7. As an entrepreneur you can’t turn that off. But I don’t monitor my time with a stopwatch. It’s about harmony: with my partner, my family, myself and the company. And sometimes someone has to remind me when that balance is lost.”
His leisure activities are diverse: sailing, skiing, tennis, a wine club with friends and a passion for vintage cars. “Maybe nothing too extreme,” he laughs, “but I have a broad interest. Those things charge me.”
From DHL to On Time Logistics
His career started rather by chance. While writing his thesis, he saw a DHL advertisement in the newspaper. “That’s how I got into the sector,” he says. He stayed there for seventeen years and worked in different countries. Today, he brings that experience to his role as CEO of On Time Logistics, where he further expands the company based on international knowledge and local roots.
Helicopter view and feet in the clay
Goossens believes in a leadership style that combines distance and involvement. “I try to keep a helicopter view of the company, but when I see a problem, I dare to zoom in very deeply and get my feet in the mud. Creating order out of chaos is important to me. It is much more difficult to make something simple than something complicated.”
A striking example: when quick digital solutions were needed, he learned to program himself. “I enjoyed it,” he admits. “By automating repetitive tasks we can work much more efficiently. That gives me energy.”
Looking ahead: AI as a lever, not as a replacement
The CEO closely follows developments in artificial intelligence. “Our systems are ready, and we are in the middle of it,” he says enthusiastically. “What is about to happen is phenomenal. AI will fundamentally change the way we work, but it will not replace humans. It is a tool for our people, customers and assets. Here too, harmony will remain important: using technology to bring structure to the chaos.”
An entrepreneur with vision and humanity
Filip Goossens combines ambition with authenticity. His story shows a leader who is not only focused on growth and innovation, but also on human connection, balance and continuous development.
“If it becomes too harmonious, I will look for new challenges,” he concludes. “You have to keep it exciting and interesting for yourself — in work and in life.”
