Female Leadership: Evidence Through Action

By Carly Fields

Elisabeth Cosmatos, CEO of The Cosmatos Group of Companies and president of The Heavy Lift Group, attributes her leadership style to the influential figures in her life, particularly her parents.

Speaking to Breakbulk, she emphasizes the importance of core values, instilled by her parents, which form the foundation of her leadership. Her father, a charismatic mentor, led by example, while her mother provided unwavering support for her career.

The values of leading through actions, rather than words, and the significance of drawing inspiration from those around her have shaped Elisabeth’s approach to leadership. “You can learn or take something positive from any interaction as long as you are present in the moment and making an effort to understand,” she said.

Elisabeth joined the industry in 1998 with a focus on defense logistics, centered on NATO deployment via Greece. “That’s how I got hooked on project cargo logistics - it was always difficult, and it was always in a hurry.” After that, she recognized that working with standardized cargoes would not challenge her, so she stuck with project cargo logistics, creating a specialized department in the family-owned company.

With 26 years of experience in the shipping and logistics sectors, Elisabeth has been a driving force behind The Cosmatos Group’s success. Her expertise in project cargo and heavy-lift sectors, combined with her commitment to integrity and empathy, has not only propelled her career but has also positioned her as a respected leader in the industry.

When asked about influencing colleagues and boards, Elisabeth stressed the power of leading by example. She advocates for a leadership style that is evident in every action, email, and conversation. This approach, she believes, naturally aligns people with the values and vision of the leader. Elisabeth emphasized that only those whose energies synchronize with the organizational values will thrive, creating a cohesive and purpose-driven team.

“So, inspiration comes from being 100% yourself in all business transactions and your overall business profile as an employer and colleague,” she said.


Honesty and Empathy

Elisabeth added that she identifies honesty and empathy as the cornerstones of influential leadership. She sees honesty as a self-evident quality that builds trust and encourages authentic interactions.

Empathy, meanwhile, is not only about supporting teams through challenges but also plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and retaining talent. Recognizing that the success of a business is fundamentally tied to its people, Elisabeth highlights the significance of empathetic connections in enhancing relationships and overall performance.

As president of The Heavy Lift Group (THLG), Elisabeth continues to contribute to the growth and global outreach of the association, showcasing her dedication to advancing the industry and fostering meaningful connections among professionals worldwide.

Founded in 1987 by a consortium of western-European heavy-lift operators in anticipation of the Single European Market, THLG has grown to include companies from the Americas, Asia, Africa and other parts of Europe. Cosmatos joined THLG after an invitation from a Portuguese partner who recommended them as a candidate for membership.

The procedure to join the group is robust, Elisabeth noted. “It’s not so easy to get in. It’s not just a membership. You have to have proven experience and have a recommendation from an existing member, or from at least three customers. If you are approved by the Exco, then you get the green light to go and present to the conference and it’s all the members who then approve or not.

“THLG is not just another network because they care about who you are, how much you really deal with, your experience and everything,” she added.

Elisabeth has held the role of THLG president for a year and has served on the board for seven. She said there are many things that she’s proud at the group - “we have changed practically everything."

From rebranding and gaining coverage on five continents to getting everybody in the committee working for the group, the board spends much time planning and trying to increase networking possibilities for the group’s members. “You are part of a network which grows together with you, because the more the group progresses, the more potential comes to each separate member,” she said.


Building Confidence

Elisabeth has an overarching ambition for the group: to spread the word about what is different and unique about THLG, and why clients should feel confident in choosing a THLG member. “My biggest dream is that the THLG brand stands higher than each individual member’s company, like a sort of accreditation. If you are a member of this group, then it’s 100% sure that you’re credible, trustworthy, and experienced.”

She also tries to promote THLG as a trusted environment where members can feel secure in exchanging information. “It’s not a matter of focusing on getting more business out of each member. That is not the objective,” she added.

Instead, the objective is to build a bigger provider with global coverage so that members can deal with very big clients as one. “You might have the sales leads, but you don’t have the networking or even the funds sometimes to get into bigger contracts. Immediately you start from the third step.”

To achieve her aims, first stop is ensuring that THLG has the right people. “Then we try to give opportunities for each and every member to promote themselves through case studies.”

Elisabeth is also the Women in Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) ambassador for northern Greece, promoting business, equality and diversification. With that background, she has an eye on creating stronger bonds between the female divisions of THLG.

“I believe that many women are represented better by having a female president. It’s important for me that women feel equal and feel competent in a project or a community. Women are capable of so much and can give so much if they only take a moment to see their potential. And we can grow together.”


A "Women in Breakbulk: How to Become a More Influential Leader" panel discussion, hosted by Breakbulk's Leslie Meredith, will take place on the main stage at Breakbulk Middle East 2024 on February 12, 10:00-11:00.

Breakbulk Middle East is happening on February 12-13 at the Dubai World Trade Center. Reserve your tickets.