DHL

This is the history of a small start-up called DHL, a cowboy company with an eclectic workforce, that delivered time-sensitive business documents between far-flung countries, shrank the world and changed the way business was done. Despite being illegal everywhere, having no central direction, and no external capital, DHL marched across the world at a startling rate, to become a trusted global brand with a universally recognized logo. Understanding how people from different cultures and backgrounds, with very little money, no establishment connections, and no experience achieved all of this in the space of twenty years provides important guidelines for those trying to operate in today's internet-connected world with its rising tide of anti-globalism and nationalism. In recounting the fascinating tale of how it was done, this book focuses on three key stages of DHL's development-- start-up (1969-1979), structure and discipline (1980-1986), and external investment (1987-1990). DHL's innovations, successes and failures are described, all within the context of their time; the regulatory battles are explained; and the role played by DHL's culture is examined. Jane Dixon Chung obtained a degree in Mathematics and Statistics from Leeds University before moving to Hong Kong. In 1976, the 'H' in 'DHL', Larry Hillblom, asked her to develop word processing and communications software for an in-house microcomputer he planned to provide to DHL's customers. When Chung joined, DHL was in its seventh year, and still very small; headcount globally was just a few hundred. As DHL grew, she grew with it, continuing to occupy top management positions, the last one being a strategic role with DHL's worldwide headquarters in Brussels, working on global technology initiatives.