Q&A – Chante Venter, Wise Move CEO, on Women in Logistics

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1. What drew you to the logistics and tech industry?

I’ve always been an entrepreneur. The logistics and home moving space is full of small business owners- hardworking people who just need the right tools to thrive. I loved that, through tech, we could empower them to do more, reach more customers, and grow sustainably. That’s what drew me in: the chance to make a real difference.

2. Can you share a moment when starting before you were ready paid off?

This is at the heart of my journey. A few years ago, I set my sights on partnering with some of South Africa’s biggest brands. I wasn’t ready, not by a long shot, but I started anyway. I showed up, sent the emails, and took the meetings. It took two years, but today Wise Move is officially partnered with Gumtree. That all started with one bold, slightly scary step.

3. What was your biggest challenge in building Wise Move?

Being underestimated. As a woman in tech and logistics, you’re often expected to “prove yourself” twice as hard. I had to learn to stay confident in the room even when I felt like the odd one out. Also, building a team and culture while navigating growth and pressure as a female founder hasn’t always been easy. But it’s made me stronger and more intentional.

4. Why are women still underrepresented in logistics?

Logistics has traditionally been seen as a physical, male-dominated space. People think it’s about moving boxes- but actually, it’s about solving problems. Women are brilliant problem solvers. The most successful businesses on Wise Move often have women involved behind the scenes, bringing structure, care, and that extra bit of magic that turns a job into a business.

5. How can the industry become more inclusive for women?

We need more female voices at every level- from operations to leadership. That means better visibility, mentorship, funding, and opportunity. It also means changing the narrative: logistics isn’t just about trucks- it’s about strategy, tech, customer service, and growth. And women excel in all of those.

At Wise Move, we’re also taking action. We’ve launched an internship program placing young women in Virtual Assistant roles within the logistics industry-giving them real experience, skills, and a foot in the door. It’s one small but powerful way we’re helping shift the future of this industry, one woman at a time.

6. What builds confidence for women entering male-dominated fields?

Momentum. You don’t need to feel confident to start, but starting builds confidence. You grow through action. Also, being part of a community of women who lift each other up makes a massive difference.

7. Did any mentors shape your journey?

There have been many. Some were formal mentors, others were simply people who believed in me, challenged me, and generously shared what they’d learned. You learn the most from those who are honest about both their wins and their mistakes.

One of the biggest turning points for me was joining a CEO network long before I truly felt like a CEO. It was a game-changer. Being surrounded by founders who had already been through the highs and lows meant I could ask real questions and get unfiltered, hard-earned insight. Their openness gave me the confidence to trust my instincts and keep going.

8. What advice would you give women starting today?

Just start. That email, that call, that idea- act on it. We often wait for perfect timing or the right credentials, but it’s action that creates clarity and momentum. You’ll learn as you go, and you’ll get better, faster than you expect.

9. How does representation impact women entering the industry?

It matters deeply. Seeing another woman who’s done it makes the path feel real. Representation changes the stories we tell ourselves about what’s possible.

10. What do you hope your work inspires in others?

That you don’t need to wait. You can build something meaningful from wherever you are. That impact and innovation can come from bold, everyday decisions, and that it’s okay to grow publicly, imperfectly, and fearlessly.

11. What message do you have for women ready to take the leap?

You’ll never feel completely ready, and that’s okay. The secret is: nobody really does. Take the leap anyway. Momentum creates more momentum. And you’re allowed to succeed.

12. What changes do you want to see in the sector for women?

More female founders. More investment in women-led businesses. More women in strategy, logistics tech, and leadership. And most importantly, more stories of women doing great things in this space, so the next generation knows they can too.

Short Bio

Chante Venter is the CEO and Co-Founder of Wise Move, South Africa’s leading online booking platform for moving and delivery services for large items. Passionate about creating tech that empowers small businesses, Chante is also a vocal advocate for female participation in male-dominated industries like logistics and transport.

To reach out, you can contact Chante at chante@wisemove.co.za or connect via linkedin.com/in/chanteventer