How is PNO responding to the impact of COVID-19?
Some words about PNO’s current and future prospects in light of the COVID-19 pandemic – from PNO Owners, Solvej & Jacob Lee Ørnstrand.
How’s the pandemic affecting PNO’s business?
Everyone is affected during these times. Like so many others, our business is affected, but we have to apply our pragmatic and responsible approach in order to weather this in the smartest way possible.
PNO is the same through good times and bad times. Our purpose of leading the transition to sustainable freight has not changed and we will continue to balance People, Planet, and Profit in these turbulent times. Being true to our core values (personal, pragmatic, and responsible) is more important than ever, as we will need to come up with solutions for customers whose business is under pressure. We will do this by acting long term, problem-solving, and innovative – as we always do.
We learned a lot during the crisis in 2008-2011 and have since acted upon these crucial learnings. Like the vast majority of businesses, we will get bruises from COVID-19 and our financial results will be negatively affected – BUT we will get through it. We are adjusting to the short term situation, but without compromising on our long term strategy.
How is Team PNO dealing with the current situation?
We are all in unknown territory physically and mentally as many of us are juggling work from home, homeschooling, a high level of uncertainty, etc.
Having said that it makes us proud to see how everyone is staying pragmatic and responsible within their scope of responsibility. Taking one day at a time – getting things done in a smart way and making good decisions.
From a more personal point of view, how is the pandemic affecting your life and how are you responding to that?
In Chinese, the word “crisis” is made up of two words danger and opportunity. It describes how we feel about this pandemic. We remind ourselves daily that we need to do the smart things necessary to get through it remembering at the same time that this will pass. It’s not going to last forever. We will remember this period for the rest of our lives and we want to be proud of how we spent this time and resources when asked about this 20 years from now. Not hidden away in fear, but being focused on what really is important.
Turning to the purpose of PNO, what does leading the transition to sustainable freight mean to you?
This is absolutely at the core of everything we do. Knowing that we, team PNO, are on the journey to positively impact People, Planet, and Profit in freight. Not only through one of the vertices but all three in unity. It is the motivation for doing our best every single day.
What legacy do you want to leave to the next PNO generation?
Being at the helmet of PNO is privileged, but it also comes with great responsibility. We think in generations. It is so important for us that we continue to build a solid and responsible company for the hereafter. A PNO that not only grows in profitability, but also grows through the strength of its values, services, and people.
