Addways Logistics founder Donata Kuprescenkiene: 'I want to be on the Board of a major company to make change!'

Until now, she seemingly had everything she dreamt of – for a graduate of special education and speech therapy (she also holds a degree in business management), becoming the head and co-owner of a successful logistics company in Klaipeda, Lithuania’s third-largest city on the Baltic coast, might appear improbable. But Donata Kuprescenkiene, the founder, the former CEO, and co-owner of UAB Addways Logistics, and since the beginning of the year, its Board Member, is now aiming higher. She wants to devote her experience, knowledge, and boundless energy to supporting other entrepreneurial women – helping, mentoring, and inspiring them.

„My credo is simple: never stop learning. It’s what took me from running a successful logistics company to exploring new forms of leadership and impact. And it’s exactly why I’m investing in myself once again. I believe that I could make the biggest positive impact of the kind by being on the Board of a company,“ says Kuprescenkiene.

The Baltic Times Magazine sat down with her to discuss what it takes to be a successful businesswoman and an inspiring leader.

You’ve stood at the helm of Addways Logistics for 13 years. And now, the big change. Why?

After years of leading a high-performance business, I felt a sense of completion — and a calling to step into my next level of growth, leadership, and impact.

 I realized I needed a change in my life. Imagine leading a logistics company for so long while also being a mother and a wife for much of that time.

The decision to step down from my role as director and remain solely as a Board member wasn’t easy, but it was timely. Unlike some CEOs who overlook the signs of stress and exhaustion, I had the privilege of making this transition without compromising the company’s stability.

Beyond that, I felt a growing urge to become more active in the local community of women entrepreneurs – sharing experiences, learning from theirs, and inspiring others. 

Now, I’m attending a mentoring course because I want to become a capable, effective, and sought-after mentor. 

I’m deeply grateful to my mentors: Lina Jonika, who helped me tremendously in my career, and Viktorija Sage, who continues to support my growth on all levels.

What social activities are you involved in now?

Since the beginning of this year, I’ve immersed myself in various women empowerment activities. I’m an active member of the Klaipeda Businesswomen’s Network (VMT) and serve on its Board, where I’m responsible for international relations. Through this position, I’ve participated in several business missions.

The experience was both exciting and uplifting. Some of the women in the VMT have been through bankruptcies, business reorganizations, and personal divorces. Their stories strengthened my conviction that I was in the right place.

The support I received from the women around me reminded me of the kind of care and attentiveness only a mother gives – warm, nurturing, and genuine.

We regularly take part in events, conferences, forums, and surveys. As we speak in mid-May, we’re preparing for a trip to Luxembourg in September, followed by visits to Norway and Sweden.

Simply put, in our daily lives, we always support and encourage women – whether in our teams, our environments, or through mentoring.

We also collaborate with Eurochambres Women Enterprise, which connects women entrepreneurs from across the EU. It’s a vibrant community of ongoing cooperation.

Additionally, I’m often invited to lecture at LCC International University in Klaipeda, where I speak about business, women empowerment, and my journey with Addways Logistics.

My message to all female students is consistent: “You can do it your way! Just don’t stop dreaming – and keep going after your dream.” 

It may seem to some that we live in a world ruled by women. However, is the reality you see different? Especially compared to what women in Western societies have achieved?

Indeed, despite the significant progress Lithuania has made, the contrasts are still very real.

Although women’s rights in both Western and Eastern Europe are supported by similar legal frameworks, Western Europe places stronger emphasis on individual autonomy, gender equality, and progressive values. Traditional gender roles are weaker there.

In Eastern Europe – including Lithuania – traditional roles (the woman as caregiver/mother) are still more deeply rooted, particularly in less urbanized areas.

Women in Western Europe are also more likely to enter high-skilled professions and STEM fields.

From my own experience in Lithuania, the common belief is that only men can engage in “serious” business. If a woman does it, it’s often viewed as a hobby, or something she pursues out of boredom – or just to be “trendy.” 

And when women appear on magazine covers, the glamour hides the fact that they still carry the responsibility of managing both their businesses and their families.

When a man and a woman apply for an IT position, the woman is often scrutinized more – can she really do the job?

I could give countless examples of how deeply gender stereotypes remain embedded.

To be honest, I often ask myself: “What’s more important to you – your business or your family, your two underage daughters?” I’m divorced, but I’m lucky. We have an exemplary co-parenting relationship, and my ex actively helps raise our daughters.

Divorce isn’t the worst outcome. Worse is when families stay together despite living in misery. It’s important to recognize when something isn’t working.

I’ve spoken to many divorced women. I always tailor my words to their situation, but my message is consistent: “Don’t shut down. Work on yourself. And remember: “You are the of your world – first for yourself, not a man.”

Do businesswomen tend to trust women or men more when elevating others to Board positions? Recently, I’ve seen all-women companies. Is this a new norm – or perhaps an extreme?

Ultimately, professionalism – not gender – and balance should matter most. But yes, lately I’ve been seeing more women-led companies, especially startups, where women make up a significant part of the team, from the Board to entry-level roles.

These companies are impressive. The women in them don’t just share visions for business development – they often also share the responsibilities of motherhood or single parenthood. That creates a unique bond.

Contrary to the popular belief that women today are more confident than ever, I meet many women entrepreneurs who still need encouragement and confidence. As an active VMT member, I am here to support them.

Yet when choosing a new CEO for Addways Logistics, you selected a man. Why? Was there no desire to hire a woman?

For the past several years, I had a strong partner at my company, and logically, I expected him to take over my role. I knew he was capable and that I could fully trust him.

A female leader in logistics isn’t a rarity, but even in Western Europe, many logistics companies are still led by older men. I’ve met only a few female logistics directors – and most of them through Lithuania’s carrier association, “Linava.”

To me, logistics remains largely a male-dominated world. I don’t think I need to challenge that after leading the company for 13 years. Logistics managers and dispatchers are under constant pressure. They must always be reachable, anytime, anywhere. I can now easily identify them just by how they behave. At one point, our office had ten employees – seven of them were women. I didn’t hire women on purpose, but I’ve always appreciated female solidarity and unity. 

I was hiring my team regardless of gender.

To answer your question, I was focused solely on expertise and leadership readiness – regardless of gender.

I am happy that the company is thriving.

You do not use the buzzwords like “women’s emancipation” which many activists highlight. Why?

While I support women’s advancement, I also value partnership and interdependence – both personally and professionally.

I’m not aligned with radical demands. When some women say they don’t need a man, children, or help, I shrug. “Okay, but I do.” I want someone I can trust and lean on – and I’m not ashamed to say it. I believe many men want the same.

My daughters, Meta and Liepa, are teenagers already, and they are my greatest joy and purpose – my everything. (Smiles)

How has your experience at Addways Logistics been?

Long story short: until the game-changing COVID pandemic – and especially the war in Ukraine – our path was relatively smooth – as smooth as logistics can ever be! We expanded steadily.

We operated in CIS markets, including Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus. The fallout from the pandemic, and especially the war, was harsh. We had to make swift decisions.

The difficulties made us smarter and more adaptable. We rerouted our carriers through the southern corridor via Turkey – we were one of the first Lithuanian logistics companies to do so. I even had to negotiate with our diplomats to facilitate the transition. In the end, we adapted successfully.

From a business perspective, Addways operated in a high-specialization niche requiring exceptional quality standards. We focused on complex cargo that demanded precision, reliability, and deep industry know-how.

Was logistics your life’s calling and passion?

(Smiles) Now I navigate it like a fish in water. But in 2005, when I moved to Klaipeda, I never imagined I’d work in logistics – let alone run my own company.

I moved here because I’ve always loved the sea – it’s majestic and energizing. Plus, my older sister Gintare lived here, and I visited her every weekend.

I’ve always been a ball of energy – Siauliai eventually felt too small for my ambitions. After earning degrees in speech therapy and business management, I explored different paths: administration, banking, sales, and marketing. Each role taught me something valuable about people, systems, and communication.

My first independent step was deciding to travel to the United States through the Work and Travel program, where I worked at a fast-food chain.
My professional journey began at an international pet food factory, where I worked as a marketing assistant. I then joined a small logistics company as a manager and eventually became the head of customer service.

In 2008, during my first maternity leave, I felt the pull to build something of my own. And truthfully, I was never one to sit still for long. The idea for Addways Logistics came to me even before my daughter was born – and the company officially launched after the birth of my second.

How do you describe yourself?

Goal-oriented, self-disciplined, very positive, gregarious, outgoing – and obsessed with sports! I love long walks by the sea and training in tennis at 7 a.m., which means waking up at 5 a.m. 

While still leading Addways Logistics, I co-founded a Facebook group with my dear friend Anike Rociene, called Aktyvios ir fainos (Active and Cool), bringing together energetic local women, who are sporty, energetic, curious to try new things – especially in sports – or simply want to share coffee and talk about family, work, and the challenges of being a top executive, a great mother, and a wife. Most of the Aktyvios ir fainos women join me on the court. I’m so proud of them! (Smiles)

Earlier this year, you completed Corporate Governance studies at St. Gallen University in Switzerland. What was their purpose?

My credo is simple: never stop learning!

Graduating from this program is essential for anyone aspiring to serve on a corporate board. And I won’t hide it – I want to be on a board where I can help drive meaningful change for women. I want to enable and support them. The competition is fierce, but I believe my international logistics experience offers valuable insight. I’m ready.

Statistically, only 25 percent of Board Members in Lithuanian companies are women. That’s too low. In Europe, the average is around one-third. Some Western countries even have gender quotas for Board representation.

What struck me most at the Swiss school was that most attendees were men.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

As a successful, sought-after mentor with a strong network of local, wellbeing-focused businesswomen, I see myself serving on the board of a respected – perhaps even international – company that upholds the values of equity, inclusion, and flexibility. I know it’s only a matter of time before this becomes reality.