Matt Petot, founder and CEO of CargoAi, has worked for over 20 years in the airfreight industry. Having begun his career with Schenker in Australia, he moved to Air France KLM Cargo to work on Cargo2000 and Revenue Management in the USA and France. He then worked for Dyson as a supply chain innovation manager in Singapore, where he learned the modern ways of building products and technologies, which he decided to bring to airfreight when he created CargoAi in 2019, which is at the forefront of two current major innovations in digital booking and digital payment. 

How did you get into airfreight/logistics?

I fell into airfreight like most people—by accident and a bit of curiosity. I started at Schenker in Australia before joining Air France KLM Cargo in New York for Cargo2000 and then their Revenue Management team in Paris. I quickly realised that nothing beats the thrill of watching a plane take off, knowing you had a hand in it.

What quote has most resonated with you? 

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela. This quote perfectly encapsulates the spirit of innovation and persistence that drives me and CargoAi. In the world of airfreight, every challenge initially seems daunting, but with determination and a bit of creative problem-solving, we always find a way to make it happen. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Think outside the box.” Quite literally in airfreight, where the box’s dimensions can make or break your day.

What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?

Between two jobs, my wife and I embarked on an epic four-month road trip from New York to Ushuaia, Argentina- one of the southernmost cities in the world in a red Jeep Cherokee that I modified for us to sleep in. It was an incredible journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, unexpected challenges, and unforgettable moments with people. We navigated through diverse terrains, from bustling cities to remote wilderness, and discovered that the spirit of adventure truly lies in embracing the unknown.

If you could have dinner with any three people,  living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would love to have dinner with my dad, who passed away just before I became an adult. Losing him profoundly shaped my character, teaching me that life is short and must be seized every day. Joining us would be Leonardo da Vinci for his endless curiosity and innovation and Roger Federer for his excellence, humility, and the grace with which he handles both victory and defeat. It would be a dinner filled with wisdom, inspiration, and a reminder to make the most of every moment. 

What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?

Besides work, my family means the world to me. At home, it’s a whirlwind with my 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son keeping me on my toes with their boundless energy. And then there’s my amazing wife. She’s not only a loving partner and mother but also a career dynamo who has always excelled in her endeavours. She’s been my rock, supporting me every step of the way, especially when I started CargoAi. 

What hobby have you always wanted to try but never got around to?

I am usually not shy of trying new hobbies when I have something in mind. Right now, I am trying to get better at Wing Foil, but I am not very good at it.

If you have not pursued a career in airfreight, what other field would you have liked to go into? 

I’ve always been fascinated by the sea and had considered becoming a professional skipper. The idea of navigating the open waters and exploring new horizons was incredibly appealing. However, the reality of long stretches away from home didn’t align well with my desire to have a family and be present in their lives. So, I channelled my love for adventure into the airfreight industry instead. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Teleportation, hands down. And imagine the efficiency in airfreight if we could just teleport cargo! 

What’s your proudest moment and your biggest regret?

My proudest moment is when I watch the amazingly talented and diverse team at CargoAi. Our team, hailing from 18 different countries, is dedicated to efficiently building a sustainable company. We’re focused on creating products that bring real value to our customers at a transparent cost, rather than just throwing money around for short-term gains to impress venture capitalists and increase pricing later. This long-term, value-driven approach is hard and requires us to focus every day, but this is what sets us apart in the competitive landscape.

As for regrets, I believe in looking back to learn and grow, not to get stuck in what could have been.

Looking back over your career, what would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics?

Get ready for an adventure. It’s challenging, unpredictable, and sometimes downright crazy, but incredibly rewarding.

How do you motivate your team? 

I remind them how privileged we are to have earned a spot at the forefront of innovation in such a large industry, and what we build has an impact on users in over 130 countries. I emphasise how fortunate we are that everyone at CargoAi plays a crucial role in shaping our company’s culture. As we grow, we can bring even more talented people into our adventure, making the journey even more exciting and fulfilling for everyone involved. This shared sense of purpose and opportunity keeps our team motivated and inspired.

Who is your role model? 

My mother and my wife have achieved so much, both professionally and personally. If everyone had the same opportunities and support that I’ve witnessed through them, I believe there wouldn’t be any gender equality issues on Earth.

Cats or dogs?

Dogs. 

Early riser or night owl?

Early riser. 

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Steak tartare.