Page 3 - Al-Rashed Newsletter August 2020

TÊTE-A-TÊTE

If you have to sum up your entire career journey in 2 -3 lines, how would it be?
Well! I would say the journey was a mix of rough seas and smooth sailing. When the sea was rough, I held on to the ship's
mast, and when it was smooth, I just stood and admired the journey with the people around me. “It is an ever-learning
experience” I believe I am just a drop of this industry and every day is a new adventurous journey.

You are quite a friendly, hands-on Vice President, how do you maintain such kind of personality and relationship
with your colleagues?
I like the compliment, but I am not sure if all my colleagues would agree to this. However, I should say I believe that if you
have to lead a Team, you need to be one among them. They should know I am approachable and always beside them, but at
the same time when I need to be tough, I do ensure the message is put across tactfully. I always tell my team members, “I
will be a punching bag supporting you and taking the hits on your behalf from the management (if the need arises), and for
You (my team) I shall be a sponge. You can use me, wring me as long as you manage to keep the job clean and perfect.”

Has there been differences in work style in Al-Rashed in the last couple of decades?
You make me sound like a grand old man talking history. But yes, if I have to share the difference in work style, I would say
as Al-Rashed grew the working style evolved to a more professional approach. We have been blessed by many quality team
members who have contributed to this change for the good. It gives me immense pride to inform you that though we have
expanded and diversified, our uniqueness of HUMANE TOUCH by the management still prevails which otherwise you seldom
would find in a company of this size.

Things that keep you inspired to go for the extra mile in everyday business?
I once came across a compelling saying, “Forget about the goals, focus on the system/method instead”. The moment I
gave this a deep thought, I realized that it is true. Winners and Losers have the same goals. What matters in achieving it is
our method or actions towards it. This thought has always inspired me to take that extra step which brings me one step closer
to the desired goal. I still like to set new benchmarks in every day’s work, so that my team takes that one leap forward each
day to achieve them amidst the adversities. So in short Inspiration for me is not a one-time affair. It’s a continuous process
which keeps me going.

What are the things you do to unwind?
I love to be amidst my friends which is a big stress buster, and when I am at home I like to laze around, sit and binge watch
movies with my family and eat good food.

You have a long career in Shipping World, however, if you would have to switch with something else, what will it be?
I hail from a family where my mother, her siblings and their children, my sister cousins are all teachers, and this trait runs in
my blood. So, if I have to switch my career, it would always be Teaching or Training.

Lastly, can you share some wisdom that you have accumulated from years of experience to newbies in the
workforce?
During my younger days, we use to believe “No Pain, No Gain”, but the present generation, unfortunately, has started
thinking the other way “ No Gain, No Pain”. An appeal to the youngsters is don’t run behind financial gains at the beginning of
your career. Instead, run behind knowledge of your respective industry or field. Understand the importance of being analytical
in your work, learn to be patient and wherever multi-generational colleagues exist, narrow your distance with them and
absorb all their rich experience which will reap rich dividends in the year ahead.

-Interviewed by: Naseema Khan MR. C P RAJIV MENON
VICE PRESIDENT,
CORPORATE AFFAIRS