Page 3 - Al-Rashed Newsletter December 19

The support from my mentors Mr. Saad Al Rashed, Mr. Bassim Al Rashed, and every member of Al Rashed Family, whom I
believe are the best professional owners and who consider me as a part of their family. A well supported trusted colleagues,
my principals and all of my well-wishers. Last but not least, my Late Aunt and her family who gave me the opportunity to come
to Kuwait, which transformed my life.
These visionaries inspired me to take up new challenges, explore countless possibilities that brought success to the company.
They continue to do so and motivates me to go beyond the comfort zone to scale the insurmountable mountains.
In turn, I give the opportunity to everyone in this company to grow, take additional responsibility and challenge themselves to
achieve new heights. I want to inspire all youngsters and give equal opportunity to them to go forward, and learn about what
this company stands for and its strengths.

If you can go back in time, what would be the one thing that you would like to change about your professional life?
I never thought of changing any aspect of my professional life and I don’t think I ever will. I come to work each day with a
passion to achieve something new. With my efforts, I have taken this company through a metamorphosis- like a caterpillar
transforming itself from grub to a creation of beauty that is admired by the world. The career path I took wasn’t premeditated
choices, I learned to adapt to the changes and embrace what I do with passion. I cultivated an observing nature that has
helped me to improvise situations in life. I was never interested in accolades- it was the path that was more rewarding,
eventually, the awards and rewards followed.
One should have an open mind to take in what is significant and leave the rest. Through experience, I learned to identify
potential and put it whenever needed. Recently I was in a critical situation where I had to communicate with a client in a
specific dialect of Arabic language. Coincidentally, my car wash guy from many years is from the same region and I used him
to converse with the client to resolve the matter- thus gaining financial benefit to the company. This is the power of harnessing
the potential of people around you. And for that, one needs to have the right human touch and the awareness of surroundings.

5 years down the line, where do you see Al Rashed International Shipping?
We have come a long way in being one of the largest shipping companies in Kuwait. Well, from where my vision started, there
is still a long way to go in every aspect of this company. The brand value should have consistency in terms of performance,
quality and customer satisfaction. A brand is not just about a name, it is about what that brand stands for in the market and the
level of satisfaction the customer experiences.
For this, commitment and teamwork must coexist with accurate communication, which allows us to provide quality customer
satisfaction. We are in an era where information plays a key role in the service industry regardless of its size or service
capacity. Changes are taking place at a faster rate, a clear vision, coherent strategies and cloudless direction is a need to
outperform the rest. This is the vision which I am striving to achieve, and take this company to the next level as a global
player.

What advice would you like to give to the young and senior employees of Al Rashed?
A banyan tree takes years to grow. It slowly spreads its roots and establishes its foundation and then the sapling grows up.
Even as it grows, it continues to deepen its roots making the foundation stronger than ever. Its dense foliage busting out
and about. Once it grows, it spreads its branches, drops air-roots, develops secondary trunks and covers the land. I want you
to take lessons from the banyan tree. At the start of your career, emulate a banyan tree and grow with your knowledge base
intact and with the thirst to learn more. Learn and take up more responsibilities. Once you have established, only follow the
banyan tree’s principle of deepening your foundation as, under a banyan tree, nothing else can grow. Be a leader who
inspires.

“You are strong when you know your weakness;
You are beautiful when you appreciate your flaws
You are wise when you learn from your mistakes.
Life itself is a question and nobody can answer it;
Death is an answer but nobody can question it.
Enjoy the question until you get the answer."

-Interviewed by:
Naseema Khan
Sandeeptha Kumara