Page 3 - Al-Rashed Newsletter January 2020

TÊTE-A-TÊTE

MR. VALTOR GONZALVEZ- SR. SHIPPING MANAGER

How you did you get affiliated with Al Rashed International Shipping Co.?
It was in 1993 Mr. Ravi Varrier (CEO) visited the Freight Forwarding Company in Bengaluru, India where I was working. It was a

great opportunity to fulfill my dream to work in Middle East. He liked something in me, to be particular my typing speed on a type
writer impressed him and he decided to hire me in Al Rashed. By God’s Grace and with the support of Mr.Ravi Varrier, within few
months, I walked into Al Rashed office directly from the airport. First person I met was Mr. Ravi Varrier and Mr. Pradeep Menon(CFO)
to whom I will always remember and be grateful to. Thanks for Al Rashed family.

What was the toughest challenge in your long career in shipping?
In the initial years of my career, being working in Customer Service department, meeting and facing the requirements of different
customers in their different language, race and attitude was one of the toughest challenge for me.

The one thing you believe that is difficult to find in any other organization but Al Rashed?
It is freedom to work, multiple opportunities to grow and support from the management.

If you have to sum up your 26 years of experience in few lines?
Kuwait was just re-built after 1990 Gulf War and Al Rashed International Shipping Company was just reformed when I joined and I
was one among couple of staff. Started my career in “delivery order counter” by issuing delivery orders. In those days technology
wasn’t that advanced. Means of communication was Telephone and fax only. Days passed, time changed, business grew,
technology improved and Al Rashed started spreading its wings by grabbing more and more business opportunities that led me too to
grow up. Everything that I learnt is from my experience in this company, supported by my seniors helped to go a ladder up and work
in different levels. I was gradually moved from Counter and promoted to Shipping Assistant then as Agency Manager, Shipping
Manager and then Sr. Shipping Manager that I am today. I do remember my immediate bosses Mr. Gopi and Mr. Karan who departed
from this world. May their souls rest in peace.

How would you compare the differences in work style two decades ago and now ?
There is a huge difference. In those the resources were limited, technology was not advanced. And now, everything is modern, IT has
reached its highest level and has made everything available at finger tips.

One quality of Al Rashed young and budding leaders should inculcate in them?
Discuss and share the information with team and juniors. Educate and build confidence and encourage juniors.

If you have to define the work culture at Al Rashed, how would it be ?
It is totally different at Al Rashed.. Here everyone takes jobs personally. Work additional hours and sacrifices a lot for the betterment
of the company. We go extra mile to satisfy our customers which is our main motto. As a manager, my main goal is none of the
customers entering Al Rashed should go out dissatisfied.

What next for you?
To continue to strive for the betterment and serve till the company needs me and health permits.

Any advice or message to colleagues?
Keep up the POSITIVE SPIRIT and GROW with the company. Sincere and deepest gratitude to all my colleagues, senior
management ,AL-RASHED FAMILY for all the support, last but not the least Kuwait, the country that aided many of us to fulfill our
lives dream. Also, I consider now Kuwait as my second home.

What you do to unwind after work?
There are umpteen things that I can indulge in to unwind but the best thing is to spend some quality
time with my family, that not only relaxes me from the long day weariness but also rejuvenate me .

One quality of yours no one knows in Al Rashed ?
If no one knows yet then let’s keep it undisclosed ;) . However, I can share an unusual habit,
that I enjoy driving alone in heavy traffic especially in the mornings on my way to work.
-Interviewed by:

Naseema Khan