Page 3 - Al-Rashed Newsletter June 2020

TÊTE-A-TÊTE

How did your journey begin in the Shipping Industry?
I wanted to be a Fighter Pilot during early stages of my life, but could not become one due to various reasons even after I got
selected. So I decided to be in the Airline Industry. I started my career in 1981 in Freight forwarding – Air Export.

What is the fondest and challenging memory of working with Al Rashed?
The Second Gulf War, in 2003, since Iraq was new to me and handling multiple modes of transport of military shipments via
Kuwait and Iraq was challenging. Without the support of the management, family, and my team, we couldn’t have achieved
the challenge. I thank the management and my team whole-heartedly for the support given to me at that time. I remember my
entire team worked 22 hours a day for more than a year, and it was a great experience not only to me personally but to all of
us.

What is the critical ingredient you feel is to maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Patience, listening, learning, co-operation & lending a helping hand will create a healthy working atmosphere at the
workplace. Understanding the depth of the work required goes a long way.

Tell us about one mistake that became the stepping-stone in your professional career?
During the Second Gulf War, I was handling shipments for an MNC. The client asked us to handle some additional shipments
which were not under contract, I was under the impression that it would be paid as per our existing contract. Later, we
learned that it was not a part of the contract and wasn’t paid. It was a big blow to me personally and I learned a very big
lesson that without confirmation in writing or a signed contract, no jobs should be executed. During this time I got very strong
support from the management for which I am really grateful.

After working for decades what drives you to come back to work and perform with the same passion?
Our Industry is very vast, like an ocean - you have many opportunities to learn many things. Every day is a new challenge
with new problems and new ways to progress. So, you must love your profession and when you do, not only will you learn the
job, but also execute it to the highest standard and provide the best service to our customers. We are a service industry, we
do not have a product that is physical in nature. To provide the best service, you must understand the job and the needs of
our customers, so that we can provide the best services to their satisfaction. This will give you the energy and zeal to work
with great passion.

What in your opinion will the post COVID- 19 world look like ?
This crisis has shown us the value of front-line workers. From nurses to migrants, farmworkers, delivery boys, and sanitary
workers, the contribution of those at the bottom of the ladder has become more visible. Hopefully, this will bring better
working conditions and better benefits for them. We will probably see more and more people working from home, with flexible
work timings. The daily commute will cease to be a daily headache. Pollution levels will come down. More people with family
responsibilities, or disabilities, which make it difficult for them to work currently, will be able to join the workforce.

Any pearls of wisdom to those who aspire to be a part of Shipping?
As I mentioned earlier, the shipping Industry is a vast one and there are many things to learn. Everyday is new and the
challenges that come our way quite interesting. My most important advice is to LIKE / LOVE YOUR PROFESSION -
IF YOU HAVE THE PASSION TO LEARN, YOU CAN STRIVE TO PERFECTION.

MR. C N BALASUBRAMANYAM
VICE PRESIDENT, O&G

-Interviewed by: Naseema Khan