Page 3 - Al-Rashed Newsletter Nov19

TÊTE-A-TÊTE

MR. PRADEEP MENON- CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

What made you join Shipping Industry?

I have never pre planned my life. If I have achieved anything it’s all due to God Grace and blessings of my parents. After my
completing my Masters, my relatives played a crucial role in my coming to this oil rich country Kuwait. Within a short period of
time I got the opportunity to work in Al Rashed. Securing a job to my liking was the most blessed part of my life.

If you have to share any 2 significant experiences from your long journey in shipping, what it will be?
Well, that makes me nostalgic.
After the Liberation of Kuwait, our company started with three employees and we had ZERO activity. One of the first job that
we took up was to bring personal luggage for Kuwaitis who were returning after the liberation. As we had limited staff, we all
were all involved in segregating and distributing the luggage for the Kuwaitis in our warehouse. It was a norm then, for the
Kuwaitis to collect their luggage from our warehouse. There were instances when I myself have carried luggage on my head
to deliver in their vehicles. I clearly remember one occasion when a customer held me by my tie for asking him local charges
for bringing the goods. These incidences were very painful those days but now looking back I feel those were all stepping
stones to success. I am glad I did not feel disheartened and give up. It is these kind of experiences that has made me what I
am today.

What are the essential traits one needs to ladder up to become a CFO apart from the necessary qualification?
I have always believed that it is your passion towards your job that makes you climb ladders. Only if you enjoy your job will it
excite you to put your heart and soul into it. Sincerity to the institution is yet another important aspect. Well, at the end of the
day, no matter what ever said and done, everything is possible only if you have a very supportive family.

What is the most challenging aspect of being a CFO of such a large organization?
Many people have remarked that holding the position of a CFO is like sitting in a throne of thorns. I agree that maintaining a
steady cash flow throughout is a tough job. I feel that keeping a close watch on the various costs and expenses and balancing
it in order to keep the stakeholders happy is a very stimulating task. It is this excitement that makes me tick.

If not CFO of Al Rashed, what could be the alternate vocation you were interested in?
Oh, without a fraction of doubt I can assure you that I would have been a college lecturer. Teaching is my passion and I fondly
recollect days when I used to teach Finance and Accounting before coming to Kuwait. Meeting my students, when I go to
India, always has been a joyful experience which I cherish.

What advise would you like to give to the young and senior employees of Al-Rashed ?
My advice to the young and senior employees would be Learn, learn and learn. Every employee needs to be updated
in this fast moving world. They have to be at par with the happenings around and should work hard. I strongly believe that it is
your attitude that defines your direction. With the right attitude and dedication there is no stopping your growth. In addition to
this, the senior staff should also shoulder the responsibility of sharing their expertise with the junior team and mould them to
face crisis.

-Interviewed by Naseema Khan