Page 4 - Al-Rashed Newsletter September 2021

TÊTE-A-TÊTE

You have been in Al Rashed for more than 4 decades now, how has been
your experience?
I joined Al-Rashed Group in 1977 with another division. In 1998, I moved to Al-
Rashed Shipping and have been here ever since. Barring a short 1 year hiatus
in 2005, I have been in Kuwait for over 44 years. Al-Rashed is nothing short of
my family. I have spent so many years with them and have nothing but love for
them especially for CEO, Mr Ravi who is like my brother.

If you have to summarize your journey in Al-Rashed, how it would be?
JOEL FERNANDEZ
I am a hard-working person, never sitting in one place and always with springs PROJECT MANAGER
in my shoe. Any day that goes without me completing my work is like a living
hell for me. I take time to review the day's happenings- reread all messages in the evening to ensure that all
issues have been taken care of. I do give tips and pointers to the team on how to tackle the situation. Everybody
is free to approach me for any assistance.

What is the most exciting incident that has happened in a day's work?
Every day is interesting. Everyone has the same 24 hours. It is up to us to make the time we have interesting.
There would be a book worth of funny/interesting/teachable moments in my life. One such instance that remains
in my mind is getting lost in the desert in Kuwait and ending up in Iraq. I was supposed to visit Boubyan port
project site office. It was 2 km off the main road in Abdaly, a right turn from a mosque into the deserted areas.
With the location in my mind, I was driving, and suddenly a sandstorm hit. I may have veered off the road as
roads were covered in sand. Almost an hour's drive had passed as I couldn't see anything. After a while, I
started seeing familiar places. I had crossed the border to Iraq and pulled up right to a small cabin which turned
out to be a border patrol office. The border guard came out and asked me if I wanted water. I told him my
destination and he told me I was almost an hour away from my required site office after a hearty laugh and a
cup of gahwa. Interestingly, as I turned to the correct road, I could see the top minaret of the mosque.

What are the challenges you come across in your day-to-day task?
Every day is a challenge. How you address the challenge is what makes it a surmountable challenge or not.
Each part of the process is a challenge yet easy to do if you have the dedication from new project acquisition,
execution, and collection of payments. If my client is not happy, I am not happy. Exceeding customer
expectations and providing customer delight is what I do.

The things that you do to unwind after a long and hectic day?
I am a hard worker. I ensure to complete all my work before the day ends. As I said, I read all my mails in the
evening again to ensure no stone is left unturned. During weekends, I spend time with family and friends. I am
also a devout person and spend some time every day with the Man upstairs.

What are your two cents for the next generation?
Relationships matter. It is not just about business. Goodwill or a good word goes a long way. Everyone should
have an attitude to change, coordinate and cooperate with everyone, and let go of all ego. Be it at Al-Rashed
where we have a superb CEO who assists and guides you beyond the limit any human can. Be humane, help
the less fortunate and know this; your good deed goes a long way.

INTERVIEWED BY ANAND K V