• Seraj Alali

    ...there is always a tomorrow

    Talking about tomorrow suddenly what creeps into ones mind is the most famous movie of James Bond - "Tomorrow Never Dies". The next personality whom we had a chance to interact with was the one who seems to have a firm belief in the above mentioned statement. It is indeed true to the core that there is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great and no tonic as powerful as expectation of something better than tomorrow. So if something doesn't work out today don't worry "You can always try tomorrow".

    Mr. Seraj Alali was born in a family that has been connected for a long time with the sea. His father started sailing at an early age. His family consists of five members, three sisters and one brother. He obtained his MBA in Transportation & Logistics from the Ohio State University in the USA and joined Whitesea Shipping & Supply (LLC) Company, thereafter.

    Today, Mr. Alali holds the position of Managing Director of Whitesea Shipping. The choice of this career was mainly due to the exposure to the family business, namely when the company was set up in 1967 at Khorramshahr, Iran. His father was the sole inspiration for joining this field.

    All the greatest achievements in this life are the result of extreme hard work and dedication. Today, Whitesea Shipping is amongst the top 10 worldwide Offshore Service Providers. To achieve this prominent position; there has been a lot of dedication and sacrifice from the part of every personnel of the company. This hard work is well determined through the awards which Whitesea Shipping Company has been endowed upon through time, the latest being 'The Marine

  • Seraj Alali

    and Offshore Services Award' during the SMEISA 2009.

    We were curious to know about Mr. Alali's view on what a person should never do in this business. He advised us that a person should always be true "As true in all businesses, you should never underestimate anyone. People can surprise you". Moving forward from what not to do, we enquired about what one should do to affirm his position in the world today. "Communication" is what he replied to us, "especially having the capacity of being able and willing to listen, looking at different alternatives and not limiting yourself to one or two options. You should always have a plan 'B'".

    As the Managing Director of a company, it is a common task for personnel like him to make and take decisive decisions for his company. We enquired from Mr. Alali if he agrees on the statement that one should take the most important decisions in this world alone. According to his perspective, it is always good to obtain a second opinion but the decisions are always to be made by a single person. Explaining to us what he really meant, he quoted "Too many cooks spoil the broth"

    Finally, as the time drew near for us to say our adieu to Mr. Alali we decided to put forth a few more questions about his hobbies. "Reading, Sports" is what he replied "Specifically, fencing which I started practicing, when I was in high school. I have helped in setting up this noble sport in the UAE by working with the UAE Fencing Federation". He envisions himself devoting all his time to his hobbies even after he turns 80.

    Towards the end of our conversation, we asked him about his advice for the youngsters who would like to follow his path. "Treat the relationships that you have worked hard on developing, on a long term basis" is what he advised "Do not look at any deal as a one of and do not burn all your bridges. There is always a tomorrow."

  • Seraj Alali

    It was indeed a pleasure for our team to have such a quality time with him. We wish him all the success for his future endeavors.

    ***************