CEO Today USA Awards 2023 - 14 - - FEATURED WINNER - Operating System (TOS). This system revolutionized how we operated our terminals, laying the foundation for further automation, including IoT, predictive analytics and mobility. The focus on technological innovations is paramount to meet customer expectations, deliver real-time shipping and cargo tracking information, as well as enhance seamless shipping. Gulftainer launched the “future of ports challenge,” aiming to identify groundbreaking and highly disruptive technologies that could redefine the supply chain and logistics industry. On the automation front, Gulftainer has executed projects involving Robotic Process Automation (RPA), IoT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technologies for terminal operations. To achieve this, my experienced team and I rely on datadriven insights to track market trends, customer behaviors and competitive dynamics. This data-driven approach helps us make informed strategic decisions. At Gulftainer, we foster a culture of learning and innovation, to stay relevant to the industry trends. As always, we actively listen to our customers’ feedback. It is a top priority to understand their changing needs and incorporate their insights into our strategic planning. What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career, and how has it shaped your leadership style? The best piece of advice l have received is to always respect people and, in particular, your workforce. People often ask how we achieve the results we do. How do we reach the productivity levels that keep Gulftainer recognized as one of the most productive port operators in the world? My reply is simple – my employees and the pride they have in what they do. The whole work ethos of the Gulftainer Group is based on pride in what we do. I’ve learned that if I want my team to be dedicated, collaborative and innovative, I must demonstrate these foundations myself. This sets a high standard for everyone to follow. Effective leaders communicate clearly and openly. By practicing transparent and honest communication in my own interactions, I encourage the same from my team. This helps promote a culture of open dialogue and demonstrates a strong commitment to our mission and vision. Leading by example is another element I stress. It encourages a culture of accountability within the organization, where everyone feels responsible for their actions and outcomes. In essence, the advice to “lead by example” has shaped my leadership style by emphasizing the importance of authenticity, consistency and personal accountability. It reminds me that my actions as a leader have a significant impact on the organisational culture, employee morale, and overall success. Given the current trajectory, where do you see GT USA and CCT in the next 5-10 years? The future is extremely positive for GT USA, and I envision significant growth and development for both Gulftainer USA and Canaveral Container Terminal (CCT) over the next 5 to 10 years. Gulftainer will continue to expand its footprint across the USA, exploring potential new investment opportunities on the South, East, and West Coasts. We anticipate further expansion of CCT’s infrastructure to accommodate the increasing demand for containerized cargo. This expansion will include the addition of berths, container storage areas and modern equipment to handle larger vessels efficiently. Our commitment to technology will continue to drive our operations. We foresee the integration of advanced automation, artificial intelligence and data analytics to optimize cargo handling, improve efficiency and enhance customer service. Sustainable business is another important area of interest for Gulftainer. We will further reduce our environmental footprint through investments in renewable energy, ecofriendly practices and emission reduction initiatives. This will allow us to adapt to changing trade dynamics and environment. We will strengthen our position as an end-to-end supply chain and logistics solutions provider in the region. Forging strategic partnerships and alliances that extend our network, broaden our niche trade solutions and enhance our regional and international footprint. By staying agile, embracing technology, fostering partnerships and nurturing our talent, we are well-prepared to thrive in the evolving supply chain and logistics landscape in the years to come. The whole work ethos of the Gulftainer Group is based on pride in what we do. I’ve learned that if I want my team to be dedicated, collaborative and innovative, I must demonstrate these foundations myself. This sets a high standard for everyone to follow.
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