Sipho Shangase – Passion can motivate to do greater

Mr. SIPHO SHANGASE
National Assistant Trade Manager at Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)

by Tony Amatulli on 5th Dec 2018

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Sipho Shangase, National Assistant Trade Manager at Mediterranean Shipping Company. We enjoyed a slice of cake together at the 6th floor of MSC House, in Langalibalele Dube Street.

TA: Can you describe your background and how you started at MSC?

SS: I would describe myself as being very resourceful / ambitious / open minded / innovative and problem solver but at the same time know when to ask for help instead of staying quiet should I need some assistance as things may easily spiral out of control to an unmanageable proportion, so I believe it is most important to ask if not sure about anything instead of trying very hard to fix something you are not sure about and end up messing everything.I started at MSC in June 2000 as a FRT clerk, in 2005 I moved to Marketing (IOI) of which I would say received some very good mentorship / groomed to be a better person / customer orientated without deviating from our company values / policies and traditions. Currently I am working as National Assistant Trade Manager.

TA: How important is it for you in Managing and motivating a team?

SS: I am highly motivated which makes my tasks little easy to demonstrate the same to my team as I am also motivated, nature of our job environment requires much teamwork / better understanding as I interact on regular bases, communicate internally and external / interacted frequently with other groups like Management, Customer Service, I enjoy a fast-paced / team-oriented environment like this as it keeps me on my toes without leaving rooms for failures.

TA: Why is it important to be Highly motivated and passionate about shipping in order to succeed?

SS: It’s very important to be highly motivated / passionate as that may inspire others and believe me in shipping there are lots challenges of which I normally call “exciting challenges” and also be mindful of not trying to be a “hero” without proper consultations as that may lead to some deer consequences.But in short, I am positive and a big believer in the philosophy that the passion can motivate to do greater / fruitful where one would have thought the impossible.

TA: What is the work environment like at at MSC?

SS: Work environment is very, very professional / committed to sharing knowledge, delivering training and support makes our environment much easier to adapt due to professionalism growth. MSC is a professional / family orientated business, so it’s much easier to wake up in the morning understanding that you are to work where you feel appreciated and supported at all costs by Management which has been the case to my growth within the organization, personally it is exciting to be part of MSC family for the past 18 years, also understanding the global economic challenges evolving.

TA: What are your ambitions and plans for the future?

SS: My ambitions is to grow within the company / not taking light of all the support / opportunities entrusted on to me by MSC Management which is more humbling thus far, also knowing the fairness opportunities / providing long-term career development, embracing and valuing all cultures. It is fulfilling to be part of the winning MSC family,

TA: Thank you Sipho I wish you all the best for your career.