Carving a name in a field male - dominated

Sanjeevi JAYASURIYA

Moving out of a comfort zone is never an easy task. When one is accustom to a working life it is difficult to adjust to play a different role. However, for Marleena Laxana of Worldwide Relocation Services going beyond her career path to form a company was a pleasant task. Her wealth of experience and commitment proved to be a valuable contributor in her chosen field. She was able to carve a name in a filed that is mainly male dominated where her service excellence is well received by the customers. Marleena represents an important sector in the logistics industry providing the service to any customer who wants to import/export goods to and from other countries. The services of clearing and forwarding agents are important as they will help you to clear the goods from the Customs. Having multi training in diversified fields she counts many years of service and wealth of knowledge which became an asset in doing business. Each experience added value to her business proposition. Marleena takes off the burden of many with her efficient service delivery and today has made steady strides amidst the ever growing competition. She was interviewed by Daily News Business.

Excerpts of the interview.

Q: How do you describe your line of business?

A: Worldwide Relocation Services (Pvt) Ltd is logistic service provider specializing in packing and relocating, both locally and internationally.

The company was set up in 2008 in Colombo, as a private limited entity.

The office is situated at Vauxshall Street and I have a staff which consists of 16 members where all the work including the administrative work is handled by them.

Our core business is handling and packaging of household and personal goods.

We also provide ware housing for export and import of general cargo.

Besides the supply chain management, we have diversified into project cargo which is brought in for exhibition purposes.

Q: How do you manage time to handle your personal life?

A: If you are organized and methodical there is time for everything. One needs to make the supporting staff responsible and accountable of their work. Develop their skills and capabilities. Provide job training for the staff to ensure that they are capable of handling any work.

Q: What motivated you to engage in business?

A: I was in a state of tiredness working and I prematurely retired. However, a few colleagues in the industry managed to get me back. I am ever grateful to Gehan Kumara and Jerom Delan of Transcare Logistics(Pvt.) Ltd. The two of them were instrumental personalities who helped and assisted me to venture into business. They extended all assistance and support in the establishment of Worldwide Relocation Services, besides my family. I have no regrets and enjoy my work.

Q: What are your goals?

A: My goal is to be the key professional and preferred service provider over the competitors. We provide personalized service and educate the clients of the required procedure to follow from the first contact point. We have received positive responses and strive to maintain the service level with necessary improvements.

Q: How do you face challenges of competition?

A: As a healthy motivation factor for being innovative in the industry we look forward to follow different strategies.

This has delighted our customers and has ensured the sustainability of the business.

However, competition is not a threat to me and it stimulates my march forward. Every challenge is a learning process to facilitate further development which is useful for the business.

Q: What is your speciality?

A: The logistics service is appreciated by the clients where encouraging feedback is received constantly.

Apart from the heavy involvement in business, I do engage in gardening and bird watching.

Q: What examples do you provide others?

A: Never feel shy to learn. Every day we learn something new.

One needs to have a vision and goal and take every challenge as a motivation factor. I ensure that I understand the bigger picture and have proper direction. I am resourceful due to my experience, knowledge and training. I am straight forward and I drive the point where it is necessary without hesitation. I send my staff for periodical training to keep them updated and provide high quality service.

Q: What are your achievements in family life and business?

A: My present statute itself is a big achievement besides being accepted as a member at the International Association of Movers of America the biggest moving organization in the world. I value the confidence placed by my clients in taking the business forward.

Q: What is your message to society?

A: In today’s context, it is essential for us to be law abiding and disciplined citizens.

I need to thank my Guru - Pius Paiva who assisted and educated me in my present career of the logistic industry, Aitken Spence who was the training institution of my present career path.

I developed a fully fledged packaging division for Aitken Spence. This automated packaging division and development of supply chain mechanism was a valuable experience as I applied this knowledge in my business.

I also need to thank my Alma Mater, Zahira College Gampola. My success has been that I had a varied working career. Every career taught me something new and I used that training in developing my career path.

As a result, I became resourceful and had a wide range of contacts which is useful in my present career.

Nothing is impossible in this world when you work with a positive frame of mind. You need to have an “I can do” attitude.

As Dr. Mahathir Mohamad said, “to be a great leader, one needs to have good strategies, be knowledgeable and be able to predict the future”.