In our special column this month, we are glad to host an interview with Mr. Daniel Gent, Energy & Sustainability Manager, UECC, who encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and challenge ourselves in understanding unfamiliar concepts.
Making an overall assessment, he notes that behind major projects, collaboration has been the catalyst and wishes all stakeholders to realize this in our journey towards decarbonization. ”As we try to decarbonise a very traditional sector, it’s important that all participants understand the history, the processes and the end goal.” he says.
SAFETY4SEA: How did it come about that you joined shipping industry and your field of expertise specifically?
Daniel Gent: From a young age I’d always been fascinated with the geography, flags and maps, and a strong urge to travel. At the age of 16 I saw an advert for a maritime cadetship and decided to go for it. After several years in the bunker industry the move towards sustainability felt like a natural place to take my ‘fuel expertise’ and combine it with my passion for action towards a better future.
S4S: What about your current job/ role most excites you and why?
D.G.: I love that so many interesting projects land in my inbox and that I work for an organisation that is prepared to challenge the status quo and explore new ideas. Shipping is an extremely traditional industry and is often quite slow to effect change, UECC will back ambitious targets with investments in new fuels and technologies and commit support to their employees.
S4S: When you think of the word successful who’s the first person who comes to mind and why?
D.G.: I’m wary of putting individuals on a pedestal and I think history has taught us to be careful with who we idolise. Any person who lives according to their beliefs, contributes positively to those around them and finds fulfillment in their daily life should be deemed a success.
S4S: Who is/was the most influential person/mentor to you & why?
D.G.: My parents, of course! They have instilled in me a sense of right and wrong, of choosing the path that brings you happiness, and they taught me that it’s important to stand up for your beliefs – because change does not happen without effort.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile career investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
D.G.: I can’t point to a solitary investment, rather that every minute spent learning about a subject outside of your ‘sphere of knowledge’ is time well spent. To grow, we need to look outwardly and to challenge ourselves in understanding unfamiliar concepts.
S4S: If you could give a piece of advice to your 18-year-old-self one thing, what would it be and why? What piece of advice should you ignore?
D.G.: Whatever it is, find a career that you love, you’ll be infinitely better at it if you enjoy doing it every day.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your business life?
D.G.: Sending myself a short email whenever a new idea pops into my head. Whether I’m sitting on a train or mowing the lawn, just a few words that I can revisit later when I have time to develop them further. Some of the best ideas appear when your brain is not otherwise engaged!
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape and your area of expertise specifically and why?
D.G.: When I look back at our most successful projects, collaboration has been the key. We need to learn to involve all stakeholders and to do so with open intent. As we try to decarbonise a very traditional sector, it’s important that all participants understand the history, the processes and the end goal.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
D.G.: You cannot control what happens to you in life, but you can control your response to it.
The views presented are only those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
