Daniel Mueller, Ambrey’s Analyst for the Indian Ocean and Middle East, finds his work highly rewarding, knowing that his efforts behind the scenes contribute to real-world safety and security. He advocates for a more data-driven and proactive approach to maritime security, emphasizing that security measures should be based on precise, real-time risk evaluations.
Beyond his professional insights, Daniel encourages a healthier lifestyle while promoting resilience, perseverance, and a strong sense of purpose in both personal and professional endeavors.
SAFETY4SEA: How did it come about that you joined shipping industry and your field of expertise specifically?
A long-standing affinity for the maritime world ultimately led to my decision to join the Navy. Though generally sticking to maritime topics during my university studies, my path to my current role was nonetheless far from straightforward. Initially joining the operations team of a maritime security company, I rapidly achieved the switch to the intelligence department as the Analyst for the Middle East and Indian Ocean.
S4S: What about your current job/ role most excites you and why?
No day is like the other! World events have often reshaped my region of expertise while the company is additionally adapting to these changed demands providing the department with more capabilities and responsibilities. Though often challenging, I am in the amazing position to be responsible for informing clients and the public of regional developments, leading the company in its response to events, and guiding a group of impressive young graduates.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile career investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
The countless hours I have spent analysing the Houthi actions. The findings of that analysis have helped us keep seafarers safe or enable the implementation of more effective countermeasures for those that were already in the area. It is highly rewarding to know your actions behind a desk in England have had a positive impact on a merchant vessel and its crew some 6,000km away in the Red Sea.
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?
I would tell my 18-year-old-self to find and always maintain a balance between body, mind, and soul. Nourish your body with exercise and healthy food, engage your mind with learning and reflection, and nurture your soul with meditation, gratitude, and purpose. That balance fosters peace, resilience, and overall well-being.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your business life?
Reminding myself that every person has their own experiences and preconceptions. When facing misunderstandings with other people it is not because they are being difficult, they merely have a different view on the matter. By understanding those influences, I have improved my ability to address issues and provide support in improving individuals as well as processes in our constant drive to improve.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape and your area of expertise specifically and why?
More engagement of risk management companies by industry bodies. Seafarers could be provided with a comprehensive security framework utilising accurate risk assessments and proactive mitigation measures based on the thorough analysis of real-time data.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
Though I would not say I have a personal motto, a motto offered by an Admiral with whom I once served, “Tradition, Strenge, Kampf” (Tradition, Discipline, Fight) has been appealing at times. ‘Tradition’ being a defining element of our identity, ‘Strictness’ or ‘Discipline’ being elementary to achieving your goals in life when facing adversity, and ‘Fight’ or ‘Struggle’ lending itself to the idea of never giving up.
The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
