‘Integrity, Respect, and Humor are my North Star’- Rakesh Ayri

Maritime industry veteran Captain Rakesh Ayri, Chief Executive Officer of SEAMEC Limited, speaks to Corporate World on the changing role of the sector in the world 

With more than four decades of international experience in the oil & gas, marine, infrastructure, and construction industries, Captain Rakesh Ayri, Chief Executive Officer of SEAMEC Limited, is an industry veteran with strategic leadership skills, technical expertise and operational excellence. A master mariner and seasoned entrepreneur, Captain Ayri has adeptly traversed intricate ship management, offshore operations, and project execution in varied geographies — Brazil and the Middle East to South Korea, China, and India.

Bringing a keen commercial focus and a people-centric approach to the SEAMEC helm, he offers visionary leadership in every sense and is widely known for his skills in guiding high-performing, cross-cultural teams and deconstructing difficult objectives into effective results. In this special interview with Corporate World, he looks back on his career path, his leadership style, and the changing role of maritime and energy sectors in the world economy.

Q. You have had over four decades in the marine and oil & gas sectors, what inspired you to embark on this career path initially, and how has your journey evolved over time?

As a boy, I was captivated by tales of the sea, dreaming of navigating uncharted waters like the explorers in my adventure novels. The ocean always beckoned me, promising treasure and freedom. That youthful spark led me to a career in the marine and oil & gas sectors, but the journey morphed from chasing horizons to mastering the helm of complex operations. From a wide-eyed seafarer to a strategic leader, I have traded pirate fantasies for the thrill of steering multi-billion-dollar projects through global storms—far more rewarding, with fewer cannonballs!

My journey has indeed been one filled with excitement, challenge, and continuous discovery, though admittedly fewer pirate battles than expected!

Q. Having led multi-cultural teams across Asia, the Middle East and Africa, how do you adapt your leadership style to different work cultures and regulatory environments?

It is a bit like cooking a great international stew — knowing just how much spice and flavor to add based on local tastes! The secret lies in listening and understanding first, then blending my leadership ingredients accordingly. My philosophy is simple: respect local customs, learn their strengths, inject a bit of humor to lighten the mood, and — you have harmonious, productive teams thriving in their unique regulatory pots.

Q. How do you approach strategic decision-making when dealing with complex projects across multiple countries and sectors?

Strategic decision-making is like charting a course through a squall. I rely on data-driven analytics as my compass, but I also trust the instincts honed by decades at sea. Engaging diverse perspectives ensures a full view of the horizon, while vigorous yet respectful debate sharpens the plan. I balance calculated risks with a touch of humor. While we can't control external circumstances, we can adapt and navigate through them by developing our skills, resilience, and determination. As sailors say, “You can’t change the wind, but you can adjust your sails” to reach the destination or if you can't control the tides, but you can learn to swim with the currents”.

Q. How have you leveraged innovation and technology in driving growth or improving operational efficiency?

Technology to me is the best first mate one could ask for—it never complains, works tirelessly, and delivers precision without coffee breaks!

When I started, maritime technology was like navigating with a rusty compass and prayer-sextants, paper charts, and gut instinct ruled the seas. Today, it’s a high-tech odyssey! We’ve traded stargazing for GPS and Dynamic Positioning Systems (DPS), pinpointing our position with laser precision. The Internet onboard has transformed life at sea, connecting mariners to the world, from streaming weather updates to video calls with family—though I still grumble when the Wi-Fi drops mid-storm!

Safety, non-negotiable as ever, is now fortified by state-of-the-art tools: digital twins simulate vessel performance, real-time monitoring flags risks before they escalate, and sophisticated software orchestrates engine management and predictive maintenance, catching issues before they strand us in Davy Jones’ locker. These advancements aren’t just gadgets, they have infiltrated every aspect of a mariner’s life, from navigation to crew welfare, boosting efficiency and safety.

Yet, innovation’s true power lies in fostering a culture of curiosity, where my teams embrace these tools with a playful spirit, turning rough seas into smoother, smarter voyages.

Q. What core values or philosophies have remained constant for you throughout your professional journey?

Integrity, respect, and humor are my North Star. Integrity builds trust, respect unites diverse crews, and humor keeps spirits buoyant in rough seas. Like the sea, I believe in a shared journey—one for all, all for one. This philosophy has steadied my course, ensuring that whether facing tempests or calm waters, we sail together with purpose and camaraderie.

As a mariner at heart, I believe strongly in the philosophy that we are all in the same boat—literally!  Maintaining an even keel ethically and interpersonally has guided my leadership consistently, whether on rough seas or calm.

Q. What is one piece of wisdom you’ve learned through your journey that you’d like to share with our readers?

Stay steady in your values but flexible in your approach. The sea of life is unpredictable, but with adaptability, integrity, and a hearty laugh, you will weather any storm.

Enjoy the journey, not just the destination—because, as any sailor knows, the true treasure is found in the stories you gather along the way. After all, what's the point of reaching the shore if you haven't enjoyed the sail?