ISLAND INSIDER

Mariam Al Shaikh


Managing Director of TREXSOL

In light of this edition’s theme, how have you adapted to the new normal?

The coping strategy that has been pushed forward most frequently by the media is to be productive during quarantine. However, I don’t think this is realistic because the millennial generation has not experienced such challenges and conditions before. That is why, since life has slowed down on many different levels, I considered this period a reset button for all facets of my life. For example, on a business level, we started brainstorming new ideas, reevaluating our strategies, and setting a revised plan for the future. We have to change our view of this difficult phase in life, especially so we can make the most of it for ourselves.

Which local hotspot did you miss most in quarantine, and why?

I miss being able to go to my favorite cafés when I face a creativity block. Sitting there and observing the people working around me used to reignite the fire of learning and creativity in myself.

Based on how 2020 turned out to be, what is one thing you hope to accomplish before the end of this year?

The plan for 2020 is survival. Having two branches in Bahrain and Kuwait requires balancing the finances during this challenging period. Not to mention, being unable to fly to Kuwait also requires working virtually with the team. I can certainly say that virtual collaboration and process digitisation – despite distance and financial hardships – is one of my major achievements so far.