MHI Solutions Improving Supply Chain Performance
Inside MHI
The people who work at MHI and its WERC division are the gears that keep the association rolling. They ensure MHI continues to be a valuable association and resource for people involved in the industry and do so with wit, competence and a smile on their face. The goal of this column in MHI Solutions magazine is to give readers a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes at MHI and “meet” the people who make it a successful hub for everyone involved in the material handling industry.
For this issue, Maurice Rahman and Katie Dean give us a peek into what they do, how they do it, what drives them and what makes them happy after a long, productive day at work.
Maurice Rahman
Leadership and Development Team Coordinator
Why were you attracted to MHI and this industry as a career choice?
What attracted me to MHI was its friendly work environment and knowledgeable staff. Throughout the interview process, I was introduced to several amazing individuals who I genuinely found interesting and felt I could learn a lot from. I was also able to see the impact my role would have on their mission and vision and how I could grow as a professional alongside their teams. This combined let me know I wanted to become part of the MHI team.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your position at MHI?
My best skills are my curiosity and natural inclination toward teaching and communication. My curiosity drives me to seek opportunities for professional growth and techniques to strengthen my instructional methods. My inclination towards teaching and communication comes from my realization that, as I build new learning opportunities for others, my knowledge increases, which offers more growth opportunities. As the Leadership and Development Team Coordinator, by providing better learning opportunities for others, I continue to build a deeper understanding of myself. The desire to pursue this cyclical relationship is my best skill and trait.
What gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment (professionally) at the end of the day?
My greatest sense of accomplishment comes when I know a program I developed has allowed individuals to feel accomplished in their learning and ready to apply it as they see fit. I feel I have a unique, personal style of teaching and I feel a sense of accomplishment when I can use my teachings to contribute towards the educational growth of others.
What’s a typical day like for you?
A typical day for me is working with my team to organize and set upcoming workshops, communicating with professionals to collaborate on projects and completing my professional development goals.
Finish the sentence. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me… On a tennis court or driving range.
I try to start with some physical activity before brunch hours hit and then I am off to catch up with friends around town.
What event/excursion (in your life) would you consider adventurous or especially meaningful?
An especially-meaningful excursion in my life was my recent trip to Spain with several close friends. They preyed on my FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and convinced me to join them. The sights, the food, the experiences—it was all amazing and some of the most memorable moments of my life.
What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
When not working, I’m happiest dancing. It’s something I picked up later in life and has allowed me to meet fascinating people, create lifelong bonds and travel abroad, and is something I hold dear to my heart.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?
If I could live anywhere, it would be Madrid, Spain. My experience there was like no other and there were several times when I stopped, looked around and said, “I could definitely see myself living here.”
Katie Dean
Membership Coordinator
What aspect of the industry is most intriguing to you?
Technology is the most fascinating aspect of this industry for me. I am amazed at how far technology has come in my lifetime, and working for an association like MHI and seeing it up close and personal is most intriguing.
Why were you attracted to MHI and this industry as a career choice?
I have worked with many aspects of the material handling industry for most of my working life. I’ve used equipment and the technology associated with the material handling industry and have seen the progression over the past 25 years. The attraction to MHI was working for an association that brings the material handling industry together; it is exciting, forward-thinking and elevates the industry by bringing our members together, such as at the ProMat and MODEX shows.
What’s a typical day like for you?
As a membership coordinator, I support our membership team and other departments. I am the point of contact for use of MHI’s state-of-the-art conference center and training rooms, and scheduling and assisting our members and nonmembers in using our facilities is part of my daily work. On a typical day, you can find me answering emails, working on spreadsheets, updating data in our system and coordinating and scheduling conference center use.
What gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment (professionally) at the end of the day?
The greatest sense of accomplishment is a job well done professionally by completing a project or task or providing an act of service. Knowing my skills and work helped a colleague or member breathe easier in some way makes it worth it.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be?
I would live in Amsterdam—with its history and charm, I could be happy there. I would want to live in the Grachtengordel (Canal Belt) neighborhood near shops and cafes. I love art and history, so the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum would be my go-to. Enjoying canal cruises or just riding a bike through the town would be ideal.
Do you have a favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday is Christmas. Growing up in western New England, winters were usually white, and the experience of Christmas was magical. I enjoy the lights and colors and the feel of giving during this holiday, as well as the cookies, sledding and decorating.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
A northern lights (Aurora Borealis) adventure in Svalbard, Norway, is something I have always dreamed about doing and is definitely at the top of my list. I enjoy amateur photography, so this is something I could only dream about as a photographer.
What are some causes you care about?
I started working with Wreaths Across America in 2008, and continue supporting a sponsored cemetery here in Charlotte, NC. Remembering and honoring our veterans by placing a wreath at a soldier’s grave so they are never forgotten is an experience that can only be felt with gratitude.