SRC Group deliver turn-key solutions for complex maritime and offshore projects. They have worked on more than 5000 projects across the globe, from small repairs to turnkey retrofits. They have regional offices in the USA, Italy, the Netherlands (Port of Rotterdam), Norway, Poland, and Estonia, where they are headquartered. Their specialties are ship repair & refit project management. This includes design & engineering, technical refit, electrical refits, and interior refits.
Today, we’re meeting the inspirational Shirin Din!
Shirin is Director, Business Development – Global Accounts at SRC Group AS.
Tell me about about your role with the company..
As business development director at SRC, I keep my finger on the company’s pulse. I am constantly monitoring all the aspects of the global economy that can affect our business, whether political events, natural disasters, or fluctuations in the financial markets in order to forecast companies products and services long/short sales strategy and goals. I also keep a sharp eye on various opportunities for new business and communicating with new and existing clients.
What has been your favourite project to work on?
Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway
Which is your favourite ship and why?
I have two favourites. First on is Royal Princess, because I was involved with her from the day she was under construction. The second one is Scarlet Lady, because she is different and I love the people who work onboard.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve faced in your career so far?
Personally, I think I passed and left any obstacle behind though out the years. I’m so pleased and happy to see we as women established our presence in every level and position within the Industry compare to 26 years ago when I started my career.
Do you have an industry insight you can share or a fun fact about the sector you work in?
While our industry is as endless and big as four Oceans, at the same time it’s as small as Benxi Lake. It’s like a Swamp that anyone who gets into it, has no way out but retirement. People might resign, get laid off but will end up in another marine or cruise company. We all turn around and around the same route with similar itineraries.
What’s one piece of advice you would offer someone new to the industry?
If you are here just for the sake of having a job and a secure income….. tomorrow is late, quit today. You have to love and passionate for what you do. You must feel belongness to Maritime.
What’s the career highlight you’re most proud of?
Every single day of my Maritime life has been a glory for me.
What do you like about CSI+?
It is a great networking platform giving an opportunity to the folks from different sectors to get together and know about each other. It also give everyone the chance to share their insights and also stays tuned and updated with the industry.
What do you love about the Cruise Interiors industry?
I have always have a core involvement with technical side of the Maritime industry until 2019 when I add cruise ship interior to my portfolio. It showed me a totally different face of the industry. The beautiful, fancy, clean and sexy part of it.
What are you top resources for this industry?
Specifically speaking about the cruise interior sector: I believe Cruise Ship Interior Expo team have played the main and major role.
Who or what inspires you in your career?
People. Those who came along my way and till today are my best friends who I’m honoured to know them.
What has changed the most about the cruise interiors sector since you started?
Although cruise interior is a very young and growing sector within the cruise industry and despite the obstacles and challenges it faced because of pandemic, it has managed to remain strong, continuing to grow, with visible achievements and becoming a real deal as an independent sector within the cruise industry.
What are you looking forward to in 2022 or what are you hoping to achieve?
I am looking forward to a strong and stable return of industry with hopes to achieve my goals.
Let’s get to know Shirin a little better!
Where do you live? Where do you spend most of your time?
I live in Southern California. I work remotely but spending a lot of time in Miami where our local office and cruise companies are based.
What was your first ever job? How did you get into this industry?
My first ever job was tutoring when I was in collage. But how I got into this industry….. a very unexpected, unplanned event where I was invited by a dear friend to a dinner in Dubai where I was privileged to meet with many key decision makers and executives of Middle East and Asian Marine companies.
What did you want to be when growing up? What was your dream job as a child?
I would’ve loved to be a journalist and one day, write a book.
What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
Going to the beach with my dog in the morning and BBQing with friends and family at my place… Enjoying some Bourbon and a Cigar later in the evening.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Chianti in Tuscany
What was the best vacation you’ve ever taken and why?
When I took my niece on a road trip around France and Italy. She took my hidden, un-grown child out of me during that trip and doing many crazy and fun things together.
If you could relive one moment in your life, which would it be?
Such a question….. you guys got me. Well if I could I wouldn’t sign a paper and would walk away.
Is there a product/item that you couldn’t live without?
Yes. Chianti Wine and Bourbon Whiskey
Best film you’ve seen or best concert you’ve ever been to?
Sting’s 2003 concert in Dubai.
Which famous person in history would you want to spend the day with?
Napoleon Bonaparte
What’s would be your 3 course meal of choice with a drink?
Green Salad, fine steak or pasta, hot fudge chocolate with ice cream and red wine
Favourite film / book and why?
Gone with the wind both film/book. The personality and attractiveness of Rhett Butler
Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself or something we don’t know? Any hidden talents?!
I’ve graduated in Literature, I’m a writer with several international awards.
Thank you so much Shirin! Some wonderful insights there!
You can connect with Shirin on LinkedIn HERE.
And follow SRC for the latest updates HERE.