Beyond the Briefcase
Mahesh Kotian,
General Manager, Shipping, at MOL (India) Pvt. Ltd.
A seasoned Marine Engineer with over 27 years of experience - 16 years at sea and 11 years ashore, Mr. Mahesh brings deep technical insight and operational excellence to his role. His journey reflects a rare blend of maritime expertise, leadership, and a passion for continuous learning that has shaped his approach to both people and performance.
What keeps you inspired
outside of work?
Outside work, I am inspired by continuous learning and personal growth. I enjoy traveling, meeting new people, spending time in nature, and jogging. These experiences help me feel grounded and refreshed. I love meaningful, insightful, and humorous conversations as they often offer new perspectives and help me see things differently. Such exchanges deepen my understanding of the world and broaden my awareness of diverse viewpoints, cultures, and experiences. They enrich my ability to connect, communicate, and collaborate more effectively, both personally and professionally.
A book, podcast, or idea that shaped your
thinking recently?
I am currently reading And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini. His other books, The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, especially The Kite Runner, have left a deep impact on me. The book immerses you in a child’s world set against the backdrop of war, fear, and loss. It makes you realize how fortunate we are to live in freedom, where education and safety are everyday realities, not privileges. It is a powerful reminder not to take these blessings for granted and to stay mindful and grateful for them.
Along with modern literature, I regularly listen to podcasts and read the epic Mahabharata. This timeless work offers profound insights into human nature, duty, and ethics. Its narratives and moral dilemmas continue to provide valuable guidance, helping make sense of many challenges we face today. It reminds me to stay grounded and humble while navigating the complexities of the modern world.
What advice would you give your younger self starting out in this industry?
As someone who began his career in a technical role, I would advise my younger self to look beyond the technical aspects and explore other verticals within the industry. Gaining a broader perspective early on helps you understand how different parts of the business are interconnected. It provides valuable insight into the industry as a whole, which supports long term growth and career development.
One leadership habit you swear by?
Consistent communication.
If you weren’t in shipping, what would you
be doing?
If not in shipping, I would probably be working in the bureaucracy or armed forces. If not those two, then I would likely have ventured into the restaurant or food business, true to my Udupi roots.
What does ‘One MOL’ mean to you personally?
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.
What’s one leadership lesson that changed
how you lead?
One key leadership lesson I have learned is the importance of being both a good listener and an analytical thinker. In operations and business development, listening carefully helps you understand your customers and your team, their ideas, challenges, and motivations. Analytical thinking ensures decisions are thoughtful and well informed. Together, they build trust, foster collaboration, and lead to better outcomes for both the customer and the team.
A professional skill you still
want to master?
In my current and previous roles, I have been involved in implementing and negotiating contracts with various customers. While I am generally satisfied with my approach, I believe the art of negotiation can always be refined further.
One dream role or assignment you'd love to
take on at MOL?
I do not particularly believe in dream roles or titles. To me, every assignment is an opportunity to learn, grow, and create value. What excites me most about being at MOL is the chance to contribute meaningfully to its growth by taking on initiatives that push me to think differently, collaborate across teams, and deliver real impact. For me, it is less about the position I hold and more about the difference I can make and the skills I develop along the way. As long as my work aligns with MOL’s vision and allows me to grow with the company while driving meaningful outcomes, that would be my dream assignment. Roles rotate, but reputation stays.
One fun fact most colleagues
wouldn’t know?
I am like an open book. If you are interested and interesting, our conversation could be truly enchanting.
