At least one sector in the Emirates appreciates long, sunny days: sunglasses manufacturers such as Maui Jim. Here, the company's managing director in the Middle East and North Africa, Martine Larroque, discusses a typical day on the job.
Between 6am and 6.30am
Usually I wake up. I go to the gym. It's the best way to think. I need to exercise; I'm a very hyperactive person.
Around 9am
I go to the office. I go to the warehouse to make sure the latest shipments arrived. Whenever we have a new collection, I wear them. [My personal collection] is very small. We always say the shoemaker wears the worst shoes.
I start with the accounts and see what the latest issues are we have with customer service. Sometimes we face challenges [replacing customers' glasses]. In customs, the products can be stopped. Sometimes it takes two to three days, but our aim is 24 hours.
Lunch
Usually I'm still in the office. I like to spend time with my customers. Whenever I have time on a very casual basis, I like to meet them during lunch. This is a very French thing. We are not very corporate - tie and suit. We're more shorts and flip-flops but very professional. This is the 'aloha' culture.
Early Afternoon
Maui Jim has its own sales representatives. Overall with the operation we have 13 in the region ... When they have a problem, I do not want to solve it for them. I would like to help them, but [also] see what will they do to overcome the problem. This is the kind of mentoring and coaching I'm doing. I had a case where one of my colleagues was weak on organisation, and you need to spend a lot of time with them. Usually we say, 'What do you think you need to improve, and I will help.' By this I build trust.
Late Afternoon
In retail we work with opticians. We do not own our retail. I was in Qatar [recently] travelling with one of my reps, visiting accounts and discussing our marketing plan [on] what to do to improve the business. We visit point of sales and try to help them on the merchandising side.
In the past [in Saudi Arabia] I had a rep. I said, 'We need to be present there.' You have to have a lot of patience. I'm in the final stage of being set up [there]. The biggest challenge is to get resident permits for my staff.
Around 5pm
I clean my desk. I don't like to see any papers or pending things.
After Work
I started to take golf lessons. I don't have any handicap - my handicap is golf.
Between 7 and 8pm
I try to eat early. I love cooking at home.
Sometimes I go for a conference call. I work with the US [from] time to time.
Around 11pm
I meditate. I clean my mind. I need eight hours' sleep.
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