What I learnt from Mr. Maersk McKinney Moller

AK
Apr 25, 2019
2 min read

As I was looking up through some old files, I came across a letter that was sent to me back in 2006. It was a thank you note - a memorabilia that will be cherished.

Mr. Moller was visiting the APM Terminals HQ's in the Hague for the first time. I was called in by the then CEO Mr. Kim Fejfer and was asked if I would be willing to felicitate Mr. Moller on behalf of the company. This would involve saying a few words and handing over a small gift including signed good wishes from all the staff. It was a great honour, I readily accepted, not really thinking through it.

The few words turned out to be more than a few paragraphs, and I was not allowed to read it. But it was fine, I could handle it. I was ready for Mr. Moller. It was only when he entered the building that a cold sweat went down my spine. He was a rather tall man and had such an incredible presence, it wasn't difficult to see why everyone was in awe. All the senior VP's in the company basically grew up on his legend, and here he was in person. Oh dear, what have I gotten myself into!

Everyone gathered at the foyer, and then the moment came. There was nowhere to hide. I proceeded to say the scripted words to Mr. Moller. I didn't mess up - things work out when failure is not an option.

I then handed him a beautiful self portrait standing against Pier 400 Los Angeles.

And then the signed good wishes from all my colleagues. He looked at it and said, "Are these complaints?" The whole room burst out laughing. The magic of humor.

The next week, Mr. Fejfer summoned me into his office and handed me a letter. Mr. Moller had sent me a personal thank you note after he reached Denmark. We looked at each other, humbled by the graciousness of this great man.