SUE FELTON INTERVIEWS MOHAMMED KASSABY (OTG 1996) Mohammed is the CEO of Transport Management Solutions, based in Keysborough. The company provides complete end to end supply chain solutions specifically designed to meet the needs of customers. It offers a range of assorted products to meet delivery requirements, from home delivery to business to business.
After School, I went to Monash for a semester before moving with my family to Sydney for 15 years. I spent some time at Deakin and studied Law/Commerce, particularly enjoying Maritime Law. I gained employment with Dunhill Madden Butler, now PwC Legal, but later decided that the Law was not really my thing.
He loved his time at Trinity!
Who had the greatest influence on you at Trinity? Steve Maus, particularly for his love of the Law, David Mansour for Economics, and Rohan Brown, who never taught me, but was my football coach. All three gentlemen taught me that resilience is a trait you cannot ever do without. Whether it is rebounding after weaker than expected marks at school, or never giving up the football fight, these three gentleman certainly had their way of ensuring I always tried to achieve my best. What have you taken away from your days at the School?
Mohammed Kassaby
Describe your early days at Trinity... I came to the School in Year 10 from Wantirna where I had previously been at the local high school. My cousins went to Ruyton and my older brother attended Trinity and was doing very well under then Headmaster Peter Crawley. So, my father decided to send two of his three sons there. I remember that my father was able to get a ‘dispensation’ from Mr Crawley, so I didn’t have to attend Chapel. Mr Crawley allowed this, but I still had to get to school at the same time. I chose to sit in on each Chapel service anyway because I was very interested in other faiths. My father was concerned that my Muslim faith would be diluted or diminished in some way, but I believed that I was already well grounded and able to accommodate other teachings and messages from other religions.
By far the most powerful lesson I have taken away from Trinity is never stop being who you are, never change who you are, and never compromise on your principles. I suppose this is why I didn’t feel like I fitted in the legal industry as, for me, it felt like you had to be someone you’re not. An individual’s character is something nobody should ever try to influence or take away. Trinity certainly helped me cement my character, and establish a sound framework for the university years. What advice would you give to young men leaving Trinity? Never stop learning and never focus on matters that you can’t control. These two statements, in my opinion, work hand in hand. The more knowledge someone has, the more he is able to think for himself. The less we empower ourselves with knowledge, the more we focus on matters we can’t control – this is an attribute of a weak character. Life is so short, if you dwell on matters you can’t control, you are not enjoying the sweet flavours life has to offer. If you don’t better yourself, even if it’s by half a percent, every day, you won’t realise that there is an abundance of opportunities that await. Start by smiling – it won’t cost you anything.
I recall writing an English essay for my teacher Ms Snape during which I talked about my difficulty relating to Gallipoli and Anzac Day. It was awarded a prize for its authenticity and sincerity about my lack of emotional connection to the celebration. It certainly has new meaning to me now.
THE TRINITY GRAMMARIAN | Vol 32 No 3
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