At the Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT) in Egypt, Mariam Alabbasy is turning complex processes into powerful stories, while paving the way for more women in operations.
I currently work in Operations Development & Flow Support, and I’ve been with SCCT for almost two years.
My role focuses on driving continuous improvement in operational processes and flow efficiency.
The most rewarding aspect of my role is being able to visualise complex processes and present them in a clear, impactful way. Through my presentations, I get to highlight not only the operational improvements in question but also the efforts of the people behind them.
A well-crafted presentation carries its own power – it allows others to see the project through my eyes, understand the full journey and connect with the outcome.
What’s even more fulfilling is that my work has started to gain recognition; colleagues now seek my support in telling their own stories through presentations. That makes me feel truly valued and trusted.
My job's not just about improving operations – it’s about how those improvements are communicated. Translating technical work into clear insights requires creativity and clarity.
What many don’t see is the effort behind making complex processes understandable and impactful for others.
I began my journey at SCCT as a trainee in the landside execution team, where I provided operational support. I then moved into the planning department as an operations support coordinator. Most recently, I joined the newly established Operations Development & Flow Support team.
This role was particularly challenging because we had to build everything from the ground up – creating standards, designing workflows and setting a clear foundation for the department’s future.
Be kinder to yourself. Don’t compare your early steps to someone who’s been in the field for 15 years. Growth takes time, and with consistency, curiosity and hard work, you’ll get there.
Focus on learning, not on being perfect – you don’t have to have it all figured out from day one.
Public speaking. I used to avoid it entirely. But at SCCT, I slowly started facing the fear of public speaking – first through giving small presentations during a Lean journey and, later, delivering a speech at my graduation in front of APMT senior management.
Today, I regularly present in front of SCCT staff, and it has become a strength I continue to build.
Miriam is pictured here presenting with CEO Keith Svendsen and Head of Hubs and Collaboration Lars Mikael Jensen.
It’s empowering.
Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry and being able to make my voice heard, contribute to operational development and be seen as a valued team member is something I take great pride in.
I hope I’m able to encourage other women to pursue similar roles with confidence.
I’d love to see more mentorship programmes, stronger representation of women in leadership roles and a continued focus on inclusive workplace culture.
Visibility and support make a big difference in encouraging women to step into and thrive in technical environments.
Beyond honing my presentation skills, I’m currently focused on enhancing my data analysis capabilities to drive operational improvements.
I’m also working on optimising the structure and efficiency of standard meetings, ensuring they deliver real value and foster collaborative problem-solving.
Each day brings a new challenge, whether it’s supporting teams, refining processes or driving improvements.
I stay close to the action, always looking for ways to add value and grow through every experience.
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