Shazmi Ali is an influential figure in the corporate world, widely recognised for his expertise in human resources management and organisational leadership. He currently holds the esteemed position of Global Vice President of Human Resources at Shell, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s workforce strategies, overseeing its global business operations, and managing HR activities in Malaysia. His extensive experience in the corporate sector, coupled with his innovative approach to leadership, has made him a respected voice in the industry. Beyond his impressive career, Shazmi is a devoted father who places great emphasis on family values, ensuring a balance between his professional commitments and personal life. He is also a former national touch rugby player, representing Malaysia on an international stage, a testament to his discipline, teamwork, and dedication to excellence.
Furthermore, he is a firm believer in continuous learning and self-improvement, advocating for both personal and professional development as key components of success. His journey is one of resilience, perseverance, and dynamic leadership, shaped by his ability to adapt to challenges and inspire those around him. With a strong commitment to mentorship, Shazmi has dedicated much of his career to guiding individuals towards reaching their full potential, emphasising the importance of confidence, hard work, and strategic thinking.
Early Life and Personal Background
Shazmi Ali hails from Shah Alam, Malaysia, where he was born and raised. Despite achieving great professional success, he remains deeply connected to his roots, as his family still resides in Shah Alam. His early life was marked by a balance between academics and extracurricular activities, particularly in sports. He represented Malaysia in the Touch Rugby World Cup, achieving an impressive milestone by helping the team secure six wins, breaking national records. His sports background shaped his teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—qualities that continue to influence his professional life. Despite his corporate commitments, Shazmi identifies first and foremost as a father. He has three children, including twins who are 11 years old and a five-year-old, whom he describes as the “boss of the house.” His deep connection with his family drives many of his decisions, both personal and professional, highlighting his prioritisation of work-life balance.
Passion for People Development
Shazmi’s passion lies in fostering personal and professional growth. He believes in helping people realise their potential and become better versions of themselves. Many individuals, he notes, do not recognise their own capabilities and need guidance to unlock their strengths. His approach to leadership is deeply rooted in this philosophy, as he strives to support and uplift those around him. His own career trajectory is a testament to perseverance. Shazmi applied to Shell twice in his early career but was rejected both times. Rather than being discouraged, he gained experience elsewhere, developing his skills in business and human resources. Seven years after his last rejection, Shell reached out to him, offering him a role. This experience reinforced his belief in resilience, patience, and the concept of “rezeki,” or divine provision. He advocates for an open-minded approach to career opportunities, urging individuals to embrace uncertainties and trust the process of personal growth.
Leadership Philosophy and Approach
Shazmi Ali’s leadership style is characterised by humility, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. He firmly believes that once a leader considers themselves “good,” they risk stagnation. Leadership, according to him, is an evolving journey that requires understanding different perspectives and adjusting approaches accordingly. The demographic and expectations of employees change over time, necessitating flexibility in leadership methods. He emphasises that being a leader is not about commanding people but inspiring them. Effective leadership, in his view, involves setting ambitious yet achievable goals while providing guidance and removing obstacles along the way. He believes in pushing people beyond their perceived limitations, as self-imposed mental barriers often hinder progress. His leadership philosophy aligns with the idea that “the only limitations that exist are the ones we set in our minds.” Shazmi also advocates for a leadership approach that credits team success while taking personal accountability for failures. He stresses the importance of trust within an organisation, highlighting that micromanagement signals a lack of faith in employees’ abilities. Trust, he asserts, fosters motivation and productivity, as employees who feel valued and trusted are more likely to perform well.
Work Culture and Organizational Development
As a senior HR leader, Shazmi has played a key role in shaping Shell’s work culture, advocating for flexibility and employee well-being. He supports hybrid work models that prioritise efficiency over rigid office attendance. He recounts instances where Shell trusted employees to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing them with allowances to set up home offices without requiring proof of purchase. This policy, based on trust, reinforced a positive work culture where employees felt respected and empowered.
Shazmi acknowledges that in many traditional corporate environments, there is a tendency to impose blanket policies due to the actions of a small percentage of employees who may take advantage of flexibility. However, he believes that punishing an entire workforce for the actions of a few is counterproductive. He advocates for policies that prioritise the 90% of employees who are responsible and committed, rather than restricting everyone due to the actions of the remaining 10%. He also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in recruitment. He cautions against unconscious biases, where people tend to hire individuals from similar backgrounds. He stresses that everyone deserves an opportunity to prove themselves, regardless of their educational background or previous exposure. His own experiences of facing rejection early in his career reinforce his commitment to creating fair and inclusive hiring practices.
Navigating Career Challenges and Work-Life Balance
Shazmi’s career journey highlights the significance of adaptability, prioritisation, and the delicate balance between professional ambition and personal commitments. Throughout his career, he has held prominent roles in multinational corporations, yet he has always remained deeply devoted to his family. At one stage, his work took him to Singapore while his family continued to reside in Malaysia, requiring him to travel home every weekend to be with them. However, a poignant moment with his young daughter, who candidly pointed out his frequent absence, served as a wake-up call. This heartfelt realisation prompted him to reassess his priorities, ultimately leading him to accept a role in Malaysia that allowed him to spend more time with his loved ones.
Shazmi acknowledges that work-life balance is a deeply personal concept, varying from one individual to another. Some prefer to complete all their tasks before leaving the office, ensuring a clear separation between work and home life. Others, like himself, adopt a more fluid approach, seamlessly integrating work and personal responsibilities in a way that aligns with their values and circumstances. His ability to negotiate flexibility with his employer, while continuing to excel in his career, exemplifies the importance of open communication and the need to establish clear boundaries. His journey serves as a testament to the idea that professional success does not have to come at the expense of personal fulfilment but rather can be achieved through mindful choices and a commitment to what truly matters.
Commitment to Mentorship and Education
Beyond his corporate role, Shazmi aspires to transition into teaching in the future, driven by a deep passion for sharing knowledge and nurturing the next generation of leaders. He strongly believes that knowledge should not be kept to oneself, but rather shared freely to empower others. He frequently engages with students and young professionals, offering valuable insights and advice based on his extensive experiences. His goal is to guide aspiring professionals and help them navigate the often challenging paths of their careers with greater confidence and clarity.
Shazmi is particularly dedicated to encouraging students and young professionals to break free from the constraints of self-doubt and impostor syndrome, especially those hailing from non-elite backgrounds. He often emphasises that university life presents a clean slate, where everyone, regardless of their past educational experiences or socio-economic status, starts on an equal footing. He reminds them that their potential is not limited by their background but is shaped by their ability to adapt, persevere, and embrace the opportunities before them. Through his interactions, Shazmi actively promotes the idea that success is not determined by where one comes from, but by one’s willingness to overcome obstacles, work hard, and continuously grow. His message resonates with those facing adversity, inspiring them to believe in their own capabilities and to pursue excellence without fear of failure. In this way, Shazmi is not only shaping future professionals but also instilling in them the values of resilience, growth, and self-belief, which are vital to achieving long-term success.
Resilience and Decision-Making
Shazmi acknowledges that difficult decisions are an inevitable part of leadership. He believes that leaders must make choices that are not only in the best interest of the organisation but also take into account long-term sustainability, rather than making decisions based on the desire to please others or to gain short-term approval. His approach to decision-making is rooted in a sense of responsibility, emphasising that leadership is about making tough choices for the greater good, even when they may not be popular or immediately understood. However, he also highlights the importance of self-reflection and humility, recognising that no leader is infallible. In his view, being a leader requires an ongoing commitment to learning and growth, and it is crucial for leaders to acknowledge their mistakes and use them as stepping stones towards personal and professional development. Shazmi’s perspective on resilience is particularly insightful and is beautifully encapsulated in a quote by Tom Hanks: “This too shall pass.” He firmly believes that both successes and failures are transient moments in time, and it is essential for individuals to maintain a mindset that is adaptable and forward-thinking. Whether navigating through a difficult setback or celebrating a major achievement, he encourages people to stay grounded, remembering that circumstances will evolve, and new opportunities will always emerge, even in the most challenging times. For Shazmi, resilience is not just about enduring hardship, but about embracing change, learning from experiences, and remaining open to the future, no matter what challenges may arise.
Conclusion
Shazmi Ali is a dynamic leader whose journey is defined by perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to people development. His experiences as an athlete, corporate leader, and mentor have shaped his philosophy on leadership, trust, and resilience. Through his work at Shell and his aspirations to educate future generations, he continues to inspire individuals to unlock their potential and strive for excellence. His story serves as a testament to the power of determination, humility, and the belief that success is not defined by where one starts but by the willingness to grow and embrace new opportunities.
