As Allen Clifford celebrates 38 years with Mediterranean Shipping Company, he credits his longevity with MSC to the company’s appreciation for hard work, its forward-thinking approach to growing the business and a culture that is open to change, encourages non-traditional thinking and embraces the fresh ideas of young talent.

Early on, Allen recognized this industry would allow him to not only make a mark, but to also make a difference. From the beginning, Allen could see there was tremendous opportunity to learn about—and potentially impact-- the world.

“This industry opened up a whole new world to me. Without the internet or a 24-hour news cycle, people were not exposed to much of the world outside of their city block. The same can’t be said for the youth of today. With social media and access to constant information, this generation is very worldly, more sophisticated. They think bigger, want a social purpose, and, from my perspective, are very eager to make a difference.”

Back in the mid-70s, Allen didn’t learn about global happenings through social media. Instead, he read the Journal of Commerce cover to cover everyday, learning the ins and outs of international trade. He landed a job with a freight forwarder, and eventually joined Containership Agency, which ultimately became Mediterranean Shipping Company.

As MSC’s first US-based representative, Allen worked with Captain Nicola Arena to build MSC USA from the ground up. Although the challenge was daunting and filling a 300-TEU ship seemed like an impossible task, Allen, like many pioneers of his generation, relied on pure grit and hustle to get the job done. 

“I was young and unstoppable and working with a team that had my back, encouraging risk taking and deal making. I have always felt this was a great industry for young go-getters who want to be challenged and recognized for hard work, tenacity and out-of-the-box thinking.”

“One of the reasons I have enjoyed my time with MSC is its culture of showing respect for the newest generation of fresh-thinking colleagues. This organization has an openness to seeing what is not yet visible.  It is critical to me that we balance the history and experience of the senior statesmen with the ‘I have some new and wildly unexpected ideas’ of those just entering the industry.”

Even when Allen first began his career, most of his colleagues were older than him and that trend seemed to continue for most of the last four decades. Allen believed then, as he does now, that the industry benefits from engaging young, eager minds and enjoys grooming and teaching young talent, although he admits sometimes he is learning more from them.

The opportunities for young talent are expanding as the industry turns to technology and is looking for sustainable, environmentally conscious solutions. The supply chain is attracting more and more smart, savvy individuals who are ready to take on the world and make a difference—just as Allen was not so long ago and still is today.

“I am especially proud to be part of MSC—and part of an industry—that helps provide goods and services to those in need around the world. The population is growing and there are people throughout the globe who need food and medicine as well as other goods in order to live. My job allows me to have an impact on people’s lives and that’s not something everyone can say.”

As a CII board member for more than a decade, Allen has long supported the education mission of the organization and has seen the growth of the scholarship program as the industry is beginning to fully understand the value of investing in the future. Allen also takes great pride in being a part of MSC’s robust and well-respected internship program, which provides tremendous hands-on experience.

“I believe that if our industry properly invests in the next generation, it will give back to the industry ten-fold. I can honestly say, based on my experience with MSC and CII, I feel our future is in good hands.”