Get To Know: Robert Raslan

I have been involved in the Taxi Industry for more than 35 years. I joined the NSW Taxi Industry while I was studying and wanted to earn extra income. I started as a Taxi driver and continued working in the industry in various roles like – fleet assistant, call centre operator, supervisor, customer service, and eventually General Manager and CEO. During this time, I have never asked anyone to do my job or take advantage of any position I’ve given.

1. Who is someone you admire and why?
I have always admired our past and present Diggers; Anzac Day is the most special day of the year for me. I have had the privilege of assisting the Taxi Industry with the Anzac Day March for the past 18 years. I also admire Nick Abrahim (Deputy CEO, NSW Taxi Council) for his dedication and offering his time for this special day.

2. What would be your personal motto?

“We don’t have problems, we have solutions.”
This came about in 2015 when I had a call from an account holder (DVA) and the caller said to me: “Rob, I have a problem, can you help me out?” I said out of the blue, “we don’t have problems we have solutions” and it just stuck. I have used that ever since.
3. Finish this sentence…. On Sunday mornings,
you can usually find me reading a real newspaper (not on the phone), having a coffee or 3, and watching my daughter play Soccer.

4. How do you think your colleagues would describe you?
They say I care too much – care about drivers, our passengers and our accounts. Why do I care? Because I love the industry!

5. What publications do I read?
I read and collect the Phantom comics. I believe I have every copy except 4. I also read the papers on the weekends that include all sports. Love to watch the Dragons in the NRL and the Swans in the AFL.

6. Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was 10 I was asked to sing in the Opera House with the school choir. We received a standing applause and I thought, this is good I can do this forever, then I was introduced to girls and all that changed. Do not take advantage of your job, sometimes you could be the difference whether overseas tourists have a good holiday or wish they never came to Sydney.

More news in our June 2021 Issue here.