Economist discovers passion in furniture design

It was an ambitious venture, and one that Adamali has replicated strategically in various formats in other parts of the world, which is why he cannot be content just running the family business.

Describing his life as a ‘balancing act’ between the furniture business and consultancy work, Adamali admits it hasn’t been easy installing new systems and getting his staff to cultivate the same professional work ethic that he has.

Then I could devote more time to my consultancy work,” said Adamali who runs his own consultancy firm when he’s not absorbed in the family business.

By day he runs Woodcharm, including the basement factory where 35 furniture makers work with mahogany imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo. “I also do marketing, sales and public relations with the other (white collar) segment of my staff,” he added.

But by night, Adamali juggles a variety of other interests, including the consultancy work he used to do with the World Bank and the OTF Group based in Boston.

“OTF stands for On the Frontier,” said Adamali who consulted with that Group in Rwanda, India, the Caribbean and Afghanistan where he spent two years devising economic strategies to stimulate private sector development.

It was an ambitious venture, and one that Adamali has replicated strategically in various formats in other parts of the world, which is why he cannot be content just running the family business.

Describing his life as a ‘balancing act’ between the furniture business and consultancy work, Adamali admits it hasn’t been easy installing new systems and getting his staff to cultivate the same professional work ethic that he has.

But he has also been impressed with how quickly his staff has adapted, especially as he admits he is something of a perfectionist.

“I not only have the Gujurati work ethic in my blood; I also cultivated a ‘Protestant work ethic’ while working in the States,” said Adamali who appreciates the straight forward style of the Yanks.

“They don’t beat around the bush; they just expect you to get the job done. And I like that style of performance. It’s what we are striving to do at Woodcharm.”