Mustafa Duman: Lawyer for 35 years, captain, father of two daughters, grandfather of one granddaughter, a man who loves the sea, nature and life.
S.N: How did you start sailing and what does this passion mean in your life?
M.D: I sailed on my friends' boats for a long time and participated in races. The sea is a passion for me, my sine qua non, my source of life. In 2011, I bought my own boat and sailed in many places including the bays of Turkey and the Aegean Islands. I established very successful sailing race teams, we made a lot of mention of ourselves in national media, TV, newspapers and magazines, social media with our first Atatürk silhouetted balloon, our specially designed jerseys, making a difference, with successful results.
S.N: How did the discipline and strategic thinking skills you gained in sailing help you in your legal career?
M.D: First I was a lawyer, then I became a sailor, the question should be asked as the contribution of the discipline and strategic thinking skills I gained in law to sailing.
In 2001, I founded the first law firm in Turkey and the third in the world to be managed with Total Quality Management, to have a corporate structure, to be strong and trustworthy; we were certified by the British Standard Institute (BSI) and audited for years. We became the tax record holder in a row, we provided legal consultancy and advocacy services to the country's valuable publicly traded companies and holdings. I always cared about the happiness, personal development and hobbies of my colleagues. I equipped them with trainings such as tennis, skiing, golf, effective presentation, crisis management, brainstorming, time management, analytical thinking. I have trained many highly qualified lawyers.
As a lawyer and a leader who has done all this, it was no surprise to make a difference in sailing and to achieve successful results.
S.N: Both law and seafaring are very busy fields, what does the concept of free time mean to you?
M.D: My every moment is full, I don't have free time, I have time for myself. A balance between work, family, me, social environment and hobbies means happiness and success.
S.N: What was your biggest personal achievement in sailing?
M.D: When it comes to sailing, there is no personal success, there is collective success, team success. Because sailing is a team sport. Even though I formed different teams for each race, my teammates remained the same and we succeeded together.
S.N: What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a boat?
M.D: Imagine you are on the sea, you are in a bay you love and your home is there. The disadvantage, unfortunately, is that it is expensive, you can't keep your hands out of your pockets.
S.N: What advice would you give to those interested in both law and sailing? How can they combine these two fields in a productive way?
M.D: Law is a tiring and difficult field. Being a lawyer is very exhausting, whereas sailing and the sea have a relaxing, refreshing and peaceful nature. This is why I strongly recommend sailing to my lawyer friends.
S.N: What is the importance of teamwork in sailing and what is the key to success in this field?
M.D: I explained the importance of the team in answering your previous question, sailing is a team sport. There is no such thing as individual success. In a sailing race, there is no room for the slightest mistake and loss of time; and to achieve this, a team consisting of experienced individuals who know each other, who are in solidarity and take responsibility brings success.
S.N: What do you think are the most important equipment that a boat should have?
M.D: The most important equipment is life safety equipment, without any hesitation.
S.N: Do you have any other goals in terms of law or sailing in your future plans?
M.D: At the moment, I volunteer to give familiarization trainings to my friends who buy new boats and help them get used to their boats and the sea.
Upon the invitation of sailing racing teams, I participate in the race as a Schipper and contribute by determining tactics and strategy. I also have accounts on Instagram and Facebook under the name Sunshine Sailing Team, where I share practical sailing training, racing tips and comments on mistakes made in races. I strive for more sailors and more sailors in Turkey.
In the field of law, in line with the general conjuncture of the country, I mostly focus on consultancy as a professional activity.
Most of my time is spent on activities such as conferences I give to law school students, volunteer mentoring, improving the qualifications of students, and overseas trainings.
I was a candidate for parliamentary candidacy in the general elections last semester, politics is still in my plan.
S.N: Who are the people who have influenced or inspired you the most in sailing or law?
M.D: In law and sailing, there are more triggering events than inspiring people, you have to be idealistic in law. In sailing, you have to prioritize the safety of life and property and race in a gentlemanly manner.
S.N: Finally, can we learn about your life philosophy?
M.D: I love life, I make life enjoyable, I influence my environment, I inspire, I know that increasing the awareness of the individual is the key to social change.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule.
Banu Demir / The Sailor's Newspaper
