Karen Ogidigben
Algoma Central Corporation
What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
Imposter syndrome is Ok, and many leaders learn on the job. Stop doubting yourself.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome these?
For someone like me that the world identifies as a visible minority, I think it has been getting people to understand me and I them. Being a woman is often hard, especially in the Maritime industry but being a black woman is almost non-existent and this can be a toll. However, for me, it is about doing the right thing and making the right impact. It is about getting the job done but also respecting people and caring for their growth and development. I chose to stop seeing the discrimination or the biases and just enjoy life as it comes.
Who would you say was your role model either now, or when you were growing up?
Right now, I look up to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, she doesn’t know! It is her resilience, her grace, and her ability to know her capabilities and climb the ladder in spite of everything.
What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
Go for it! You will shine, you will learn, well sometimes you will cry, but it is a fulfilling career path and yes you will grow. Network and create your own community of both men and women in the industry that see you and will be the pivot you need.
Jenny Bazakas
Senior Legal Counsel
What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
Keep your eyes on opportunities and be risk tolerant enough to seize them. Follow your passion but don’t always be serious.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome these?
There is no question that working in the law can be highly stressful: long hours, short deadlines and complex work, etc and therefore achieving a work/life balance has been difficult. Setting goals to do the things you love, switching off or compartmentalising, and cultivating relationships outside the law are critical to maintaining mental & physical well-being.
Who would you say was your role model either now, or when you were growing up?
My role model would be Felicity Hampel AM SC
What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
Go for it! It is a very dynamic industry. Be authentic, trust your instincts, and keep an open mind.
Heidi Watson
Partner, Clyde & Co
What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
There’s so much opportunity within the sector for ambitious young women as the sector becomes ever more diverse.
It’s not all about seafarers, the onshore maritime community is thriving and has so many diverse and fulfilling roles.
Being a lawyer in the sector is intellectually challenging as well as offering up the chance to work with some great people.
Who would you say was your role model either now, or when you were growing up?
My Mum! I am in awe of her resilience and commitment to whatever she is doing. It set an incredible example to me.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome these?
Being the kind of Mum I want to be to my kids while doing a high-intensity job. I’m not sure I have the perfect solution to this challenge but certainly, since the pandemic, I have been able to find a way to do both in a flexible way where I can be present for my kids in a way which was not possible before.
What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
