Teresa Peacock
Managing Director, Executive Search, Spinnaker
What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
Relax more, worry less, and enjoy the journey. Things generally turn out right in the end but stressing over them won’t affect the outcome.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome these?
Throughout my career there have been hurdles to overcome and new things to master, from dealing with new situations to new technologies. These types of situations can be easier to deal with by speaking to more experienced people than yourself, but a common challenge many women (and men) may experience, which is more difficult to deal with, is self-doubt. Studying the psychology behind these self-doubts and understanding the reasons for them definitely helps. Remember you are not the only one who has those thoughts! Be Brave, Be Bold!
Who would you say was your role model either now, or when you were growing up?
I have been inspired by many successful women over the years, I have read many biographies and autobiographies on how and why they did the things they did – all of them leaving positive impressions on me. However, the person who I most admire is my father – my work ethic definitely came from him! But he was also a very caring man, he was a great listener and that I believe is one of the most important traits of a good leader.
What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
This is a great time to join the industry because technology is advancing and creating new opportunities for all. There is a real desire for equity within the sector so don’t be put off by the thought of it being a male dominated environment. When you see a role you are interested in then go for it, don’t worry about not ticking all of the required boxes – especially if the role is within the company you are already working in.
Kim Jefferies
Special Adviser, Gard AS
What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
After close to 40 years in maritime law and P&I claims, I am soon retiring. Looking back on my career, I would not change a thing. I feel grateful for the opportunities I have had. Leaving private law practice in the USA for work with Gard P&I Club in Arendal, Norway 23 years ago was the best decision I could have made. Rather than advise my younger self, I would pat her on the back for making such a bold and life-changing decision.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome these?
For me, entering private maritime law practice in the 1980s was more luck than design. The firm was small, and my mentors were men. I think at that time, gender-based differences in pay and advancement were either not acknowledged or broadly accepted. I was made a partner in the firm without pushing for it and my dissatisfaction with private legal practice had to do with work-life balance hence the move to Gard in Norway.
What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
I recently had the pleasure of listening to an interview between my Gard colleague Monica Kohli and Nancy Karigithu, who is the Kenya Special Envoy for Maritime and Blue Economy and has thrown her hat into the ring for Secretary General of the IMO. When asked a similar question she counselled young women to “just show up” and to “not sweat the small stuff.” I agree entirely with these sentiments. I am not a fan of “fake it ‘til you make it” but I do think young women should put themselves forward despite self-doubt and take some chances to find their place in a career as well as life.
Victoria Hatton
Senior Lawyer / Commercial Contracts / Dispute Resolution / Maritime, Tenet Law
What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
Stop caring what anyone thinks and say what you want more!
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome these?
Failing exams, difficult people, complex situations, and more. I think the best thing is to go through these tough times in order to grow even though it may not feel like the ‘best’ thing at the time. Talking things through also definitely makes you realise how strong you already are and that every problem can be solved through speaking out.
Who would you say was your role model either now, or when you were growing up?
My role model is my mum – confident, fearless, and so much fun!
What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
If maritime is what you love, just go for it! There is room here for all of us!
