Women in Shipping #IWD2023 – Day 3 (Part 2)

international womens day

Karen Martin

Commercial Director, London International Shipping Week

What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
Never be afraid to be yourself. It’s enough, focus on your strengths and not your weaknesses. Your weakness is someone else’s strength – be you.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome these?
When someone says ‘you won’t be able to’ – the best motivator ever!

Who would you say was your role model either now, or when you were growing up?
To be perfectly frank, I work with, and have met the most amazing women and men alike across my career but my role model without a shadow of a doubt was my mother.

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
Go for it … you will never look back, it’s challenging, exciting, important, necessary, welcoming, fabulous – a privilege.

Samira Hmam

Senior Business Analyst, Gard.

What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
Always be loyal to your own set of values and try not to underestimate yourself so much. Find a role model in the industry or in your company and spend time with them, you will learn a lot this way.

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
I would say “welcome” with big open arms! It is an industry with a purpose, smart people, and a fascinating history.

Temi Binitie

Maritime Professional

What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
I would say to Temi to trust her instincts more and to explore more of the world by seeking international working opportunities.

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 is critical to maintaining mental & physical well-being.

Who would you say was your role model either now, or when you were growing up?
My mother, always! She makes magic happen, not always the calmest however, forever wise.

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
Explore all options presented whilst constantly discovering yourself; the industry has multiple layers and several angles to it that you are sure to find a sector you love, will thrive at and add value to.

Women in Shipping #IWD2023 – Day 3 (Part 1)

international womens day

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!

Women in Shipping #IWD2023 – Day 2

international womens day

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.