Catherine Logie

Direct to Consumer Services Director, Ocean Technologies Group

What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
Be confident; say “yes” to opportunities more often; accept the things you can’t change; worry less!

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome these?
I have not followed a traditional career structure – like many people. Challenges are opportunities, it depends how you view them.
I think it can be tricky to identify what training and professional development you need when you are outside of a conventional career hierarchy and sometimes managers are so busy or the business is so focussed on short term objectives that they overlook the importance of investing in training and helping teams to keep developing. It can be unclear at times how to continuously develop yourself and improve your knowledge and skills.
It’s also challenging to obtain funding for professional courses that you would love to do and / or make time for this while working.
Having a line manager, director or mentor who takes time to help you progress is invaluable. If you don’t have access to someone like that, then working with a coach is very worthwhile. Simply asking colleagues and managers for feedback and being receptive to constructive feedback is invaluable – but not always comfortable!
For me, reading, attending industry conferences and networking with other professionals in areas that I am interested in helps me keep up to date. Also, when funded training courses come along, I try to get the most out of them. I always feel I keep learning by working in maritime and if I can give something back, I enjoy that.

Who would you say was your role model either now, or when you were growing up?
I don’t think I have ever looked for role models as such, but many people have influenced me a lot. There are so many people I admire and am grateful to, far too many to mention. You learn something from everyone you work with!
My parents were incredibly hard-working and committed people so I guess they influenced me the most growing up.

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
Join us! I’ve been saying it for years: the industry needs you!
There are many career opportunities if you are willing to learn. You could be a seafarer but there are many, many other jobs. Just start.

Nicola Good

External Communications Director, Lloyd’s Register

What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
Keep your options open because you never know where you might land. Also, good manners matter – keep your word, follow through, and never forget to thank those that help you.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome these?
Having the confidence to share one’s views in maritime can be very difficult, especially if one is new to the industry. Being a good listener/observer and backing up what you say with reasons and facts will support your cause. I had to learn to slow down and be more considered with my ideas and insights to get my messages across.

Who would you say was your role model either now, or when you were growing up?
My maritime role model is Dee Rissik. She was the editor of Lloyd’s List Africa Weekly and introduced me to shipping. She forced me to put myself out there, take risks and learn from my mistakes. She was a great first boss and remains a very dynamic woman.

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
You couldn’t work in a better industry. You will build strong relationships as people want to impart knowledge and share ideas. There is a lot to learn, you will never get bored but be prepared to roll up your sleeves!

Titch Blachford

Director, Minute Details

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
Decide what is your passion in the industry and align it with the reality and your expectations. Talk to as many people as you can who are equally passionate about their work and career pathway and absorb information like a sponge. Think of your career as a part of your way of life and enjoy every moment, the people you meet and the places you visit. Keep building on each and every experience and build professional relationships; it’s a relatively small industry and it is always a pleasure when your paths cross again.

Who would you say was your role model either now or when you were growing up?
Not so much role models as mentors and taskmasters on occasions; they gave me an all-important reality check when needed – my sailing coaches, Bill Edgerton and Jim Saltonstall. In terms of aspirations, my two would be Peter de Savary and Richard Branson.

What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
There will be bumps in the road, don’t ever give up; enjoy the ups and learn from the downs and try not to repeat mistakes. Enjoy every day.

View a short video in which key speakers from across the sailing industry showcase the progress made in breaking down barriers and prompt a discussion on where progress still needs to be made.