Debbi Bonner

Managing Director, JLA Media

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
That it’s an exceptional industry, and it can even be addictive! Once you are in, you rarely leave; and I mean that in the most positive sense, because it’s fair to say that maritime is not the most obvious choice for women. But it is full of opportunities, either to pursue a specific path or to change direction.

Who would you say was your role model either now or when you were growing up?
I was young when I entered maritime, so there have been many who have given me guidance – especially in the early years when I was learning to work with people all over the world. Perceptions differ on what makes a good role model, so I’ve always tried to take the exceptional opportunities this industry offers to gain insights into the characteristics that are valued by different cultures.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome these?
Often for good reason, there are conventions and accepted practices in all walks of life, but these sometimes go unchallenged simply because they are unspoken. Of course, I’ve had personal setbacks, but I’ve felt lucky in my maritime career in that I’ve never knowingly experienced discrimination in a male-dominated industry. The greater challenge is to ensure that this experience is the norm rather than the exception.

What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
To not be fazed when interacting with people in senior positions. There are plenty of kind and decent people in maritime who will make time for those starting out in their careers. Let their generosity be your inspiration, rather than their job title.

Sue Terpilowski

Founder and Managing Director, Image Line Communications

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
Have patience and learn how to really listen are two key ones. Also believe in yourself.

Who would you say was your role model either now or when you were growing up?
Growing up my father. Now I have a few role models or people who have inspired me, Janet Porter and Mary Bond both come to mind, very experienced and great journalists that earned their reputations on delivering high quality good journalism and quietly worked their way to the top.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome these?
Being a woman in maritime and in PR, the combination has meant sometimes I had to fight to be seen and heard for people to realise that I have a wealth of in-depth knowledge about the sector. I overcome this through perseverance and by joining organisations, including WISTA.

What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
It is a great sector to be involved in, with so many opportunities to experience the many different avenues to move around. That make sure you have a good support system around you there are many great groups now in the sector for networking and offering support.

Vuslat Ubogu

Senior Legal Counsel. Yildirim Holding A.S.

What piece of career advice would you give your younger self if you knew then what you know now?
Despite the low representation of women in the maritime workforce, I have noticed a growing trend of women taking on leadership roles in the industry. This can be attributed to women’s natural aptitude for organisational skills. I would advise young women interested in a career in the maritime industry, to follow their passion and not be deterred by any perceived gender stereotypes. The maritime industry offers a wide range of exciting career paths, from legal and compliance roles to cargo claims handling, shipbroking, and port management to industry research. I will encourage young women, not to be afraid to speak up and advocate for themselves and other women in the industry. With determination and hard work, women can succeed and make a meaningful contribution to the maritime industry.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome these?
During my high school years, I held great admiration for my English teacher. She was instrumental in shaping my life and taught me a valuable lesson. By turning every class into a team challenge, she ensured that it was enjoyable for all of us while teaching us in the most effective way possible with unwavering confidence. I have since adopted this mindset in my professional life, always taking charge regardless of my position and approaching obstacles as daily opportunities to conquer.

Who would you say was your role model either now, or when you were growing up?
As a woman in the business world, it is unfortunate that I have experienced being undervalued compared to my male colleagues throughout my career. Although it has been a painful experience, I have not given up on fighting against this inequality and I refuse to stay silent. I recognize that I have had to put in extra effort to prove myself, but I firmly believe that hard work always pays off in the end. To overcome these challenges, I made sure to not take them personally and to maintain full confidence in my abilities.

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in the maritime industry?
Always maintain a positive attitude and avoid demoralizing yourself, no matter what obstacles you face. Life is like a game, and those who can adapt and persevere are the ones who ultimately survive.