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.

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.

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.

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!

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.