I started in maritime straight from college at The Royal Institution of Naval Architects, as its Advertising & Editorial Assistant. I was not familiar with the maritime sector, and I did not join it with a mapped-out career plan. In those early days, I was fortunate to join a team that was managed by people that I truly admired, including Gillian Smyth (who went on to ABS) and Mike Wake (now at Austal).

The world of naval architecture was a very male one then, and it’s fair to say the pace of change has been slow. However, I only had positive experiences during my time with RINA, where I stayed for 20 years - the last seven as Group Sales Director, as the first female director that RINA had ever appointed.
For the past 16 years I have been heading up communications consultancy JLA Media, as MD and owner. Together with Hugh O’Mahony, as well as a fantastic team of account managers and others, we manage a portfolio of around 30 clients - and I can honestly say that I have loved every minute of it.

In my early career, I was lucky enough to be mentored by some highly motivational leaders, and that’s something I aspire to pass on to others. Learning on the job and connecting with a worldwide industry kept me fully occupied, and that has continued to be the case in running my own company.

However, I’ve certainly been open to extra-curricular work, and I’m proud that I completed a basic introduction course to naval architecture at the University of Strathclyde, and that I’ve had the opportunity to secure qualifications in language studies at an advanced level.

Unquestionably, the people. I met many of my very good friends decades ago through the industry and I am delighted to be part of this ‘community feel’. It is perhaps rare these days for people to stay in a sector throughout their careers – but this is certainly true in maritime.

This is also an industry that constantly brings new opportunities to make meaningful connections. Recently, I’ve been fortunate to work with some truly inspiring individuals, including Elpi Petraki, Elisabeth Cosmatos and Eleni Polychronopoulou; strong females who are pioneering both in their business fields and as leaders of significant industry associations.

Maritime is a fantastic industry to be in, even for those who didn’t know they had any interest in ships. Opportunities will come when you put yourself out there and connect with others. Perhaps most importantly, enjoy what you do - and change what you do not.

Debbi Bonner
Managing Director & Owner, JLA Media Ltd