It's been ten years! 

Ten years of learning, finding new friends, and building something new and exciting! In this episode, Lena walks down memory lane and gives a little bit of behind-the-scenes content.

It was hard to decide what to share, what my listeners are interested in hearing, and what I haven't shared previously. I dive into what I have learned, and what I might have contributed to the maritime industry by starting the first podcast focusing on shipping, ten years ago. 

And there is a little announcement as well, the Shipping Podcast has been awarded the "Best Maritime Storytelling Specialist 2025 (Europe)" by the Logistics Warehouse and Supply Chain Awards! How about that? 

Thank you for listening! I am eager to get your feedback. Please email me at [email protected] #everyconversationmatters 

Turning the tide 

“Rejection is just another wave to ride.” These words by Elizabeth Marami echo far beyond the deck of a ship—they speak to every woman daring to defy the odds.

Listen to Liz Marami; she is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She was the first female pilot in the Port of Mombasa, the first woman onboard many ships, and the first person of colour on the bridge of a cruise ship. She doesn't stop there; she has more ambition, wanting to make a change, and by simply being herself, she is changing how the world views women in the maritime industry. 

This is an episode you'll want to listen to. Liz's story will inspire you and motivate you to support her as she moves forward.

#everyconversationmatters 

Captain Kate McCue Sets a New Course

Why did Captain Kate McCue—trailblazing mariner and the face of modern cruising—leave her high-profile role at Celebrity Cruises? And what’s bringing her to the shipyards of Italy, where she’s helping shape one of the most ambitious luxury yachting projects in the world?

In this episode, we explore McCue’s bold transition from mega cruise ships to the helm of Four Seasons Yacht I, the first ultra-luxury vessel from the iconic hotel brand. Slated for a 2026 debut, this yacht promises a new kind of sea travel—intimate, personalised, and curated with precision. And at the centre of it all is Kate McCue, already on the ground (or rather, in dry dock), overseeing its final build phase.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. 

#everyconversationmatters 

How food is contributing to the welfare onboard a ship

In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between food and crew welfare onboard ships. Gone are the days when meals were the central social event of the day—today, many seafarers spend more time alone in their cabins. But despite this shift, the importance of a good meal has not diminished.

Christian Ioannou, CEO of MCTC Marine Ltd., joins us to talk about the crucial role of the ship’s chef and how proper nutrition and culinary variety can boost morale, enhance well-being, and bring people together—regardless of cultural differences. Learn how MCTC supports shipboard cooks to perform at their best, and why food remains one of the most important elements of life at sea.

Thank you for listening #everyconversationmatters 

Happy International Day for Women in Maritime 2025! 

Lena is at the IMO to celebrate the International Day for Women in Maritime and attend the IMO Gender Equality Award Ceremony. 

The International Day for Women in Maritime has been celebrated globally on May 18th every year since 2019. This year, the International Maritime Organisation is conducting a Symposium on the theme An Ocean of Opportunities for Women. 

Of course, the highlight of the day will be the IMO Gender Equality Award, which this year goes to maritime entrepreneur Karin Orsel, co-founder and CEO of the MF Shipping Group. 

Join me in celebrating all women in the maritime industry, use the hashtag #WomenInMaritimeDay 

Thank you for listening!

Maritime as a gaming concept

Maria Yiassa is the Co-Founder of SeaOrama, a strategic game where you can experience the challenges of running a successful shipping company. This is the way to raise the profile of the maritime industry! Get the gamers and their parents interested, and there is a way to influence young people to choose a career within the maritime sector. Brilliant! 

Listen to Maria and hear the story of a startup in the new digital age. Remember to support this initiative! It's one of a kind, and remember where you heard about it.

Thank you for listening! 

#everyconversationmatters 

Are we following the times?

Leadership and situational awareness are not part of maritime education. If we want to achieve our goals to become sustainable, then we need the right people. 

So many things have to change for us to become seriously competitive with other industries. We need to target very young children so that we can become part of their dreams. 

Listen to Camilla Westergaard, one of the young people who dares to speak up. Our conversation involves a few answers to our challenges, and maybe we can spark you to develop a few more.

Please give us a shoutout on social media, and we are ready to continue this conversation online. Thank you for listening. 

Spreading the word about the maritime industry in Germany

Hearing someone say you have inspired them to do something is the best feeling in the world! After listening to the Shipping Podcast, Britta Müller started the Brittas Hafen Podcast in 2021. Now, we get to "compare notes" about what it is like to be a podcaster in the maritime sphere. 

Listen to Brittas and I's conversation to gain insight into our challenges and most significant wins. We enjoyed our conversation and hope that you do, too. 

Should you know a Master Mariner fluent in the German language, please forward the contact details to Britta [email protected] or me [email protected] 

#everyconversationmatters 

Words are powerful

Have you ever been the subject of a dissertation? The first 63 episodes of the Shipping Podcast laid the groundwork for an extensive research project, and now is the time to unveil the results.

It's been eight years since Therese Canning contacted me to discuss her study. She mentioned using the interviews from this platform to explore what individuals in the maritime industry were discussing and who voiced opinions on sustainability. 

Since then, Therese has conducted further research and has now been awarded her PhD, following additional studies on the criminalisation of seafarers. 

Listen to Therese as she shares her conclusions. This episode is part of the history of the Shipping Podcast's ten years, illustrating how everything has evolved, both in terms of industry trends and how the podcast has transformed into something unique. What are your takeaways from this episode? I would love to hear from you! [email protected] 

Until next time; over & out.

Who leaves the maritime industry? 

Meet Emma Mark, Executive Coach at EJB Coaching. She left the maritime industry for a while but has returned to contribute with her experience and knowledge.

We discuss our similar experiences as women in the maritime industry and share the good and the bad. What is the current role model when entering the industry? Has it changed, or do we need to take action to make it less traditional and moulded after its predecessors?

Are women in the maritime industry clear about what they want to achieve? Can we better support each other? Where are the men who share our vision?

"You can check out but never leave". That also goes for the maritime industry.  Thank you for listening. If you have any thoughts or feedback, please send an email to [email protected] 

#everyconversationmatters