Chandni Jaga, Senior Investment Associate at Plug and Play Tech Center, shares her beginings, how growing up in 9 countries shaped her view of the world, how she evaluates early-stage startups and what it takes to scale innovation in shipping: from corporate pilots and monetization strategy to where AI can (and can’t) move the needle in maritime operations. We also dig into regulation as a catalyst for change and why Singapore’s ecosystem is a standout for maritime tech founders.

If you’re building (or buying) maritime tech—this one’s for you.

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• Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
• Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]

What if the real driver of maritime digital transformation isn’t technology – but relationships?

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, Gordana sits down with Giftson Eliyesar, Director of Commercial Operations at Veson Nautical, to explore the deeply human side of changing one of the world’s most complex and traditional industries.

Giftson shares his journey from computer science and ice cream logistics in Singapore to leading commercial operations and maritime tech. Raised in a family of pastors, he brings values of service, integrity, and humility into a world of data, AI, regulations, cyber security, and decarbonisation pressures.

You’ll hear about:

• How he first “met” shipping through procurement and logistics
• Why change only happens when people are ready, not just when software is ready
• The importance of thinking globally and acting locally across regions and cultures
• Building trust-based client relationships in a 24/7 global industry
• Why he would be a combination carrier and what that says about adaptability
• How AI and advanced analytics can support decarbonisation and smarter decisions
• Advice for students and new joiners entering maritime today
• The role of prayer / positive intention / energy in leadership and negotiations

You’ll also hear Gordana share her own “by accident” entry into shipping and her path into innovation and decarbonisation, and a candid conversation about our love–hate relationship with AI.

Perfect listening if you’re:

• Working in shipping, trading, maritime tech or logistics
• Curious about green and digital transformation in maritime
• Early in your career and looking for practical advice and inspiration
• Interested in how values and relationships can drive change in complex systems

Follow The Wavemakers Podcast for more stories from the people shaping the green and digital future of shipping

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
• Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
• Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]

This episode of The Wavemakers Podcast features Emily Dove, Regional Sales Manager for ASEAN and Middle East at TECO Chemicals and one of the Top 100 Women in Shipping. 

Emily talkes about her shift from UK-based PR roles to senior commercial and sales positions in maritime, culminating in her latest vibrant presence in Singapore. Hear all about her brave pivots that brought her to shipping, adapting to Singaporean business culture, the value of empathy, diversity, and continuous learning in global shipping. 

This episode is a must-hear for you if you are navigating shipping or looking for extra motivation to take that professional leap of faith! 

Enjoy the conversation!

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🔗 Related Resources and Links:
• Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
• Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, Anil Jacob (Managing Director of OceanOpt and Head of Fleet Performance at BSM) shares his remarkable journey from sailing tankers to shaping the future of maritime decarbonization.

Anil discusses how first-hand experience at sea shaped his understanding of safety, commercial pressures, and subsequently - leadership. He reflects on building teams that embrace change, driving digitalization for fuel optimization, and guiding the next generation of seafarers to understand their impact on the shipping industry on its path to 2050.

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🔗 Related Resources and Links:
• Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
• Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we unpack Chris Chatterton’s journey from traditional energy to renewables, his decade at the Methanol Institute, and how he’s now shaping the future of alternative fuels and carbon insets in his current roles.

Chris shares:

• The untold story of early decarbonization struggles
• Why methanol and ethanol could be the future of clean shipping
• How to build resilience through constant reinvention
• His surprising personal story of discovery and connection
• What advice he gives to young professionals entering maritime today

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about energy transition, alternative fuels, and innovation in shipping.

🎙️ Hosted by Gordana at The Wavemakers Podcast – where maritime transformation meets human stories.

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
• Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
• Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, Dr. Sanjay C. Kuttan — former CTO & CSO of the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) — reflects on a 33-year journey spanning science, oil & gas, policy, and innovation. He shares lessons on authenticity, faith, and leadership, revealing how staying true to yourself and embracing change can shape entire industries.

A conversation about courage, reflection, and the quiet power of being the “tugboat” that drives progress.

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
• Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
• Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]

Season 3 | Episode with Maria Skipper Schwenn 

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, I sit down with Maria Skipper Schwenn, Director of Environmental Regulatory & Public Affairs at Bunker Holding and a long-time advocate for maritime decarbonization, regulation, and collaboration.

Maria has spent over 13 years shaping climate, environmental, and safety policies—representing Danish shipowners, working at the IMO, and serving on multiple boards driving the green shipping transition. Beyond her professional achievements, she is also a proud mother of six, a strong voice for women supporting women, and a believer in the power of collaboration.

We explore:
⚓️ How Maria unexpectedly entered the world of shipping
⚓️ Her role in pivotal IMO moments, from the EEDI adoption to global decarbonization strategies
⚓️ Powerful stories from ship recycling in India to migrant rescues in the Mediterranean
⚓️ How shipping culture is changing with digitalization, new generations of leaders, and more women entering the industry
⚓️ Leadership lessons: balancing toughness with empathy, and believing in yourself even when the going gets tough
⚓️ Maria’s vision for the shipping sector in 2040—and her personal hopes for the future

This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and driving impact in one of the world’s most vital industries!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more stories at the intersection of maritime decarbonization and digital transformation.

#Shipping #Decarbonization #Leadership #maritime

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• Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]

In this special panel discussion moderated by Gordana Ilic (Co-CEO, BetterSea), we bring together three industry leaders to unpack the fast-evolving regulatory landscape shaping maritime decarbonization:

- Shaja Mathew – Senior Operations Director, Bernhard Schulte Management
- Anil Jacob – Managing Director, Oceanopt
- Maximillian Schoer  – Co-CEO, BetterSea

Together, we reflect on the impact of EU ETS, the upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulation, and the anticipated IMO Net Zero Framework!

Key themes we explore:
- The operational realities of EU ETS compliance in its first year;
- How regulations are fostering collaboration and data transparency between owners, managers, and charters;
- The role of high-quality data in shaping compliance, strategy, and long-term investments;
- Contractual and legal challenges under FuelEU — and what ship managers and owenrs need to know;
- Lessons learned so far, and how companies can prepare for the wave of upcoming regulations

This candid conversation dives deep into the intersection of compliance, cost, and change, offering valuable insights for shipowners, managers, charterers, and anyone navigating maritime’s regulatory future.

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
• Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
• Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Haidar—a dynamic maritime leader with over 20 years of experience in port operations, terminal management, and digital transformation.

From running terminals in Beirut to developing IT strategies for NEOM, Sarah shares what it takes to lead in a traditionally male-dominated industry while raising a family, mentoring women, and advocating for digital innovation.

🔍 We explore:
- How a finance graduate ended up running ports
- The emotional and operational realities of 24/7 terminal work
- Juggling leadership, motherhood, and midnight crane calls
- The rise of smart ports, AI, and digital transformation in maritime
- Why women need support systems—not just strength—to thrive
- The role of WISTA and what they're building for the next generation

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like behind the port gates—or how to thrive as a leader balancing resilience, tech, and teamwork—this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen in and join us in celebrating the women moving the maritime world forward.

#TheWavemakersPodcast  #SmartPorts #MaritimeWomen #WISTA #Leadership #PortOperations #DigitalTransformation #WorkLifeBalance #ShippingIndustry #TerminalManagement

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🔗 Related Resources and Links:
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• Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we sit down with Yasovardhan
Chinni (YC). YC grew up in a small Indian town and in pursuit of financial stability chose a non-traditional path into shipping. From marine engineering to life on board the vessel, YC turned his seafaring experience into a full-fledged maritime business portfolio. From the engine room to the boardroom and asset ownership, YC shares his inspiring story of resilience, calculated risk-taking, and building YC Ventures—an ecosystem supporting maritime innovation.

🚢 Whether you're in shipping, building a startup, or just looking for career inspiration—this episode offers raw insight and practical wisdom.

🔗 Find out more about YC Ventures: https://ycventure.us/

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
• Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
• Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]