In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we sit down with RK Sethi – marine engineer, restaurateur, startup mentor, CEO at SEAKNOTIQ Ship management and Group COO at YC Ventures – to explore the personal journey behind a multi-faceted career in maritime, technology, and entrepreneurship.

From his first days aboard a vessel to launching a restaurant in Singapore, leading shipping operations in Nigeria, and now investing in the next generation of maritime startups, RK shares lessons on navigating challenges, embracing change, and staying true to passion and purpose.

We talk about:
- The mindset that helped him pivot across industries
- Why operational excellence beats having the “perfect idea”
- His views on decarbonization, automation, and maritime tech trends
- Supporting women in the maritime sector
- And… his 100-piece timepiece collection 🕰️

If you’re passionate about innovation, leadership, or exploring the fascinating world of maritime and its people — this episode is for you!

📌 Connect with RK Sethi and YC Ventures: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rks15/
https://ycventure.us/

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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 meet Piotr Konopka, Vice President at DP World, who took an unexpected yet inspiring journey from designing motorsport vehicles to leading global decarbonization efforts in maritime logistics.

🎯 From automotive engineering and hybrid race cars at Toyota's Motorsport Division, to now helping a company that moves 10% of the world's cargo decarbonize, Piotr’s story is one of curiosity, agility, and global impact.

We talk about:

What sparked his shift from speed to sustainability
The parallels between building a decarbonization strategy and launching a startup
Why his ultimate goal is to make his job in sustainability obsolete by 2050
The importance of regulation, resilience, and rapid decisions
How his entrepreneurial experience shaped his corporate innovation mindset
His personal reflections on balance, networking, and saying no with clarity
And of course:
🛳️ If Piotr were a vessel, which would he be? You’ll hear his answer (and it’s a good one).

Whether you're in shipping, energy, innovation, or simply love hearing about how meaningful careers are shaped, this episode will leave you inspired.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to like and share if this conversation moved you.

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 Claudia Beumer, a leader in maritime decarbonization who transitioned from corporate commercial roles to founding her own environmetal consultancy company, C4 Fuels. With a background in chemical engineering, Claudia's journey into shipping, alternative fuels, and sustainability was unexpected but transformative.

💡 Topics Covered:

How diving and a career pivot led Claudia into the maritime industry
The unique culture of shipping and why people either stay forever or leave fast
The power of relationships and networking in a global industry
Lessons from 15 years in maritime and what makes the industry special
The challenge of moving fast while bringing people along in digitalization & decarbonization
Why she took the leap into entrepreneurship and what she learned in her first year
How diversity and inclusion have always been part of maritime but need better visibility
Her thoughts on alternative fuels like ammonia, LNG, and biofuels
The future of shipping in 2050 and the importance of smart digital solutions
 If Claudia was a ship, what kind of ship would she be? Find out in this episode!

Tune in now for insights into maritime innovation, leadership, and the future of fuels—and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

📌 Follow for more updates:
🌐 Website: www.bettersea.tech
📩 Connect with us: [email protected]

#MaritimeIndustry #Shipping #GreenFuels #Decarbonization #Leadership #Digitalization #wavemakerspodcast 

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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 dive into the fascinating career of Gary Hubbard, a seasoned logistics leader who transitioned from directing major global supply chains to driving the adoption of green fuels in maritime. With experience spanning continents, cultures, and industries, Gary shares how his journey through P&O Nedlloyd, Maersk, DHL, and beyond shaped his perspective on supply chains, sustainability, and the future of shipping.

🌍 From his unexpected first assignment in China to his deep involvement in decarbonization efforts in the Middle East, Gary reflects on the evolution of global trade, the need for resilient logistics, and why the maritime industry is slow—but inevitable—in its transition to cleaner energy. We also explore the role of culture in shaping industry mindsets, the challenges of FuelEU compliance, and what fuels (literally and figuratively) the next wave of change.

🏝️ On a lighter note, we uncover Gary’s ultimate retirement dream (spoiler: it involves jet skis and a beach) and his take on why embracing change is the key to success.

If you're interested in the future of maritime logistics, sustainable fuels, and how global experiences shape leadership, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

📌 Follow for more updates:
🌐 Website: www.bettersea.tech
📩 Contact for suggestions and collaborations: [email protected]
🔗 Connect with Gary Hubbard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-hubbard
🔗 Connect with Gordana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/

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, Gordana sits down with Captain Mohit Betra, a true catalyst in the maritime industry. 

From his early days at sea, influenced by a family of sailors, to driving digital transformation, Captain Mohit shares his unique perspective on the evolution of shipping in the past decades. They dive into the challenges and opportunities of digitalization, the rise of AI and automation, and the growing need for smart data over data overload in maritime operations. He also reflects on the industry's slow but steady adaptation to decarbonization, the importance of safety in an era of alternative fuels, and how shifting regulations impact seafarers.

 Follow Capt Mohit Batra on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/captmohitbatra/

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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, host Gordana sits down with Mahsa from ESG Ports, a company at the cutting edge of sustainability in the maritime industry. ESG Ports is tackling the climate crisis by converting waste cooking oil into biofuel, leveraging blockchain transparency, and building a decentralized ecosystem to ensure ESG compliance.

Mahsa shares her unexpected journey from tech into sustainability, discussing how her background in Computer Engineering, Blockchain, and AI led her to a startup that is redefining the maritime sector’s approach to decarbonization. 

If you’re interested in maritime sustainability, blockchain for impact, or the future of ESG compliance, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.

Show Highlights & Key Takeaways:

🌱 From Tech to Climate Tech: How Mahsa transitioned from blockchain development to sustainability entrepreneurship.
🔗 Blockchain for ESG Transparency: How ESG Ports tracks and verifies carbon reduction efforts with smart contracts.
♻️ Circular Economy in Action: Why on-site biofuel production is a game-changer for waste reduction.
🏛️ Collaborating with Governments & Industry: How ESG Ports works alongside policymakers to drive sustainable change.
🔥 Women in Climate Tech: Mahsa’s message for young women entering the sustainability and technology space.
🚀 Future of Biofuels & ESG by 2030: How shipping and aviation will evolve with alternative fuels and data-driven ESG strategies.

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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 sit down with Maria Rita Skog, a dynamic leader whose maritime journey began in young age aboard merchant tankers. From growing up on a vessel and assisting at shipyards to educating young generations and maritime board seats, Maria's life has been a blend of curiosity, exploration, and expertise.

🎙️ Learn how her passion for maritime evolved into a career spanning continents, industries, and roles. From broadcasting seafarers' stories to working with global shipping giants like Inchcape and Wilhelmsen, and managing vessel registrations with LISCR, Maria has seen it all. Join us as we uncover Maria's inspiring story, threaded with unique industry insights and the tales of shipping!

🌊 Whether you're an industry veteran or just curious about the maritime world, this conversation is not to be missed!

☕ Join Us:
 Subscribe to our channel for more in-depth discussions on maritime regulations, innovation, and best practices. Audio content also available on The Wavemakers Podcast streamed on Spotify, iTunes and other platforms!


💡 Explore More:
🔗 Read our latest insights on maritime regulations: bettersea.tech/blog
 🔗 Stay updated by following us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bettersea/
 🔗 Visit our website for more information: bettersea.tech

📩 Get in Touch:
📧 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨@𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐚.𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 

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

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we’re joined by Captain Rami Al Breiki—a seafarer turned an entrepreneur, with a deep passion for maritime innovation and decarbonization. 

Captain Rami opens up about his early seafarer career on LNG carriers, to embracing new challenges, turning to entrepreneurship, paving a way for others and shaping the future of the UAE maritime industry through transformative initiatives like Blue Pass. 

Captain Rami shares how his years at sea shaped his values of discipline, trust, and teamwork, principles that fuel his entrepreneurial approach at NeoNautica today. The conversation touches upon his work with maritime youth through YoungShip organization, his vision for the future of maritime, and why he sees himself as a versatile, adaptable force—ready to take on whatever comes next!

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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, we sat down with Katarina Uherova Hasbani, a pioneer and catalyst of decarbonisation within the heavy asset industry. 

From setting the first renewables energy efficiency carbon reduction targets as part of European Comission, to shaping corporate sustainability and decarbonisation strategies and working with startups to accelerate the transition, she has experienced all perspectives of the green transition. In this conversation, she shared her story and optimism for attaining sustainable 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]

If you’re looking for actionable insights on FuelEU Maritime, this episode is a must-listen!

In an informative discussion, BetterSea co-founders Gordana Ilic and Maximilian Schroer explain the key aspects and mechanisms of the FuelEU Maritime regulation entering into force in Jan 2025. 

They address the topics such as the use of alternative fuels, penalties, pooling, banking and borrowing, as well as regulation implications on different maritime stakeholders: ship owners, ship managers, alternative fuel suppliers, fuel brokers, commodity traders. 

BetterSea brings unique market insights on how different parties plan to address the topic, what to keep in mind when considering trading compliance surplus, and why strategies such as creating a superpool may seem like a good low hanging fruit solution, but not necessarily the best one.

The conversation also highlights how BetterSea’s end-to-end platform addresses the challenge and simplifies compliance by providing an integrated FuelEU pooling marketplace that ensures transparency, fair pricing, and strategic decision-making.

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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]