Victoria’s journey into the maritime industry began as an accountant drawn to the dynamic and diverse nature of a company operating within shipping, energy, and finance. Her biggest victory at KPI OceanConnect has been reaching the CFO position in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She believes Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion foster innovation, creativity, and well-rounded decision-making, leading to success and talent retention. KPI OceanConnect’s culture has evolved from male dominance to a more diverse, inclusive, and progressive workplace, valuing respect, hard work, and personal focus. Balancing professional and personal life as a mother requires planning, time management, and dedication to both aspects. Victoria’s advice to aspiring female professionals is to be authentic, ambitious, and assertive in pursuing their goals, advocating for their needs, and believing in their ability to succeed on their terms.

As a member of the KPI OceanConnect team, Venetia has experienced firsthand the inclusive and supportive culture that defines KPI OceanConnect. From the moment she joined, she has been impressed by the emphasis placed on diversity and the efforts made to create a welcoming environment for all employees. Whether through flexible working arrangements, work from home, or mentoring initiatives, KPI OceanConnect prioritizes the well-being and professional development of its staff. It’s inspiring to be part of a company that values each individual’s unique contributions and actively fosters a sense of belonging for everyone. Venetia is very proud to be a part of this forward-thinking and inclusive workplace culture and to be able to create initiatives such as this one that empowers the voice of female employees and attracts more women to the maritime industry.

Kemale’s journey into the maritime industry was sparked by familial ties, with a captain in her family making maritime a part of their daily life. She emphasizes the universal importance of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI), asserting that these principles are essential not only for KPI OceanConnect or the maritime sector but for all industries. Kemale believes that women’s perspectives bring balance, while diverse experiences foster harmony and success. Reflecting on company culture, she highlights the positive impact of blending results from diverse views and cultures within a multinational company like KPI OceanConnect. Balancing professional and personal life, especially as a female employee, poses challenges, but Kemale finds support and motivation crucial, both from her company and her family. Her advice to aspiring female professionals echoes the sentiment of authenticity, urging them to embrace their unique personalities and characteristics as the key to success.

Susanna’s motivation to join the maritime industry stems from its critical role in international trade and the global economy. With over 80% of international trade goods transported by sea, she finds purpose in being a vital link in the logistics chain, facilitating the movement of cargo worldwide. Within KPI OceanConnect, her biggest victory as the Managing Director of the HK office lies in fostering gender balance within her team. Proudly overseeing a team comprising four females and three males, Susanna recognizes the value of diversity, as each member brings unique abilities and characteristics that complement one another, enabling them to fully utilize their talents for the team’s success.

As a newcomer in the maritime industry, Athina was initially attracted by its influence on international trade and global economy. However, what has truly inspired her was KPI OceanConnect’s  commitment to diversity, inclusivity and employee well-being. Athina feels proud that KPI OceanConnect supports a culture of inclusiveness with tangible efforts that she can be part of. The importance of having diversity and inclusivity in business is indisputable and the maritime industry is no exception. In this pivotal moment for the industry, embracing diversity is imperative. Within KPI OceanConnect women have a real impact and a growing role making both the company and the industry stronger to this crucial pathway towards a greener and brighter future.

Stacey shares her journey, having started in bunkers in 1995, making maritime her lifelong career. She emphasizes the crucial role of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) in fortifying both the industry and KPI OceanConnect, advocating that embracing diversity reflects the global nature of our company. Reflecting on the evolution of company culture, Stacey notes the significant presence of females in key roles, a stark contrast from two decades ago. Stacey’s message to aspiring female professionals in shipping and within KPI OceanConnect resonates with empowerment and opportunity, highlighting the industry’s diverse landscape and the perk of never waiting in line for the ladies’ room at shipping events.

Pan delves into the dynamic nature of the maritime industry, driven by its people-centric challenges and enjoyable experiences. Regarding Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI), Pan underscores their capacity to empower and fortify the company’s identity, while also attracting a diverse talent pool. Reflecting on company culture, she notes a shift from individualism to teamwork over the years. Balancing professional and personal life, Pan advocates for diligence during work hours and wholehearted enjoyment during holidays. Her advice to aspiring female professionals emphasizes authenticity, urging them to embrace their unique personalities and characteristics, emphasizing that being true to oneself paves the path to success.

Ana’s journey in the maritime industry spans over three decades, drawn to the global interactions and connections it offers. Her longstanding commitment to KPI OceanConnect, spanning 26 years, stands as her biggest victory. Ana recognizes the importance of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion in attracting diverse talents to drive progress and evolution within the industry and the company. At KPI OceanConnect, she observes a healthy staff balance across age groups and genders, fostering an inclusive culture. Balancing professional and personal life, Ana appreciates the flexibility afforded by KPI OceanConnect, allowing her to fulfill her role as a mother alongside her career. Her message to aspiring female professionals is one of optimism, highlighting the ample opportunities for career progression within KPI OceanConnect.

Intan finds motivation in embracing new challenges and learning opportunities within the maritime industry, leading to personal growth and fulfillment. Her proudest accomplishment at KPI OceanConnect is successfully managing an administrative team for 11 years, demonstrating her leadership and dedication.

She believes Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion are not only morally imperative but also beneficial for business success, as they foster a workforce that performs well and produces high-quality work. KPI OceanConnect’s culture has evolved with technology and innovation, driven by strong leadership and aligned with business strategy.

Balancing professional and personal life requires setting boundaries, delegating tasks, prioritizing well-being, and embracing flexibility. Intan advises aspiring female professionals to find joy in their work and align their interests with their career path for higher job satisfaction and motivation.

Divya believes that the culture at KPI OceanConnect is characterized by inclusivity, friendliness, and supportiveness. Over the years, the organization has made notable strides in promoting diversity through various initiatives such as flexible working arrangements, parental leave policies, and mentoring programs aimed at fostering career development. This commitment to diversity and inclusion reflects a positive evolution in the company culture, emphasizing the value of all employees and their contributions to the organization’s success.

Olcay finds inspiration in the global opportunities presented by the maritime industry, driving her career for over 30 years, which has equipped her with extensive business knowledge. Within KPI OceanConnect, her biggest victory lies in her decades-long tenure, contributing to her expertise in the field.

Regarding Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion, Olcay notes an improvement in perspective, leading to a more thoughtful and polite atmosphere. The company culture at KPI OceanConnect has evolved positively over the years, feeling more youthful, energetic, and supportive.

Balancing professional and personal life entails working diligently during business hours and enjoying downtime during holidays. Olcay’s advice to aspiring female professionals emphasizes the importance of authenticity, urging them to embrace their unique personalities and characteristics as a pathway to success.

Haylee was drawn to the maritime industry for its global significance and dynamic nature, finding inspiration in its potential for growth and innovation. At KPI OceanConnect, she spearheaded a sustainability initiative and believes Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion are essential for driving innovation and success. The company culture emphasizes collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement, evolving to become more inclusive and supportive over time. Balancing professional and personal life is aided by flexible arrangements and a supportive network. Her advice to aspiring female professionals stresses embracing opportunities for growth, seeking mentorship, and valuing their unique perspective to build a rewarding career in the maritime industry.

Grace was motivated to pursue a career in the maritime industry by the people she meets and the challenges she faces. Her biggest victory at KPI OceanConnect has been winning contracts for the group, increasing volumes, and revenue. She believes Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion are essential for fair appraisal of women’s capabilities and providing them with more development opportunities. While Grace is new to KPI OceanConnect due to a recent merger, she notes positive changes in the company culture, including increased visibility, diversity in gender ratios, and support for mental health. Balancing professional and personal life, especially as a female employee, requires focus and professionalism, with the understanding that personal boundaries must be respected. Grace’s advice to aspiring female professionals is to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve the impossible in life.

Lana’s career in the maritime industry was ignited by her passion for meeting new people, the allure of travel, and the intriguing world of fuel trading. Her biggest victory at KPI OceanConnect lies in her adeptness at building robust customer relationships, collaborating effectively with suppliers, and leveraging her language skills to drive business growth. Lana believes that Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion are not only ethical imperatives but also smart business moves that unleash team potential, foster innovation, and fortify the industry as a whole. She notes a significant shift in KPI OceanConnect’s culture towards greater inclusivity, equity, and support for diversity in recent years. Balancing her professional life with her roles as a mother, wife, sister, and daughter requires intentional effort, communication, support, and self-care. Lana’s advice to aspiring female professionals in the maritime industry emphasizes self-belief, continuous education, mentorship, resilience, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion.

Ipek was drawn to the maritime industry by its challenging and dynamic nature, offering opportunities for problem-solving and continuous learning. Her biggest victory at KPI OceanConnect has been earning the respect of her colleagues in a predominantly male environment. She believes Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion are essential for navigating cultural differences, meeting diverse market needs, and enhancing competitiveness in the global market. KPI OceanConnect fosters a welcoming and respectful company culture. To balance professional and personal life, Ipek prioritizes self-care by scheduling time for activities that recharge her. Her advice to aspiring female professionals in the shipping industry is to value their strengths and uniqueness, be patient in proving themselves, and inspire others along the way.

Laeticia’s journey into the maritime industry wasn’t initially planned, but she now takes pride in her job due to the diverse opportunities it offers and the constant learning it provides. Her biggest victory at KPI OceanConnect has been integrating into a new working team and environment successfully. She strongly believes that Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion are crucial for fostering diverse perspectives and ideas within teams, leading to enhanced performance and employee satisfaction. Despite being new to KPI OceanConnect, Laeticia appreciates the company’s transparent and open communication culture, which encourages sharing ideas and feedback. Balancing professional and personal life entails effective time management and flexibility, allowing for productivity and well-being. Her advice to aspiring female professionals is to recognize their value, speak up confidently, and strive to break barriers and create positive change in the workplace.