Empowering women to develop workplace skills
Vice President and General Manager of Soundings Trade Only Group, Michele Goldsmith, answers our questions about her role as moderator of the Women in Marine Industry event at METSTRADE and its importance for the global marine leisure workforce.
What were the key objectives when starting Women in the Marine Industry at METSTRADE?
The goal from day one was to help women achieve their dreams and goals and that remains true today. What we found from that first international event at METSTRADE in 2022 is that women want community – a place and time to connect. They were thrilled to attend an event that focused on them, with a panel that looked like them. It was a place where they could network, learn something new, feel safe asking questions and get inspired.
Were you surprised at just how popular Women in the Marine Industry has been?
Soundings Trade Only had been producing Women in the Industry events from June 2021 that were very well attended. British Marine and Marine Industry News had been hosting women’s events at the Southampton Boat Show, which were also well attended. It was a natural progression when METSTRADE asked all to partner together to create an event in Amsterdam.
The initial goal in the first year was 75 people and 120-130 attended. It could have been more, but we turned people away because we were afraid that we wouldn’t have space. Last year the show doubled the theatre capacity to 150 and we had a little over 200 in the audience. Thus, each year the event has exceeded expectations. It is humbling to see women and men from across the globe make the effort to attend this early morning event at METSTRADE. We have had extraordinary attendees who have asked insightful questions and shared personal experiences.
In a way, the first event was like watching Pandora’s box open – there was no closing it and no going back. Commenting on the first Women in the Marine Industry International event a Superyacht News author said: “The atmosphere on stage was one of support and mutual respect for each other’s struggles as well as achievements. How ironic, I thought: the speakers had nothing but praise for their personal role models without recognising that they themselves were acting as a beacon of hope for the younger women starting out, me included.”
That really touched me because I had not thought of these events in that way before.
How do you plan a Women in Marine event?
When planning, we look to provide value by selecting interesting panellists with varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We choose topics that will be impactful holistically across that broad range of experience, appealing to an audience comprised of people that could be in their first week of work or more than 20 years into their careers.
I’m consciously intentional and feel the weight of providing a high value programme that respects the fact the audience are giving us their time. Speaking of which, the questions and answers at last year’s panel at METSTRADE were so good that we cut into the valuable networking opportunity afterwards, so we will be stricter timewise this year.
What’s lined up so far this year?
When forming the panel, we always look to blend regions and locations, ages, sectors of the industry and positions. Mixing that recipe is never easy but I’m happy with plans so far and I think it’s going to be a strong group of industry leaders and an interesting conversation.
This year, we will focus on key topics that are impacting the industry. I’d like to concentrate on the future of the business, the changing landscape of technology and AI, and investing in people.
I also attend an innovation festival in New York City in September. It is an opportunity to get out of the marine ‘bubble’, to learn from thought leaders of multiple industries, and to hear what is on the mind of leading CEOs in businesses around the globe such as Patagonia and Microsoft. What I hear often influences the women’s event. I come back energised, full of ideas, and often start writing the questions for the panel.
How important is the tendency for Women in the Marine Industry International to attract a significant number of male attendees?
One quarter of our usual audience is around one-quarter male.
Men might avoid attending because they expect gender negativity, but it’s never been about that. It is about empowerment, leadership and the future of the industry. We understand that there may be a difference in the way that genders might react to something or handle an issue, and we may address that. However, it is about how can we thrive together in the work environment, innovate and do really good work.
Last year the CEO of a panellist’s company sat in the audience to support her. Later in the day I went to her stand to discuss a different topic. The CEO came over to say that he had attended to support his team member but did not expect to enjoy the panel and discussion as much as he did. It had exceeded his expectations. That was very satisfying to hear. Other male attendees have commented that the topics are universal, and that the learnings had value to them in their careers. No matter what gender you are, the panel discussion should offer practical insights.
How can we create more opportunities for women in marine careers?
Some of it is confidence and skill set. But a lot is mindset and cultural shift. That shift is happening, albeit not as fast as some people want it to.
What I do know, is that no one wants to be employed to check a box or because a company needs X per cent of a gender on staff. They want to earn the opportunity. Putting the wrong person in a role because of their gender is detrimental to everyone.
The companies that are succeeding tend to approach their recruitment based on skills and experience, on a more gender-neutral basis. It’s also worth remembering that diversity doesn’t only mean gender and race, but also diversity of background, experience and thought.
About Women in the Marine Industry Internatonal
The Women in the Marine Industry International event is a collaborative venture between Soundings Trade Only, British Marine, Marine Industry News and METSTRADE. It will be held prior to show start on Wednesday 20 November at the Elicium Theatre. Watch out for further announcements when registrations open.
Click on the button below to visit the Women in the Marine Industy International LinkedIn group.
