with any advantages . I think young women look at successful women further ahead in their careers and say , “ I could never be like that .” But you can . I remember watching a panel of senior women , thinking it could never be me , and a few years later I was on the panel . I ’ m always happy to talk to anyone about my own career journey , and about theirs . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Take calculated risks . Apply for a promotion you ’ re not sure you ’ re ready for . Move to a different location or continent . Work in a function outside your expertise . Sit at the table and take up your space . When you have something insightful to say , say it . Don ’ t wait to be asked . I ’ d also encourage young women to experiment and find the style you are comfortable with as a professional and a leader . If you ’ re in an environment where you can ’ t be who you are , find a better environment . Don ’ t settle . Additionally , find sponsors . These are the people who don ’ t just think you ’ re great but will advocate for you . These are the people that will suggest you for a stretch assignment or promotion when you ’ re not in the room . Or better yet , will take the chance on you themselves . Lastly , get results . Make sure those results are visible . Give others credit where deserved but take credit when it ’ s due you .
Captain Myndi Harbin
Training Captain , Carefree Boat Club ; Owner / BoatMom , Maritime Instruction
Education : BA , Business Administration & Accounting ; Chapman ’ s School Of Seamanship , USCG 100 ton Captain ; National Safe Boating Council , On Water Instructor . Years in the marine industry : 2.5 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies : Prince William Marine , Warranty Admin / Detail Manager What first drew you to the marine industry ? I was on a boat at three weeks old , so have always been involved in recreational boating ! I grew up around the marine industry . My father started a marine repair business over 50 years ago and my brother still runs it . When I was laid off after a 30-year career in government contracting and unable to find work in that field , a transition to the marine industry felt natural . I decided to take what I love and make a career of it ! I went to Chapman ’ s School of Seamanship and earned my USCG 100-ton Masters license . I came back to the DC Area and found a passion teaching boat safety , especially to women . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? Starting my own business and being recognized for the niche of a woman helping other women become more confident has been very rewarding on its own , but being asked to present my class , Admirals in Action , at the 2024 DC Boat Show was a big moment for me ! Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? Being a female Captain , some male counterparts have a hard time accepting my credentials , and that can be challenging . I do have some wonderful colleagues who champion my achievements and see me as a welcome alternative in the evolving marine industry , which increasingly includes females and minorities . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? I hope to demonstrate that there is room in the marine industry for women of any age ! There are so many different areas within the industry to explore : marina management , manufacturing , dealerships , finance , and insurance . The possibilities are endless . What advice do you have for women starting their careers in the marine industry ? Network , network , network ! Then , keep showing you have something wonderful to offer ! Ask questions and learn everything you can . Boat people love to share their wisdom when asked !
Marjorie Holmquist
Program Manager , Brunswick / Venture Group
Education : BS in Mechanical Engineering ( University of South Carolina ) + MBA ( UCF )
Years in the marine industry : 19.5 years Other companies you have worked for in the marine industry and titles you held within those companies : All with Brunswick : Assembly supervisor , Development Engineer , Bill of Material Specialist / Project Manager . What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned working in the marine industry ? There are always highs and lows in life . People come and go , but those of us who stay in the marine industry do so because we love it . Networking and building relationships are crucial because you never know when paths will cross again . Success isn ’ t achieved alone ; it takes a team . When you work hard , you also earn the chance to play hard . If you had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , what would it be and why ? If I had to choose one memorable achievement in the marine industry , it would be the launch of Navan in Europe last year . This high-visibility project for Brunswick involved creating a new brand , and managing it was both challenging and exciting . I received incredible support from every department , allowing us to launch two boats , the S30 and C30 , on schedule and within budget . Showcasing the final products at the Cannes Boat Show was thrilling . Being involved in every aspect ― from the initial idea , budgeting , and creation to decision-making , coordination , and execution ― was a truly unforgettable experience . Was it difficult to navigate a career in this industry ? Why or why not ? Not really . I began as an assembly supervisor , where I learned the boat manufacturing process from the ground up . This hands-on experience was invaluable when I transitioned into Engineering . By focusing on what I enjoyed and doing it well , I was able to open doors and advance within Brunswick . The key was building a strong foundation and leveraging those lessons to grow my career . How do you hope to inspire other women in the marine industry ? A coworker once told me that courage is doing something despite being afraid . Even when something scares you , pushing through can turn challenges into everyday achievements . I hope to
14 june 2024 www . boatingindustry . com