Words of wisdom from this year ’ s Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year

BY MICHELE GOLDSMITH

Today is June 3 , 2024 . Exactly three years ago , I hosted our first Women in the Industry event . Since then , more than 1,600 women and men have attended these events . We have offered virtual , in-person , and hybrid formats , featuring a range of guest speakers and panels on topics that impact people both personally and professionally , regardless of their career stage . Topics have included making meaning in your life , avoiding burnout , developing your personal brand , the inner and outer game of self-confidence , negotiating for empowerment , etc . Recordings of these events are available for you to view at your leisure at www . tradeonlytoday . com / wii . Additionally , this month marks the kickoff of the 3rd annual 1 + 1 mentoring program , connecting newcomers to the marine industry with seasoned leaders . The goal of the Women in the Industry series is to provide community , support , resources , a safe place to learn , develop skills , network , and ask questions . Ultimately , we aim to help people in the industry reach their goals and achieve their dreams . I want to personally thank Volvo Penta , MarineMax , and Sea-Tow for their unwavering support of these initiatives from day one .

Nothing about my journey has been conventional . I have worked in manufacturing operations , sales and product management , marketing

and now publishing for the global marine industry . Over the course of 33 years and through the development of the Women in the Industry series , I have learned valuable lessons along the way . If you will indulge me the time , I would like to share some of them with you .

- Everyone has it within themselves to excel . Your drive , passion , and ability to execute are the keys to success . Stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself can lead to incredible growth . It has for me , clearing my mind and creating the belief that I am capable of more than I thought possible .

Ask for what you want , and not tentatively . Remove the word “ just ” from your vocabulary . As Nora Ephron said , “ Be the heroine of your life , not the victim .”

Remain true to yourself , your values , and your creativity . They will be challenged , and you will be asked to conform . Stay true to yourself .

Know your worth and when you are asked to do something , communicate your conditions for success – what you need to do the job well .

Understand that you will be faced with a wide range of situations , good and bad . What you can always control is the way that you react to them .

Seek mentors , find people who would mention your name in a room full of opportunities . I am grateful to those who have enlightened , guided , challenged , and supported me .

Look outside of the industry . Attend an event , seminar , webinar , etc . unrelated to the marine industry . Learning from diverse thought leaders can spark innovative ideas .

Understand your pillars – your guiding principles or true north . When you know what those are , you will align your work , projects , initiatives , and people with them and master the art of saying no to those that do not .

I am a workaholic , and it took me a long time to understand that no matter how important you are to an organization , it will continue without you . Therefore , self-care is essential . Take time to renew your spirit and creativity .

Be visible and get involved . Collaborating on projects that benefit the community and industry offers opportunities to build deeper connections with others for a shared purpose .

No matter if someone is the CEO or the janitor , everyone is human with feelings and flaws . Interact with them as a human first . Remember what Maya Angelou said , “ I ’ ve learned that people will forget what you said , people will forget what you did , but people will never forget how you made them feel .”

Most of all , enjoy the journey and relationships you build with the wonderful people in this industry .

Once again , thank you to Boating Industry , the MRAA educational foundation and the Briggs family . I am humbled and deeply grateful for this honor .

Michele J . Goldsmith is the vice president and general manager of marine business-to-business multimedia brand , Soundings Trade Only group , part of Active Interest Media . Her marine industry experience includes manufacturing operations , product development , and marketing and sales management roles to the OEM , aftermarket , domestic and international sectors . Michele ’ s impact extends beyond her professional roles , as she has actively served the marine industry on the NMMA board of directors and its executive board , as chairperson of the NMMA MACD board of directors , on the Grow Boating and NMMA PAC board of directors , and the American Boat and Yacht Council ( ABYC ) technical board of directors .

www . boatingindustry . com june 2024

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