ANNA SHIELDS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING , YOUR BOAT CLUB
What first drew you to the marine industry ? Besides the water , I was intrigued by Your Boat Club ’ s unique business model . The concept of boat sharing clicked with me immediately , since I have no desire to maintain a boat but want to get on the water often . Also , sharing a passion with others in the same industry builds an instant bond that makes it feel like family . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? For several years , I owned and operated a Mexican bar and restaurant on the beach of Cambodia called Maybe Later . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? I had a boss who became a friend , and his compassionate leadership style inspired me . He never put himself above anyone else and always considered everyone ’ s perspective during challenging times . This taught me not only how to connect with others but also how to manage personal and professional conflict from an empathetic place . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? It would be incredible to empower more women to grow in this industry . Boating brings people together but also gives you a sense of independence and control . I hope to support other women to reach their goals and remind them to be creative and assertive to support their passion . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? It ’ s important to feel like you accomplished something at the end of each day . I make sure to set reasonable , trackable goals . I ’ m a big list-maker so I don ’ t forget things , and so I get the satisfaction of checking items off of it . I ’ m not afraid to lean on my colleagues for support . You should always know your limits and be comfortable with asking for help . Where is your favorite place to go boating ? I love Minnesota ' s Lake Minnetonka . It ’ s a huge lake with everything from party islands to dockside restaurants to quiet bays to float in , plus incredible scenery . No matter what kind of day I ’ m looking to have , I know it ’ ll be a good one on that lake . Who was your hero as a child ? My hero was , and continues to be , my father . He is a selfless volunteer who taught me the best way to feel better about yourself is to do something for someone else .
PURSEERAT SINGH SR . DIRECTOR , FLEET MANAGEMENT & BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE , BRUNSWICK CORPORATION
What first drew you to the marine industry ? I was introduced to the marine industry through an internship at Brunswick and the one thing that really stood out was the opportunity to help people make lasting memories with family and friends . To add to that , most of the people working in the industry have a real passion for what they do , and that makes this industry a great ecosystem to work in . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? I ’ m passionate about developing something novel that has a tangible impact . With my current role , I ’ ve had the opportunity to develop capabilities in the realm of fleet management — ensuring we have the right boats in place for our members across locations , as well as optimizing the lifecycle value of the boats in our fleet .
As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? Early on , the biggest challenge was undoubtedly the feeling of imposter syndrome . The industry is filled with experienced individuals , and it ' s easy to feel overwhelmed . I overcame this by embracing my lack of industry knowledge and staying curious . I learned to ask questions , not to be afraid of making mistakes , and to build a supportive network of peers . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? I believe in setting aggressive and ambitious goals — it ’ s not about achieving a perfect success rate but rather making significant progress . It ' s also good to have a couple of milestones that can be celebrated along the way . To set myself up for success , I ensure there is clarity upfront on the “ Why ?” Why we are moving in a particular direction ? And an understanding of the “ How ?” The potential routes we can take in a dynamic environment . What are some of your favorite non-boating hobbies ? I often listen to long-form podcasts when I ’ m not spending time with my four-year old son .
RACHEL SOLGAT EVENT & TRADE SHOW MANAGER , VOLVO PENTA
What first drew you to the marine industry ? I ’ ve been around the marine industry my entire life . My dad always joked that he had a nicer boat than a car , and we spent every chance we could on the water with family and friends . Those experiences shaped my love for boating and the industry itself . Later in life , I realized how much I wanted to be part of something that brought people joy , connection , and adventure . What was your first job ? My first job was as a receptionist at Volvo Penta the summer after my first year of college . It was my first step into the professional world and , formally , into the boating industry . That experience opened my eyes to the hard work and innovation behind the scenes . What accomplishment are you most proud of ? Planning my first Miami Boat Show in 2019 is an accomplishment I look back on with pride . Anyone involved in boat show planning knows that , despite the best preparation , chaos is inevitable . The hard work paid off , and we walked away with the NMMA ’ s Best Engine Display award . That defining moment reinforced my ability to navigate challenges under pressure and execute a successful event . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? Christine McKone has been a key mentor and influence throughout my career . When I was an intern , she helped me refine my resume and guided me toward valuable industry experiences . When I joined the marketing team permanently , she was a sounding board for ideas and helped me navigate the intricacies of the department . Now , as our VP of Volvo Penta ’ s marketing , she leads with poise , enthusiasm , and a positive outlook that inspires our entire team . How do you hope to inspire others in the marine industry ? I hope to inspire others by showing that with hard work , passion , and a willingness to learn , you can build a fulfilling and impactful career in the marine industry .
28 march / april 2025 www . boatingindustry . com