S1 E8 | Unlocking Potential with Jane Stevenson

This next episode keeps within the maritime industry but turns toward an inspiring female leader, Dagmar Symes.

Dagmar's inspiring leadership journey has been rooted in values instilled within her at a young age, such as resilience, respect and discipline. Her early lessons laid the groundwork for the leader she has become, progressing from the General Manager of Hill Robinson Estates to now the CEO Hill Robinson Estates Saudia.

Dagmar is a prime example of an astute female leader making her mark in the luxury hospitality sector. In this episode, we discuss female empowerment and why gender should never come into play in identifying a good leader.

Full of valuable lessons and takeaways, Dagmar talks about how there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to being a successful leader; however, maturity and failure are huge elements of success.

Dagmar is now pursuing a community-led purpose, striving to give back and transfer her knowledge to help guide the new generation. 

Her empathetic nature and nurturing skills in looking after and collaborating with teams are inspirational lessons in leadership, so tune in for this as well as her insights into the developing hospitality landscape of Saudi Arabia.

For more information on our leadership courses, click here.

Continuing our second season by introducing another yachting industry changemaker to the podcast, this episode is with Steve Crawford. The visionary founder of the yachting industry’s leading job board, Yotspot, Steve’s journey began as yacht crew and, through his frustrations and experience of finding work and available yacht jobs, dedicated his entrepreneurial journey to improving this process. 

He moved back ashore in 2014 and started Yotspot. In this episode, Steve talks about his clear vision and purpose with the platform, which is simple: to allow crew and yachting professionals to connect directly with employers and for yachts to find great crew using a fast and efficient process. 

He speaks about his entrepreneurial journey, how creativity is key, as well as highlighting the importance of self-leadership and building team culture by using both effective communication and collaboration.

Steve also shares insights into industry trends and offers a glimpse into the exciting future at Yotspot, where AI is set to play a significant role in continually improving the platform. 

The episode is filled with not only valuable insights on his entrepreneurial journey but full of yachting industry expertise.

For more information on our leadership courses, click here.

This leadership season continues with an esteemed leader in the maritime field, Captain Richard Bridge. 

Hailing from Cornwall, he has spent a lifetime dedicated to our oceans. His seafaring journey began at a young age when he joined the Merchant Navy, which ultimately saw him command some of the world's most prestigious cruise ships and expedition superyachts - including the 126-meter Octopus and 162-meter Eclipse, to name a few. 

He chats about some of his incredible adventures, involving the discovery of a World War 2 aircraft carrier wreck and continues to assemble and lead teams for these ambitious expeditions. 

Richard believes in learning something from the whole team, no matter what the size, something that has shaped his leadership style. He passionately advocates that the care and well-being of the crew are paramount, recognising that leaders must be in command but also willing to seek help and foster teamwork.

With his fingers on the pulse of the maritime industry, Richard provides valuable insights into its future, highlighting the shift toward purpose-driven yacht ownership and commitment to exploration and sustainability. 

It is a thought-provoking episode for those leaders both in and out of the maritime industry, offering inspiring leadership advice.

For more information on our leadership courses, click here.

In this episode, we delve into the life and profound insights of Anthony Kasozi, a mentor to leaders, educator, tutor, accomplished writer and published author - highlighting only a few of the long list of impressive credentials.

The conversation takes us through Anthony’s journey from his early years as a boy growing up in Africa - where he once dreamt of becoming a fireman! - to his current role as a highly regarded figure in the world of leadership. 

He speaks about how his childhood provided an array of experiences that have shaped his unique perspective, bringing a wealth of life and work experiences from diverse backgrounds and allowing him to think internationally. 

As a ‘Creator,’ as his dominant LH Dynamics profile, he explains his curiosity and the ability to see opportunities within challenges, a trait he developed early on. He speaks about how leadership takes shape in formal and informal roles and emphasises the foundation and significance of small acts and routines in managing yourself before managing others. 

Anthony stresses the importance of looking internally rather than externally for purpose and motivation and the flexibility of purpose, highlighting that he has and will continue to have multiple purposes, ensuring that you are always aligning with what makes you feel good. 

There are many valuable lessons throughout the conversation, including him encouraging others to take risks while emphasising the need for good support and judgement sharing his valuable insights into finding the right coach or mentor. 

Tune in to be inspired and if this episode resonated with you, please rate and review!

To find out more about Luxury Hospitality Dynamics: https://luxuryhospitalitymgm.com/luxury-hospitality-courses/lh-dynamics-self-discovery-and-team-building-workshops/

For more information on our leadership courses, click here.

In this episode, our visionary founder Peter Vogel jumps on with Julia, and they chat with the esteemed thought leader, Roger Hamilton.

The mastermind behind Talent Dynamics and the muse for our unique LH Dynamics tool, Roger shares his experience and profound insights to mastering the art of leadership and what the number one role is in leading - highlighting how leadership is not always about the style but who you are leading.

Roger speaks about how entrepreneurial leaders should no longer focus on the outdated methods of leading companies but should be the ones out in front, innovating and disrupting change.

His dynamo energy characteristics shine through in this chat while drawing from the leadership masterminds of Elon Musk and Richard Branson. Talking about Talent Dynamics, he delves into the various profiles and explains how building teams around your challenges is best. He emphasises why it’s important to get clear on your ‘why’ and then to build a team around you that are best at the ‘what’, ‘when’ and ‘how.’

We hope you enjoy this discussion as much as we did; we could talk to Roger for hours!

If this episode inspired you, please rate and review us!

To find out more about Roger's work: www.rogerjameshamilton.com

To find out more about LH Dynamics: www.tinyurl.com/bde78cpk

For more information on our leadership courses, click here.

Our journey through the second season of Power of Purpose could not continue without speaking to one of LH’s most inspiring leadership specialists and visionary entrepreneurs, Jeroen Bosman.

Jeroen is a true believer in the power of talent, harnessing innovative tools like LH Dynamics to unlock potential. In this discussion, he highlights how talent is one of the most important drivers behind everything we do.

He takes us through the different leadership styles, leading by example, the art of listening with intent and the potency of purposeful communication, whilst also underscoring the significance of the ‘random acts of kindness’ approach - especially its huge advantages for the hospitality industry.

Jeroen’s expertise extends beyond the conventional as he chats about his research, unveiling curiosity's pivotal role in effective leadership. He has a future-thinking mentality and goes on to discuss the role of paradigm shifts, the future of AI, cultivating fresh perspectives and the ‘reverse thinking’ method - all of which can create a strategic edge when tackling complex problems.

To find out more about Jeroen’s work: www.luxuryhospitalitymgm.com/team/jeroen-bosman

For more information on our leadership courses, click here.

This episode is with the driven and entrepreneurial Nigel Marrison, the founder of a company driving positive change and making waves in the yachting industry - Blue ESG.

An ex-yacht captain, Nigel speaks about his time in the yachting industry, the qualities that make a good leader and how to empower teams.

It wasn’t until during the pandemic lockdown that he had time to reflect on the yachting industry and his role in it. He decided it was the perfect opportunity to pursue his purpose and launch his company.

Nigel has seen first-hand the impact that the industry is having - both environmentally and socially and believes through an ESG (Environmental Social Governance) framework, the industry can make a bigger, more positive impact.

As a ‘Creator’ (#LHDynamics) Nigel is very positive and has a big vision: to raise the value proposition of yachting. Nigel knows that he has a big challenge ahead of him. So  how is he planning to convince an entire industry that 'business as usual' is not an option anymore?

Let's find out...

To find out more about Blue Esg: www.blue-esg.com

For more information on our leadership courses, click here.

In the first episode of series 2, we’re talking to two passionate and inspiring women, sailors Nini and Lisa. 

They first met in Antigua, working on boats, where with the support of various mentors and leaders, they started to build up their own successful careers. Fast forward to today, they are both thriving in a male-dominated industry - Lisa is a yacht Captain of S/Y Windoo, and Nini is a rigging technician for The Rigging Company. 

This episode gives insight into the challenges of being a woman in the maritime industry and how to foster self-belief and lead, regardless of gender. They talk about essential leadership skills needed, from acting calmly in chaos to flexibility and problem-solving, while acknowledging the importance of good mentorship.

Taking their ‘row-lationship’ to the next level, Nini and Lisa are now taking it full circle back to where they first met, in Antigua, and taking part in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge (‘The World’s Toughest Row), where they hope to set a new record, rowing 3,000 nautical miles from Spain.

The proceeds from the row will go toward their ‘Bridges Over Water’ grant fund. This is a programme they have developed to change the lives of younger generations by creating more accessible pathways for former young adults of the foster care system to enter the maritime industry  - a cause close to Lisa’s heart, having grown up in foster care herself. The funds for applicants will go toward job seeking and placement through courses, education, ongoing support and access to the LegaSea mentorship programme.

To find out more team Ocean Grown and support the Bridges Over Water scholarship programme: www.oceangrown.co 

For more information on our leadership courses, click here.

We couldn't finish off Series 1 without a special episode and a guest appearance from Luxury Hospitality (LH) founder Peter Vogel himself. 

In this episode, Julia and Peter discuss everything from starting his career to starting LH and of course the purpose that's shaped both paths. 

Peter's insights into how purpose can change, shape and guide us are a constant source of inspiration to us all at LH and we hope to you too. 

For more information on our leadership courses, click here.

Purpose truly does come in many forms - it’s not just people that have a purpose, it can be places too.

Which is exactly what we discover in Episode 10 with our latest guest Tony Browne.

He talked with Julia about his own purpose and of Porto Montenegro and how powerful shared purpose can be.

It was great to hear about his path, his determination, his goals, his future plans, and those of Porto Montengro’s.

We’re nearing the end of season 1 of the Power of Purpose podcast and have something special for you coming up very soon.

In the meantime we hope you enjoy Tony’s episode as much as we have. 

Find out more about the amazing developments and projects they have happening here - www.portomontenegro.com

For more information on our leadership courses, click here.