The Wavemakers Podcast

What does it take to build a maritime company from nothing, at just 24 years old?! In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, Gordana interviews Antonina Polovenko, founder of Aquamarine Shipping, who shares her incredible entrepreneurial journey. After being fired from her job as a crew manager in Ukraine, Antonina made a bold decision: she would never work for someone else again. With limited mo...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast , we talk with Barry Authers, a digital leader at the intersection of maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation and a Head of Partnerships at Veracity by DNV. Barry’s journey from onshore energy and software engineering into global shipping offers a unique perspective on: Why regulation accelerates innovation The importance of data standards and trust Ho...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we sit down with Amel Rigneau, innovation leader, entrepreneur, and ecosystem builder, to unpack what really makes innovation work in maritime and beyond! From her early career in consulting and entrepreneurship, to orchestrating open innovation in global shipping,  Amel shares why innovation so often fails—not because of technology, but because of people...

Chandni Jaga, Senior Investment Associate at Plug and Play Tech Center, shares her beginings, how growing up in 9 countries shaped her view of the world, how she evaluates early-stage startups and what it takes to scale innovation in shipping: from corporate pilots and monetization strategy to where AI can (and can’t) move the needle in maritime operations. We also dig into regulation as a catalys...

What if the real driver of maritime digital transformation isn’t technology – but relationships? In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast , Gordana sits down with Giftson Eliyesar, Director of Commercial Operations at Veson Nautical , to explore the deeply human side of changing one of the world’s most complex and traditional industries. Giftson shares his journey from computer science and ice cr...

This episode of The Wavemakers Podcast features Emily Dove, Regional Sales Manager for ASEAN and Middle East at TECO Chemicals and one of the Top 100 Women in Shipping.  Emily talkes about her shift from UK-based PR roles to senior commercial and sales positions in maritime, culminating in her latest vibrant presence in Singapore. Hear all about her brave pivots that brought her to shipping, adapt...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast , Anil Jacob (Managing Director of OceanOpt and Head of Fleet Performance at BSM) shares his remarkable journey from sailing tankers to shaping the future of maritime decarbonization. Anil discusses how first-hand experience at sea shaped his understanding of safety, commercial pressures, and subsequently - leadership. He reflects on building teams that em...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast , we unpack Chris Chatterton’s journey from traditional energy to renewables, his decade at the Methanol Institute, and how he’s now shaping the future of alternative fuels and carbon insets in his current roles. Chris shares: The untold story of early decarbonization struggles Why methanol and ethanol could be the future of clean shipping How to build res...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast , Dr. Sanjay C. Kuttan — former CTO & CSO of the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) — reflects on a 33-year journey spanning science, oil & gas, policy, and innovation. He shares lessons on authenticity, faith, and leadership, revealing how staying true to yourself and embracing change can shape entire industries. A conversation abou...

Season 3 | Episode with Maria Skipper Schwenn  In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, I sit down with Maria Skipper Schwenn, Director of Environmental Regulatory & Public Affairs at Bunker Holding and a long-time advocate for maritime decarbonization, regulation, and collaboration. Maria has spent over 13 years shaping climate, environmental, and safety policies—representing Danish shipown...

In this special panel discussion moderated by Gordana Ilic (Co-CEO, BetterSea), we bring together three industry leaders to unpack the fast-evolving regulatory landscape shaping maritime decarbonization: - Shaja Mathew – Senior Operations Director, Bernhard Schulte Management - Anil Jacob – Managing Director, Oceanopt - Maximillian Schoer  – Co-CEO, BetterSea Together, we reflect on the impact of...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Haidar—a dynamic maritime leader with over 20 years of experience in port operations, terminal management, and digital transformation. From running terminals in Beirut to developing IT strategies for NEOM, Sarah shares what it takes to lead in a traditionally male-dominated industry while raising a family, mentoring women, and advoc...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we sit down with Yasovardhan Chinni (YC). YC grew up in a small Indian town and in pursuit of financial stability chose a non-traditional path into shipping. From marine engineering to life on board the vessel, YC turned his seafaring experience into a full-fledged maritime business portfolio. From the engine room to the boardroom and asset ownership, YC...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we sit down with RK Sethi – marine engineer, restaurateur, startup mentor, CEO at SEAKNOTIQ Ship management and Group COO at YC Ventures – to explore the personal journey behind a multi-faceted career in maritime, technology, and entrepreneurship. From his first days aboard a vessel to launching a restaurant in Singapore, leading shipping operations in Ni...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we meet Piotr Konopka, Vice President at DP World, who took an unexpected yet inspiring journey from designing motorsport vehicles to leading global decarbonization efforts in maritime logistics. 🎯 From automotive engineering and hybrid race cars at Toyota's Motorsport Division, to now helping a company that moves 10% of the world's cargo decar...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we sit down with Claudia Beumer, a leader in maritime decarbonization who transitioned from corporate commercial roles to founding her own environmetal consultancy company, C4 Fuels. With a background in chemical engineering, Claudia's journey into shipping, alternative fuels, and sustainability was unexpected but transformative. 💡 Topics Covered: H...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we dive into the fascinating career of Gary Hubbard, a seasoned logistics leader who transitioned from directing major global supply chains to driving the adoption of green fuels in maritime. With experience spanning continents, cultures, and industries, Gary shares how his journey through P&O Nedlloyd, Maersk, DHL, and beyond shaped his perspective o...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, Gordana sits down with Captain Mohit Betra, a true catalyst in the maritime industry.  From his early days at sea, influenced by a family of sailors, to driving digital transformation, Captain Mohit shares his unique perspective on the evolution of shipping in the past decades. They dive into the challenges and opportunities of digitalization, the rise of...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, host Gordana sits down with Mahsa from ESG Ports, a company at the cutting edge of sustainability in the maritime industry. ESG Ports is tackling the climate crisis by converting waste cooking oil into biofuel, leveraging blockchain transparency, and building a decentralized ecosystem to ensure ESG compliance. Mahsa shares her unexpected journey from tech...

🎙️ In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we sit down with Maria Rita Skog, a dynamic leader whose maritime journey began in young age aboard merchant tankers. From growing up on a vessel and assisting at shipyards to educating young generations and maritime board seats, Maria's life has been a blend of curiosity, exploration, and expertise. 🎙️ Learn how her passion for maritime evolved i...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we’re joined by Captain Rami Al Breiki—a seafarer turned an entrepreneur, with a deep passion for maritime innovation and decarbonization.  Captain Rami opens up about his early seafarer career on LNG carriers, to embracing new challenges, turning to entrepreneurship, paving a way for others and shaping the future of the UAE maritime industry through tran...

In this episode, we sat down with Katarina Uherova Hasbani, a pioneer and catalyst of decarbonisation within the heavy asset industry.  From setting the first renewables energy efficiency carbon reduction targets as part of European Comission, to shaping corporate sustainability and decarbonisation strategies and working with startups to accelerate the transition, she has experienced all perspecti...

If you’re looking for actionable insights on FuelEU Maritime, this episode is a must-listen! In an informative discussion, BetterSea co-founders Gordana Ilic and Maximilian Schroer explain the key aspects and mechanisms of the FuelEU Maritime regulation entering into force in Jan 2025.  They address the topics such as the use of alternative fuels, penalties, pooling, banking and borrowing, as well...

Today's episode of The Wavemakers Podcast is an insightful conversation with Haseena Bheekhun, the innovative Chief Operating Officer at Unitrove. From her diverse career beginnings, to leading the scaling of green hydrogen projects, Haseena shares her passion for sustainability and the hurdles of navigating the maritime industry when joining as an "outsider". This is Haseena's...

In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, Eli Gjesdal reflects on her lifelong maritime journey. Inspired by her grandmother, Eli dreamed of working on tankers from an early age, and while that dream evolved, she has gone on to become a female pioneer in the industry. Eli discusses being one of the first women in a predominantly male field, her maritime journey built on the foundations of teamwor...