We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Fiona Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Fiona below.

Fiona, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I first started working in the Maritime Industry in 2009 – I knew nothing of the industry until I started working at Wright Maritime Group. Suffice to say, it changed my career path completely.

My background at the time was in business Management. It’s one of those knowledge/skill sets that can easily cross over into any employment sector. During my tenor gained a degree in Pre-Law and Human Behavior and Psychology.

I spent close to ten years with the company, five of those years I worked in the ISM ISPS learning about the industry, the regulatory bodies that govern its operations. The remaining five years, I worked in Crew HR. Managing over 500 Crew, their Employment Agreements, Onboard Conflict management, termination issues, Captains and HoD support, guidance, and any other crew-related matters.

It was during the last five years that I quickly recognized that there was a lack of adequate support for Captains and their lead staff to navigate some of the issues they were encountering onboard… hence the idea of my company.

My company offers HR support, onboard leadership and communication training, Personality Assessment training, Coaching and counseling Services harassment and bullying training etc.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Blue Star Standard International is one of the leading Maritime Leadership & Professional Development Training company within the Maritime industry, our unique Training Programs, Personality Assessment, Mental Health Counseling & Coaching Sessions focuses on getting the team to consistently operate at its optimum level by eliminating common mistakes that stand in the way of creating and maintaining a synergistic work environment.

Our Leadership and Professional Development 3-Core Model Training Program for Masters, Heads of Departments (HoDs) & Senior Crew at the Management Levels seeking to develop and advance their areas of Strengths, Weaknesses, Adaptability, Communication & Behavioral styles. We will bring your organization from ordinary to matching The Blue Star Standard of Excellence –

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Tapping into this industry is definately not for the faint of heart, especially as a woman in a Male dominated space.

I find that not every door will be opened to you, trust must be earned, and you cannot take a no personally. In the early stages of my company, I found that the industry was very slow to making changes and for someone who has never worked onboard vessels the idea that I would have something of value to offer seemed foreign to quite a few people.

Sometimes it boils down to who you know, who would be willing to endorse your vision. All you need is one yes and once you get that yes, you’ve got to make the best of the opportunity.

I had to work harder, and smarter, make myself visible and as I stated earlier not taking a no as personal attack.

I had to remember the WHY behind my company, the ethos that believe in the Wellbeing of the Seafarers. That was what kept me going, even on days when I felt like stepping away.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Adoptability and Adaptability – I had to quickly learn that the vision I had when I started my company may not look the same once the journey began.

I learnt to let go of the ideas and welcome the reality of what is in front of me.

The lessons I have learnt have certainly improved my company and as developed and strengthened my fortitude.

I have told my clients and my students often that adaptability is their key to success. This is very evident in my life today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bluestarstandardintl.com & www.speakhopeintl.com
• Instagram: bluestarstandardintl.com or Fiona Johnson
• Facebook: Speakhopeintl.c0m
• Linkedin: Fiona Johnson