Justyna and Urszula’s paths have been intertwined from the very beginning. They both come from small towns in Poland and graduated from the Maritime Academy in Szczecin, specializing in Maritime Traffic Engineering. They started their maritime careers with a small Danish company before moving on to HSUD. Later, they were both promoted to Chief Officers in 2013. Now in 2024, they have made the impressive last step to the rank of captain.
Ula and I know each other well and have always supported each other. We were promoted to Chief Officers the same year and now to captains in the same year as well. I am proud of Ula’s promotion and of her as a strong, valuable woman.
The path to becoming captains has been rewarding, but also difficult for Justyna and Urszula. Both faced significant challenges, from navigating a male-dominated industry to balancing demanding careers with family life. Justyna speaks openly about the challenges she faced, particularly the difficulty of returning to sea after the birth of her two sons.
“Coming back to work at sea after giving birth was one of the hardest decisions for me. But with the support of my husband and our determination, we made it work.” For Urszula, the biggest challenge was breaking down gender barriers.
The first couple of years were difficult, and I was often challenged as a woman. However, working hard and staying motivated helped me break stereotypes and prove my capabilities.
Leading with humility and determination
Both captains emphasize the importance of resilience, hard work, and staying true to oneself. Justyna credits her success to her determination and a strong support system. "My inspiration to pursue a career at sea stems from my desire for personal and professional growth. Hard work pays off, and the rewards are worth the struggle." She hopes that by being a visible leader in the maritime field, she can inspire and encourage other women to pursue careers in this industry.
Urszula shares the same thoughts, advising junior female officers to “work hard, be well-motivated, and never give up. Even if it is hard, put your head up and continue – it is worth it! Be yourself and never let anybody stop you”. Urszula is strongly committed to continuing to break barriers and foster an inclusive environment for all, which is exactly the leadership style we need onboard our vessels.
Looking ahead: Aspirations for the future
In their new roles as captains, both Justyna and Urszula are focused on leading with integrity and fostering an inclusive environment on board. Justyna is eager to continue developing her skills and passion, and Urszula is proud of her journey and committed to being a good leader. “I know that responsibilities change and gain complexity, and our day-to-day problem-solving skills must grow and adapt with experience,” Urszula reflects.
Their promotions are not just personal victories but also a testament to progress in our industry’s journey toward greater diversity and inclusion.
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