“Success” — a word that inspires us to push through challenges, pursue goals, and strive for excellence every day. Countless books, speeches, podcasts and dreams are inspired by the word Success. We often hear that it is built on hard work, intelligence, perseverance and determination. From loved ones to mentors, from social media influencers to industry experts, the message is consistent: if you work hard enough, you will succeed. But is individual effort the whole story?

As a psychologist, I have come to believe that behind most stories of success lies something more that is less visible but a powerful contributor: a sense of belonging.

Our maritime industry, known for its exceptional contribution to global trade, is driven by every human at sea or on shore who contributes to it. A seafarer, irrespective of whether on board or on leave, always feels committed to the ocean. Shore staff at the office or on leave during an emergency on board would still allow the sleepless night to provide support to the sea staff on board. Such commitment often goes beyond the contractual obligations. It tends to reflect something deeper. It is the connection to the people, the purpose and the community that makes up the maritime industry as a whole. What drives us all to make an extra effort? Is it just the objective rewards of promotions, medals, appraisal and extra financial help? Or is it more about feeling belonging to our organisation, feeling committed to our duties and to those people who are in need?

The success of seafarers cannot be measured solely by promotions, ranks and appraisals. It is often reflected in their willingness to go beyond what is expected, especially seen when they feel connected to their crew, their vessel and the larger maritime community.

The Question Every Woman at Sea Faces

As the maritime industry evolves and more women seafarers step up in leadership roles, a question worth pondering is: is hard work and brilliance alone enough for them to thrive?

In conversation with women seafarers, many share that the strength to sail the rough seas did not come from within alone. It came from the fellow seafarers who made them feel they belonged. On days when they felt a lack of confidence or doubted their own potential, it was their colleague’s confidence in them to rise stronger. On days when homesickness crept in, the mentors on shore reminded them of their dreams and how far they’ve come.

Every woman seafarer strives to find her place in an industry that was once almost exclusively male-dominated. They are ambitious and dream of conquering the sea, but do they really need to strive to be accepted through being technically sound, or should we create an environment to strengthen their wings, to provide support in distress, to feel whole and contribute to a safe voyage?

A Ripple Effect Beyond the Self

While we emphasise women’s leadership, the collective power of women does not become a reality simply because women work alongside one another. It becomes the reality when every woman creates an environment where knowledge is exchanged, growth is shared, and collective success is celebrated. Every effort contributes to a ripple effect that extends beyond personal achievement when a sense of inclusion is felt, when every seasoned woman seafarer mentors another, and when every female seafarer, irrespective of whether she is a fresher or experienced, advocates for fair opportunities.

As we have heard in the phrase — an empowered woman empowers the entire family, community and future generation — similarly, one woman’s confidence can inspire another’s courage. Together, they strengthen the future of the industry.

A learning I am grateful to acquire while serving as a psychologist in the maritime industry is that people rarely flourish in isolation. Strength lies in inclusion. Behind every confident leader, resilient seafarer and successful professional is often a community that believed in them when they couldn’t believe enough in their own potential. Therefore, true success is not measured solely by how well we learn to conquer the ocean and the rough sea, but by how we help others stay afloat when they find themselves sinking.