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© 2025 The Wavemakers Podcast
Description
Stories of the people shaping the change to green shipping, at the intersection of maritime, tech and decarbonisation.
Maritime industry is undergoing rapid change, new fuels and technologies often take the limelight, but we believe the key to success of every innovation are people. The Wavemakers Podcast aims to shine the light to those at the frontline - the chamions, innovators, 'status quo challengers', innovation and community catalysts, or simply being the first impacted by the change.
How does it feel to drive and pioneer change? What are the puzzle pieces of their story that drive their leadership? These are the questions that the podcast aims to answer as we get to know the maritime leaders over a coffee chat and beyond their professional titles.
Join us on this voyage!
The Podcast is hosted by Gordana Ilic, a co-founder of BetterSea and a former Head of Decarbonisation Portfolio Management at A.P. Moller - Maersk.
29 Episodes
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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 catalyst for change and why Singapore’s ecosystem is a standout for maritime tech founders. If you’re bu...
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 cream logistics in Singapore to leading commercial operations and maritime tech. Raised in a family o...
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, adapting to Singaporean business culture, the value of empathy, diversity, and continuous learnin...
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 embrace change, driving digitalization for fuel optimization, and guiding the next generation of sea...
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 strugglesWhy methanol and ethanol could be the future of clean shippingHow to build resilience through constant reinventionHis surprising personal story of discovery and connectionWhat ad...
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 about courage, reflection, and the quiet power of being the “tugboat” that drives progress. Subscribe ...
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 shipowners, working at the IMO, and serving on multiple boards driving the green shipping transit...
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 EU ETS, the upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulation, and the anticipated IMO Net Zero Framewor...
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 advocating for digital innovation. 🔍 We explore: - How a finance graduate ended up running ports - T...
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 shares his inspiring story of resilience, calculated risk-taking, and building YC Ventures—an eco...
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 Nigeria, and now investing in the next generation of maritime startups, RK shares lessons on navig...
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 decarbonize, Piotr’s story is one of curiosity, agility, and global impact. We talk about: What sparked his sh...
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: How diving and a career pivot led Claudia into the maritime industry The unique culture of shipping an...
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 on supply chains, sustainability, and the future of shipping. 🌍 From his unexpected first assignm...
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 AI and automation, and the growing need for smart data over data overload in maritime oper...
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 into sustainability, discussing how her background in Computer Engineering, Blockchain, and AI ...
🎙️ 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 into a career spanning continents, industries, and roles. From broadcasting seafarers' stories to work...
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 transformative initiatives like Blue Pass. Captain Rami shares how his years at sea shap...
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 perspectives of the green transition. In this conversation, she shared her story and optimism for at...
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 as regulation implications on different maritime stakeholders: ship owners, ship managers...
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