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, culture, and misaligned ecosystems.

- Why maritime has zero patience for “innovation theatre”
- How to design pilots that are actually built to scale
- The hidden role of procurement, leadership, and P&L alignment
- Why trust, communication, and quick wins matter more than big visions
- What startups misunderstand about working with large shipping companies
- How geopolitics, energy, and shipping are inseparably linked

This is a candid, experience-driven conversation about making innovation tangible, navigating fear and resistance inside large organizations, and building ecosystems that allow real transformation to happen.

If you care about maritime decarbonisation, digital transformation, or corporate–startup collaboration, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
• Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
• Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at gordana.ilic@bettersea.tech

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 building (or buying) maritime tech—this one’s for you.

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
• Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
• Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at gordana.ilic@bettersea.tech

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 of pastors, he brings values of service, integrity, and humility into a world of data, AI, regulations, cyber security, and decarbonisation pressures.

You’ll hear about:

• How he first “met” shipping through procurement and logistics
• Why change only happens when people are ready, not just when software is ready
• The importance of thinking globally and acting locally across regions and cultures
• Building trust-based client relationships in a 24/7 global industry
• Why he would be a combination carrier and what that says about adaptability
• How AI and advanced analytics can support decarbonisation and smarter decisions
• Advice for students and new joiners entering maritime today
• The role of prayer / positive intention / energy in leadership and negotiations

You’ll also hear Gordana share her own “by accident” entry into shipping and her path into innovation and decarbonisation, and a candid conversation about our love–hate relationship with AI.

Perfect listening if you’re:

• Working in shipping, trading, maritime tech or logistics
• Curious about green and digital transformation in maritime
• Early in your career and looking for practical advice and inspiration
• Interested in how values and relationships can drive change in complex systems

Follow The Wavemakers Podcast for more stories from the people shaping the green and digital future of shipping

Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers!

🔗 Related Resources and Links:
• Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/
• Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea

📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at gordana.ilic@bettersea.tech