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.

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🔗 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.

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🔗 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

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 learning in global shipping.

This episode is a must-hear for you if you are navigating shipping or looking for extra motivation to take that professional leap of faith!

Enjoy the conversation!

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

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 seafarers to understand their impact on the shipping industry on its path to 2050.

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

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 struggles
• Why methanol and ethanol could be the future of clean shipping
• How to build resilience through constant reinvention
• His surprising personal story of discovery and connection
• What advice he gives to young professionals entering maritime today

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about energy transition, alternative fuels, and innovation in shipping.

🎙️ Hosted by Gordana at The Wavemakers Podcast – where maritime transformation meets human stories.

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

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 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

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 transition. Beyond her professional achievements, she is also a proud mother of six, a strong voice for women supporting women, and a believer in the power of collaboration.

We explore:
⚓️ How Maria unexpectedly entered the world of shipping
⚓️ Her role in pivotal IMO moments, from the EEDI adoption to global decarbonization strategies
⚓️ Powerful stories from ship recycling in India to migrant rescues in the Mediterranean
⚓️ How shipping culture is changing with digitalization, new generations of leaders, and more women entering the industry
⚓️ Leadership lessons: balancing toughness with empathy, and believing in yourself even when the going gets tough
⚓️ Maria’s vision for the shipping sector in 2040—and her personal hopes for the future

This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and driving impact in one of the world’s most vital industries!

🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more stories at the intersection of maritime decarbonization and digital transformation.

#Shipping #Decarbonization #Leadership #maritime

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