Jacqueline Zalapa, Partner at Campbell Johnston Clark’s London Office, shares that her journey into the shipping industry happened by chance after she moved to New York City from Sydney, Australia, where she qualified as a lawyer.
What excites Jacqueline most about her role today is the diversity and fascinating personalities the industry attracts. Recently, she has embraced a healthier work-life balance, which has enhanced her overall productivity. Looking ahead, Jacqueline hopes to see greater female representation in leadership roles within the maritime legal and insurance sectors, as she recognizes the industry’s underutilized female talent.
SAFETY4SEA: How did it come about that you joined shipping industry and your field of expertise specifically?
Jacqueline Zalapa: Pure chance! After qualifying in Sydney, Australia, I relocated to NYC, sat the NY bar and needed to pay the rent. I was very lucky to have an opportunity to work with a wonderfully talented maritime lawyer who took a chance on me.
S4S: What about your current job/ role most excites you and why?
J.Z.: Definitely the people (well, most of them!). The shipping industry tends to attract interesting and whacky people from all walks of life from different parts of the world.
S4S: When you think of the word successful who’s the first person who comes to mind and why?
J.Z.: Can I have two people? My daughters because they have overcome obstacles (that most children don’t experience) with their hearts wide open and smiles on their face.
S4S: Who is/was the most influential person/mentor to you & why?
J.Z.: Leo Kailas – he is the wonderfully talented maritime lawyer in NYC who took a chance on me almost 20 years ago. Integrity second to none, a skilled tactician with a brilliant sense of humour.
S4S: What is the best and what was the worst piece of advice you’ve ever been given and why?
J.Z.: Best piece of advice has been to take a risk and leave Australia at the beginning of my career. Whilst common place today, it wasn’t 20 years ago. Most of the bad advice I have received has generally been risk adverse. Naturally, lawyers are risk adverse creatures but it’s important, I think, for this to be tempered with realism.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile career investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
J.Z.: Living and working abroad in London and NY.
S4S: If you could give a piece of advice to your 18-year-old-self one thing, what would it be and why? What piece of advice should you ignore?
J.Z.: The days can feel long at times but the years go by fast so enjoy them regardless of what’s going on. I’d ignore advice – even good advice – that pulls you away from what you want to do.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your business life?
J.Z.: Leaning into a bit of balance I think – whether it be taking time to go for a run, take that yoga class or spend time with family and friends. It makes a difference.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape and your area of expertise specifically and why?
J.Z.: I’d like to see more women in leadership positions in the legal and insurance sector because we are woefully underrepresented in circumstances where I believe there is a lot of female talent ready, willing and able to step up.
The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
