Jenny N. Braat is the Managing Director of Danish Maritime, an industry association which initiates cooperation between its member businesses in a variety of areas including research, development and innovation, promoting favorable conditions for the Danish maritime industry. In an exclusive interview with SAFETY4SEA, Mrs. Braat says that Danish maritime industry is among the most innovative and the late Maersk McKinney Møller is one of the persons who admires.
Mrs Braat advises us to identify which education really suits to each individual to accomplish much more and avoid making decisions without thinking about the future. For the maritime industry, she would like to see a change in perception; collaboration and responsibility are needed toward industry’s rapid developments.
SAFETY4SEA: How did it come about that you joined shipping industry and your field of expertise specifically?
J.Br.: I was asked at university if I would like to work within shipbuilding. Shipbuilding at that time was as it is today quite an important and politically interesting area so I decided to go for it.
S4S: What about your current job/ role most excites you and why?
J.Br.:The Danish maritime industry is global and among the most innovative. We have influence and by that we can actually contribute to the global agenda. Having influence on something you believe in is really fantastic.
S4S: When you think of the word successful who’s the first person who comes to mind and why?
J.Br.:It’s difficult because it depends. Within the scope for the maritime world I still am most impressed by the late Maersk McKinney Møller.
S4S: Who is/was the most influential person/mentor to you & why?
J.Br.:I have learned a lot from many different persons both from the industry but also from my private network. Thomas S. Knudsen senior vice president MAN Diesel and Turbo has been an important mentor with his high level knowledge of technology and innovative mind.
S4S: What is the best and what was the worst piece of advice you’ve ever been given and why?
J.Br.:I do not really remember but I believe that you always need to not blindly follow advice but also use you own common sense. Then you can only blame yourself.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile career investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
J.Br.: I took five years in Brussels working with the European system that have certainly taught me a lot about international interaction and cooperation
S4S: If you could give a piece of advice to your 18-year-old-self one thing, what would it be and why?
J.Br.:It is important to take an education you can identify yourself in also when you get 50 years old.
S4S: What piece of advice should you ignore?
J.Br.:Don’t only follow your heart you also need to let your mind have an influence on your future choices.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your business life?
J.Br.:18 month ago I invested in a new office domicile given the possibility to support maritime start-ups and give more space for our members to meet and exchange knowledge. I believe that our industry together can make a big change, but we need to work closer together about it.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape and your area of expertise specifically and why?
J.Br.:I hope that we in the maritime world understand the influence and importance our industry has for the global environment, and that we together will take that responsibility on our shoulders and move a little faster forward concerning development and changes in the industry.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
J.Br.:The best way to have influence is to do the work…
