Our “Career Paths” column, which is both featured in our monthly SAFETY4SEA Log magazine and online, hosts Mrs. Lena Göthberg, the producer of Shipping Podcast since 2015.
Although she started her career in industry by coincidence, Mrs Göthberg admits that shipping has gained her interest due to its people, the international business environment and its global reach. However, she would expect shipping to become more confident and she further advises to always listen to people and learn from their mistakes.
SAFETY4SEA: How did it come about that you joined shipping industry?
Lena Göthberg: I joined the shipping industry, as most people, through coincident and by chance. I was recruited by someone I knew because of someone I knew.
S4S: What about your current job/ role most excites you?
L.G.: I love the maritime industry because of the people, the international business environment and the global reach.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape?
L.G.: I would like for the maritime industry to be more self-confident and tell the rest of the world what we do and what a cool industry we work in.
S4S: Who is/was the most influential person to you & why ?
L.G.: All my managers have had an influence on me, however not in the most positive way. Since I started my own business and broke free from the organization that did not see the potential in me, I constantly find new people to be influenced by. If I have to mention someone, I would say Mrs. Karin Orsel, CEO and Owner of the MF Shipping Group. I met her in 2005 and it turned out that we share a lot of views, love soccer and play on each other’s strength and she has also been the one standing next to me in my endeavour of developing my own company.
S4S: Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
L.G.: Listen to what people are talking about, they will lead you and you don’t have to repeat their mistakes.
S4S: If you could tell your 18-year-old-self one thing, what would it be?
L.G.: Go for what you love to do, then you will be good at it!
S4S: What is your personal motto?
L.G.: Broaden your horizon.
About Lena Gothberg, Owner & CEO, GIGS by Lena G
If you have listened to the Shipping Podcast, you know my voice and you know that I have taken upon myself to get the shipping industry more visible as I have become tired about always have to explain to everyone I meet, what the shipping industry is. Everybody is talking about the fact that we should raise the public awareness, but no one does anything about it. In July 2015, I started this podcast, which now has become a success with more than 100,000 downloads in 165+ countries.