We are delighted to feature Capt. Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General of InterManager, in our special column this time. Capt. Szymanski, who enjoys sailing—a pastime he considers a ‘great remedy’ for daily challenges—has been happily married to his wife, Ranita, for 35 years. He views marriage as one of the best investments in his life and is deeply grateful for his relationship, as well as for his friends and colleagues.
In his efforts to improve the workplace, Capt. Szymanski emphasizes the importance of making people feel valued, respected, and part of something larger. He believes that fostering this attitude on vessels will significantly contribute to creating a happy environment for seafarers. And as the saying goes, ‘a happy ship is a safe ship.’
SAFETY4SEA: What does ‘wellness’ mean to you? What do you do in your every day life to embrace wellness?
Capt. Kuba Szymanski: To me wellness just means being ok. I try to be authentic, to do what makes me feel good, and, since doing things for others makes me most happy, I seem to ‘kill two birds with one stone’.
S4S: What are the two things to do that can make you feel happy after a challenging day?
Capt. K.Sz.: I talk to my wife Ranita a lot. So probably I don’t wait for the end of the day. I consult things with her. Otherwise sailing is a great remedy for all my challenges. I love racing so go from one challenge to the other and that helps enormously.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile wellbeing investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
Capt. K.Sz.: Friends, colleagues, relationship. I have been married for 35 years and that seems to be a great investment. As Ranita says – getting married is simple but to stay married takes an effort.
S4S: What do you do to keep balance between your personal and business life?
Capt. K.Sz.: I make sure that both sides know of each other. So my business partners know my family, my hobby, my passions, and my family know my work. I do NOT separate. I enjoy both.
S4S: In the past five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your personal life?
Capt. K.Sz.: I am nearly 60 so I don’t think the past five years were any different. I picked up my habits and behaviours years and years ago and I am afraid I have not changed much in the past 25 years. Now, when I reflect on it, I wonder whether this is good or bad. I think it is good. I love my time management, management of change, risk management etc – although all sounds very “corpo” driven I use it in everyday and I am happy with it.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape with regards to wellbeing?
Capt. K.Sz.: Delegate more in order to focus more on ‘high level stuff’. Sometimes I see how much time I waste doing bureaucratic tasks. That’s not the best use of my time.
S4S: What wellness-promoting initiatives would you like to see in the workplace?
Capt. K.Sz.: Empowering people. I see how well people react to being valued and respected. When they believe they are part of something bigger, something we are all very proud of. On board the vessel, it is maintaining a nice and happy ship for example.
S4S: What is the one thing that you are feeling grateful at the moment?
Capt. K.Sz.: The friends and colleagues I work with.
S4S: What are your hobbies/ favorite activities?
Capt. K.Sz.: Sailing, Sailing, Sailing, and skiing in winter.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
Capt. K.Sz.: Freedom to Flourish is one, and also Look After People and They Will Look After You and Your Business.
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.
