Caroline Jupe, CEO of IMRF, underscores the significance of incorporating exercise into a healthy lifestyle and stresses the importance of achieving a balance between personal and professional commitments. She actively avoids working during weekends and, in the event of emergency work, endeavors to compensate by dedicating extra time to her family.
Regarding the maritime industry, Caroline advocates for leaders to cultivate an atmosphere of openness and reassure their teams that it’s acceptable to communicate if they’re struggling. However, if the culture change does not come from the top, then people won’t buy into it, Caroline concludes.
SAFETY4SEA: What does ‘wellness’ mean to you? What do you do in your every day life to embrace wellness?
Caroline Jupe: Exercise is so important to a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically. I make sure that I am active as much as possible as a way of relieving stress and taking care of myself. I also have a young family and that, combined with the pressures of work, means every day has its challenges and hurdles, and exercise is my way of releasing the stress that comes with that. Some days are naturally more difficult than others but going for a walk or run is a fantastic way to take care of yourself.
S4S: What are the two things to do that can make you feel happy after a challenging day?
C.J.: The way you end your day is so important. After the work is over and the laptop is closed, I make sure to do the right things to decompress and make time for myself and my family. That often means a relaxing bath and an early night so I know I am well rested.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile wellbeing investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
C.J.: Taking time out from work is so important. I love to travel with my family so being able to holiday when you can is such a worthwhile adventure, both in terms of time and money. Getting away physically really allows you time out from the day-to-day routine of life and lets your disengage from work. It also give you that mental barrier to know that work should be the last thing on your mind and that you should take time for yourself and your friends and family.
S4S: What do you do to keep balance between your personal and business life?
C.J.: For me, I try never to work on a weekend. Naturally, in maritime SAR and running a major non-governmental organisation, there will be emergencies or work commitments that I cannot avoid at the weekend but I will always make sure to make an effort to not work on the weekend. My family is so important to me and I make sure to use that time to spend time with them.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your personal life?
C.J.: Wellness and mental health has certainly become more prominent in society in recent years. To make sure I am prioritising my own wellbeing, I exercise as much as possible as a way of releasing endorphins. During the first lockdown, I took up running as a way of getting out of the house and being active. That habit has stuck and is now a part of my routine. Running is fantastic for travelling as well. Most major cities in the shipping industry are fantastic running destinations and make sure you are able to take care of yourself no matter where you are.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape with regards to wellbeing?
C.J.: The IMRF’s #SARyouOK? initiative has taken a keen look at some of the ways the maritime SAR industry can make wholesale changes to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all in the industry who put themselves at risk to save others. The most important aspect we discovered in our campaign was the importance of a cultural change at a leadership level. Leaders need to make sure they foster an environment of openness and make sure their teams know that it is okay to talk if things are not okay. If the culture change does not come from the top, then people won’t buy into it.
S4S: What wellness-promoting initiatives would you like to see in the workplace?
C.J.: The world has now turned to a hybrid way of working and with that flexibility it is it crucial to improve our wellbeing. While many of us now have the capability to work remotely and connect with team members globally, it is important to still make time to talk about things outside of work and remember we are all people with interesting and fascinating lives.
S4S: What is the one thing that you are feeling grateful at the moment?
C.J.: We often take our health for granted in our day-to-day lives. I always feel grateful for my own personnel health and wellbeing, as well as those of my friends, family and colleagues.
S4S: What are your hobbies/ favorite activities?
C.J.: Travelling with family and enjoying cultural activities such as theatre or opera.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
C.J.: ‘Work hard play hard’. My grandmother taught me that.
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.
