We are pleased to present an interview with Claudia Paschkewitz, Columbia Group’s Director of Sustainability, Diversity, and Inclusion, who approaches wellness with a positive attitude. Even in challenging situations, she tries to identify what went well and focuses on the things that make her happy.
She advises us to never give up, to keep practicing a positive mindset, and to explore areas outside our comfort zone. Claudia notes that the industry has already embraced well-being initiatives. As for Columbia Group, the company provides medical advisory, mental health solutions, nutrition consultancy, and public health services, all supported by specialists and experts in the field.
SAFETY4SEA: What does ‘wellness’ mean to you? What do you do in your every day life to embrace wellness?
Claudia Paschkewitz: Wellness is a combination of physical and mental health. Both sides need to be balanced, and we need to pay close attention to both. After a long day at work, I need exercise. I like to run, followed by stretching and mental relaxation exercises.
S4S: What are the two things to do that can make you feel happy after a challenging day?
Cl.P.: Even during a challenging day, you should try to incorporate things that are good for you and make you happy throughout the day. This could be a great conversation with a colleague, a laugh together, a walk in the fresh air. In the evening, I try to focus on the things that were positive and went well during the day. Sometimes you can’t believe how many there are. In general, I think there is a tendency to focus on negative things. With a little practice, you can change that.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile wellbeing investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
Cl.P.: This may sound contradictory at first, but I think stepping out of your comfort zones, tackling new areas and gaining a security in them that you didn’t think you could achieve is enriching and contributes to your well-being as you move forward. It takes a lot of energy at first, but gives you back all the more energy.
S4S: What do you do to keep balance between your personal and business life?
Cl.P.: To be honest, business life takes up a lot of my time. You can only do that if you like your work and enjoy it. This automatically gives you a balance, because you don’t have the feeling that the scales are tipping to one side or the other.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your personal life?
Cl.P.: I have always believed in the good in people, without being unrealistic or naive. I approach people with an open heart, literally with open arms and a smile. This positive energy makes it much easier to go through life, it makes you more relaxed. I have been able to intensify this over the last years and it gives me a lot. When the days aren’t going well, I always try to stop and focus on that.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape with regards to wellbeing?
Cl.P.: I believe that a lot has already happened. For the Columbia Group, wellbeing is very important for all employees ashore and at sea. With OneCare Group, a preferred partner of the Columbia Group, we provide health and well-being services through a strong network of specialists. That is including, but not limited to, medical advisory, mental health solutions, nutrition consultancy and public health services.
S4S: What is the one thing that you are feeling grateful at the moment?
Cl.P.: I don’t think you should focus on just one thing. I have so much to be grateful for and should be grateful for. Health, love, family, great friends, and colleagues and so much more.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
Cl.P.: Never give 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.
