How did you start in shipping?
I joined Greek shipping community after college. My first role was with the Greek branch of a Dutch company, Gti Marine and Offshore, as assistant to the technical manager. After four years, I joined Intermodal Shipbrokers, a reputable firm where I stayed for a long time. Since then, I’ve worked mainly with foreign companies, which gave me great insight into how multinational firms operate, something I truly enjoyed. I’ve always been on the service side, not ship management, because it gives me more freedom and room to take initiative. Over 30+ years in the industry, I found that sales and management are where I thrive most.
What do you love most about shipping?
I love solving problems, meeting deadlines, and building lasting relationships. There’s a great sense of satisfaction in delivering exactly what someone needs at the right time.
At my current company, Senoussi, I feel truly empowered. The company has vision, respects my ideas, and gives me the space to take initiative. We operate with flexibility and speed without rigid corporate layers. What I value most is our personalized approach. We aim to be a boutique in maritime service making each customer feel secure, heard, and supported. That trust is something I take seriously.
How has your experience been as a woman in shipping?
When I started, women were mostly seen as suitable for roles like secretaries or personal assistants and that’s how I began. It was challenging to be taken seriously, especially as a 20-year-old in shipbroking. Some shipowners hung up the phone, questioning what I knew about vessels. But over time, I learned that being a woman could become an advantage, if you proved you were competent. That left a stronger impression than just being a pleasant presence. I’ve always supported women in the industry. At Senoussi, we have a strong team of women, especially in supply and other departments. I’ve mentored many, sharing knowledge and helping them build confidence. Today in Greece, more women hold senior roles, even in technical departments and they’re doing great. I strongly believe women bring valuable skills and perspective to the maritime sector.
How has the shipping industry changed over the years?
The industry has evolved significantly. When I started, everything was manual. Now, companies are much more organized and technologically driven. Sustainability is another major shift. There’s growing awareness around protecting the environment. Greek companies, traditionally strong players, are now aligning more closely with structured, Central European standards and making a greater impact globally.
What helps you win in your role and get new customers?
My company, Senoussi is headquartered in the Suez area, we supply technical stores, provisions, and safety services to vessels. We’re expanding in Port Said to better serve nearby ports. I lead the Greek branch & global sales, form partnerships with international well-known manufacturing companies and create synergies with other suppliers to be able to expand our coverage. My firm has the honor of representing more than 15 marine brands in Egypt and we keep adding. We offer a complete range of services and products to our global customer base both in Egypt and beyond. Having a strong brand name helps open doors. Of course, pricing matters, but in many cases, trust and reliable service can outweigh price. I’ve worked with some clients for over 20 years. They know that when something goes wrong, we will respond quickly and do everything needed. That level of trust is what makes the real difference in our business.
What has helped you stay resilient and flourish in this industry?
It can be a tough industry. One colleague once went to pitch a company, and the client sat there cutting his nails during the meeting completely uninterested! It was uncomfortable and memorable experience. On another occasion, I spent a lot of time to prepare for an important meeting. One of our major business associates from Japan sent his son to visit us and discuss our cooperation. Indeed, he came, but to our greatest surprise he didn’t speak a word in English! It was quite funny and awkward at the same time. When I asked him why he visited, I understood that he came to take a photo with us.
Surviving on the front lines of this business for 30+ years is not easy. Not everyone can handle the stress and intensity of this industry. But if you love the work, it’s full of excitement and reward, both emotionally and financially. Shipping is a small world, we all move from company to company, so relationships and reputation matter deeply. I always valued respect and warmth. When you have a good name, you can always open doors.
How do you use technology and intelligence in your daily work?
Technology is essential for sales and decision-making. We use MagicPort to track vessel arrivals, especially since we now cover new markets like Turkey and India. The data helps us prepare our strategy. I also appreciate the certificate check feature you’ve added that’s very useful in the safety business. The sanctions risk indicator on vessels and companies you added recently is another great tool to avoid risks while dealing with new customers.
