Mrs Lea Coelho Fernandes, Deputy Manager – FPD, Elegant Marine Services Pvt Ltd

It was 23 years ago that Mrs Lea Coelho Fernandes, a Deputy Manager with the Fleet Personnel Department of Elegant Marine Services Pvt Ltd joined the historically male-dominated shipping industry. With a desire to carve her own unique path, Lea today reflects back on an experience which has made her stronger, more responsible, focused, and even wittier.

As a mother of two, Lea believes in harvesting positivity, which is one of her greatest strengths. In her free time she can be found trekking, dancing, and playing cricket. When asked about her pet peeve she is quick to point out: disingenuous people.

Opening up to Marex Media, Lea shares her thoughts on why she joined the shipping industry, the kinds of challenges she’s faced, and how she balances her personal and professional life.

You joined the shipping industry soon after graduation, was it planned or by accident?

It was probably a mix of both. I knew the shipping industry was completely driven by men. But being curious about this industry, I wanted to explore and understand it in order to make a career decision. Now it’s been 23 years and counting. It’s been an incredible journey and I am so grateful to have had excellent guidance from my managers and support from peers, all which has brought me to the position and history I’ve built with Elegant Marine.

Being in this industry for the past 23 years, what challenges have you faced? And how have these challenges impacted your life?

I have seen the women back home look after their families when their spouses, brothers, and sons were off sailing, and how strong they had to be to manage everything. Back then, we did not have the kind of connectivity as we do today, so I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been. I recall an incident which really impacted me. There was a mishap at the residence of one of my officer’s while he was sailing, and the hoops we had to jump through to get him back home on time and arrange his replacement on the ship without any delay was one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced. Seeing how the family held themselves together despite what was happening that left a big impression on my life.

Who has been a source of inspiration in your journey so far?

Well, it would be unfair to name just one person as my journey in this industry has been a long one. I have been inspired by many people through all stages of my life.

If I had to just think of one person who has had the biggest influence on me I would say Capt Prashant Rangnekar, a tremendous leader who I have been lucky enough to work alongside and call my mentor for 23 years. He has definitely been one of my biggest sources of inspiration. I’ve always had a lot of ambition and that’s certainly fueled work hard and dedication towards achieving my goals.

During the pandemic, how have you been managing the situation? 

It was very challenging at the beginning of the lockdown but I must say that we have embraced technology at every stage, like online training, meetings on Zoom, which has enabled us to continue doing our work and stay on top of everything. I also want to acknowledge the efforts our Company made to support us with care, ensuring our safety and wellbeing (for both the shore and sailing staff, as well as our families). Just one of the reasons why I love working for Elegant Marine.

Working from home has its unique challenges but I must say that I received incredible support from my family, which meant a lot. On a lighter note, I became an e-commerce expert!

Does your company policy support the recruitment of women seafarers?

Yes and we have been vocal about our desire to continue to drive change in the industry and bring more gender diversity to shipping both on and offshore.

Work and life responsibilities – how do you balance them?

It is tough. But I believe determination, a positive attitude, being able to accept change, and self- motivation can bring about the right balance. I strongly feel we are responsible to everyone – family, friends, relatives, and colleagues. The fact is each of us and our behavior does create and leave an impact on others. I’m a big believer in that famous quote: Love, Care and Respect – the first two you give and the last one you earn.

I try to balance my personal time through regular, listening to music, and spending quality time with family and friends over long weekends. These are always on the agenda.

Do share your thoughts on what changes you would like to bring to the FPD at Elegant Marine?

We’ve built such a strong, collaborative team over the years and the growth has been equally strong. When you see this kind of growth and evolution it’s increasingly important to keep people connected, engaged, and rooted in the same shared values and principles. I think we should find more opportunities to tap into the collective thoughts and wisdom of employees on how we can drive improvement, and also, as a way to gather sentiments on how people are feeling and what their experiences are shaping to be while working with us. I think one of the best ways to really show employees your support is to listen and let them be part of the process, part of the journey.

MMT