Oslo: Shipping CEOs are failing to do enough to attract top new talent to the industry, says the secretary general of YoungShip, Birgit Liodden.
“When we look at our industry from the outside, we are lacking positive and charismatic role models, even though we do in fact have a lot of great leaders,” she tells Maritime CEO.
“We have some alternative views on how to solve some of the big challenges, such as the industry’s image/branding, and becoming more visible and attractive among young talents,” Liodden reckons.
She would like to see more dynamic leaders such as the BW Group boss Andreas Sohmen-Pao.
The young generation entering into the first step on a career path is driven by new motivational factors, Liodden says, and to a larger extent shaped by the globalised society and role models of various types.
In a rallying call for HR departments across the industry Liodden says: “Today we need to attract those who will support us in solving tomorrow’s energy and environmental solutions. That’s a job we need to prioritise now, in order to stay ahead of the game. It’s a global challenge, which all industry players should join forces in solving.”
YoungShip is a professional non-profit organisation for young people working within the global maritime industry.
Founded in Bergen in 2004, the initiative spread quickly to other maritime hubs. The global YoungShip network today counts more than 2,500 members across the world.
In defining the organisation’s raison d’être Liodden says, “We are challenging and encouraging the industry to become more open, promote good leaders and take active responsibility towards the environmental challenges, social responsibility, and green innovation.”
Liodden gets her message across to a very wide audience as the more savvy social media conscientious readers of this site will have noticed – on platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn she has plenty to say. She is definitely one to follow. [17/06/13]
