The Wavemakers Podcast

BetterSea
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Stories of the people shaping the change to green shipping, at the intersection of maritime, tech and decarbonisation. Maritime industry is undergoing rapid change, new fuels and technologies often take the limelight, but we believe the key to success of every innovation are people. The Wavemakers Podcast aims to shine the light to those at the frontline - the chamions, innovators, 'status quo challengers', innovation and community catalysts, or simply being the first impacted by the change. How does it feel to drive and pioneer change? What are the puzzle pieces of their story that drive their leadership? These are the questions that the podcast aims to answer as we get to know the maritime leaders over a coffee chat and beyond their professional titles.Join us on this voyage! The Podcast is hosted by Gordana Ilic, a co-founder of BetterSea and a former Head of Decarbonisation Portfolio Management at A.P. Moller - Maersk. 

  1. Investing in Maritime, Cleantech & AI with Chandni Jaga (Plug and Play)

    12/16/2025

    Investing in Maritime, Cleantech & AI with Chandni Jaga (Plug and Play)

    Chandni Jaga, Senior Investment Associate at Plug and Play Tech Center, shares her beginings, how growing up in 9 countries shaped her view of the world, how she evaluates early-stage startups and what it takes to scale innovation in shipping: from corporate pilots and monetization strategy to where AI can (and can’t) move the needle in maritime operations. We also dig into regulation as a catalyst for change and why Singapore’s ecosystem is a standout for maritime tech founders. If you’re building (or buying) maritime tech—this one’s for you. Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers! 🔗 Related Resources and Links: • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/ • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea 📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at gordana.ilic@bettersea.tech

    44 min
  2. Genuine Relationships, AI and the Human Side of Maritime Digital Transformation with Giftson Eliyesar

    11/26/2025

    Genuine Relationships, AI and the Human Side of Maritime Digital Transformation with Giftson Eliyesar

    What if the real driver of maritime digital transformation isn’t technology – but relationships? In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, Gordana sits down with Giftson Eliyesar, Director of Commercial Operations at Veson Nautical, to explore the deeply human side of changing one of the world’s most complex and traditional industries. Giftson shares his journey from computer science and ice cream logistics in Singapore to leading commercial operations and maritime tech. Raised in a family of pastors, he brings values of service, integrity, and humility into a world of data, AI, regulations, cyber security, and decarbonisation pressures. You’ll hear about: How he first “met” shipping through procurement and logisticsWhy change only happens when people are ready, not just when software is readyThe importance of thinking globally and acting locally across regions and culturesBuilding trust-based client relationships in a 24/7 global industryWhy he would be a combination carrier and what that says about adaptabilityHow AI and advanced analytics can support decarbonisation and smarter decisionsAdvice for students and new joiners entering maritime todayThe role of prayer / positive intention / energy in leadership and negotiationsYou’ll also hear Gordana share her own “by accident” entry into shipping and her path into innovation and decarbonisation, and a candid conversation about our love–hate relationship with AI. Perfect listening if you’re: Working in shipping, trading, maritime tech or logisticsCurious about green and digital transformation in maritimeEarly in your career and looking for practical advice and inspirationInterested in how values and relationships can drive change in complex systemsFollow The Wavemakers Podcast for more stories from the people shaping the green and digital future of shipping Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers! 🔗 Related Resources and Links: • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/ • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea 📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at gordana.ilic@bettersea.tech

    37 min
  3. Emily in Singapore: Navigating Maritime, Empathy, and Change!

    11/18/2025

    Emily in Singapore: Navigating Maritime, Empathy, and Change!

    This episode of The Wavemakers Podcast features Emily Dove, Regional Sales Manager for ASEAN and Middle East at TECO Chemicals and one of the Top 100 Women in Shipping.  Emily talkes about her shift from UK-based PR roles to senior commercial and sales positions in maritime, culminating in her latest vibrant presence in Singapore. Hear all about her brave pivots that brought her to shipping, adapting to Singaporean business culture, the value of empathy, diversity, and continuous learning in global shipping.  This episode is a must-hear for you if you are navigating shipping or looking for extra motivation to take that professional leap of faith!  Enjoy the conversation! Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers! 🔗 Related Resources and Links: • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/ • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea 📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at gordana.ilic@bettersea.tech

    39 min
  4. Anil Jacob on his Why: Bridging Data, Safety at Sea and Maritime Decarbonisation

    11/04/2025

    Anil Jacob on his Why: Bridging Data, Safety at Sea and Maritime Decarbonisation

    In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, Anil Jacob (Managing Director of OceanOpt and Head of Fleet Performance at BSM) shares his remarkable journey from sailing tankers to shaping the future of maritime decarbonization. Anil discusses how first-hand experience at sea shaped his understanding of safety, commercial pressures, and subsequently - leadership. He reflects on building teams that embrace change, driving digitalization for fuel optimization, and guiding the next generation of seafarers to understand their impact on the shipping industry on its path to 2050. Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers! 🔗 Related Resources and Links: • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/ • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea 📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at gordana.ilic@bettersea.tech

    53 min
  5. Chris Chatterton on Leading the Next Wave of Green Fuels in Global Shipping

    10/29/2025

    Chris Chatterton on Leading the Next Wave of Green Fuels in Global Shipping

    In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, we unpack Chris Chatterton’s journey from traditional energy to renewables, his decade at the Methanol Institute, and how he’s now shaping the future of alternative fuels and carbon insets in his current roles. Chris shares: The untold story of early decarbonization strugglesWhy methanol and ethanol could be the future of clean shippingHow to build resilience through constant reinventionHis surprising personal story of discovery and connectionWhat advice he gives to young professionals entering maritime todayThis episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about energy transition, alternative fuels, and innovation in shipping. 🎙️ Hosted by Gordana at The Wavemakers Podcast – where maritime transformation meets human stories. Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers! 🔗 Related Resources and Links: • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/ • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea 📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at gordana.ilic@bettersea.tech

    42 min
  6. From Oil to Innovation: Dr. Sanjay C Kuttan on Purpose, Pivots & Decarbonization

    10/21/2025

    From Oil to Innovation: Dr. Sanjay C Kuttan on Purpose, Pivots & Decarbonization

    In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, Dr. Sanjay C. Kuttan — former CTO & CSO of the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) — reflects on a 33-year journey spanning science, oil & gas, policy, and innovation. He shares lessons on authenticity, faith, and leadership, revealing how staying true to yourself and embracing change can shape entire industries. A conversation about courage, reflection, and the quiet power of being the “tugboat” that drives progress. Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers! 🔗 Related Resources and Links: • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/ • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea 📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at gordana.ilic@bettersea.tech

    47 min
  7. Maria Skipper Schwenn - A lobbyist and a mother, paving the way!

    10/13/2025

    Maria Skipper Schwenn - A lobbyist and a mother, paving the way!

    Season 3 | Episode with Maria Skipper Schwenn  In this episode of The Wavemakers Podcast, I sit down with Maria Skipper Schwenn, Director of Environmental Regulatory & Public Affairs at Bunker Holding and a long-time advocate for maritime decarbonization, regulation, and collaboration. Maria has spent over 13 years shaping climate, environmental, and safety policies—representing Danish shipowners, working at the IMO, and serving on multiple boards driving the green shipping transition. Beyond her professional achievements, she is also a proud mother of six, a strong voice for women supporting women, and a believer in the power of collaboration. We explore: ⚓️ How Maria unexpectedly entered the world of shipping ⚓️ Her role in pivotal IMO moments, from the EEDI adoption to global decarbonization strategies ⚓️ Powerful stories from ship recycling in India to migrant rescues in the Mediterranean ⚓️ How shipping culture is changing with digitalization, new generations of leaders, and more women entering the industry ⚓️ Leadership lessons: balancing toughness with empathy, and believing in yourself even when the going gets tough ⚓️ Maria’s vision for the shipping sector in 2040—and her personal hopes for the future This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and driving impact in one of the world’s most vital industries! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more stories at the intersection of maritime decarbonization and digital transformation. #Shipping #Decarbonization #Leadership #maritime Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers! 🔗 Related Resources and Links: • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/ • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea 📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at gordana.ilic@bettersea.tech

    40 min
  8. Navigating compliance, cost and change in shipping | Decarb Regulatory Panel by OceanOpt, BSM & BetterSea

    09/29/2025

    Navigating compliance, cost and change in shipping | Decarb Regulatory Panel by OceanOpt, BSM & BetterSea

    In this special panel discussion moderated by Gordana Ilic (Co-CEO, BetterSea), we bring together three industry leaders to unpack the fast-evolving regulatory landscape shaping maritime decarbonization: - Shaja Mathew – Senior Operations Director, Bernhard Schulte Management - Anil Jacob – Managing Director, Oceanopt - Maximillian Schoer  – Co-CEO, BetterSea Together, we reflect on the impact of EU ETS, the upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulation, and the anticipated IMO Net Zero Framework! Key themes we explore: - The operational realities of EU ETS compliance in its first year; - How regulations are fostering collaboration and data transparency between owners, managers, and charters; - The role of high-quality data in shaping compliance, strategy, and long-term investments; - Contractual and legal challenges under FuelEU — and what ship managers and owenrs need to know; - Lessons learned so far, and how companies can prepare for the wave of upcoming regulations This candid conversation dives deep into the intersection of compliance, cost, and change, offering valuable insights for shipowners, managers, charterers, and anyone navigating maritime’s regulatory future. Subscribe to our channel and be the first to join future coffee conversations with the maritime change makers! 🔗 Related Resources and Links: • Follow Gordana Ilic on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordanailicphd/ • Follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterSea 📩 Have questions or comments? Feel free to reach out via email at gordana.ilic@bettersea.tech

    55 min
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About

Stories of the people shaping the change to green shipping, at the intersection of maritime, tech and decarbonisation. Maritime industry is undergoing rapid change, new fuels and technologies often take the limelight, but we believe the key to success of every innovation are people. The Wavemakers Podcast aims to shine the light to those at the frontline - the chamions, innovators, 'status quo challengers', innovation and community catalysts, or simply being the first impacted by the change. How does it feel to drive and pioneer change? What are the puzzle pieces of their story that drive their leadership? These are the questions that the podcast aims to answer as we get to know the maritime leaders over a coffee chat and beyond their professional titles.Join us on this voyage! The Podcast is hosted by Gordana Ilic, a co-founder of BetterSea and a former Head of Decarbonisation Portfolio Management at A.P. Moller - Maersk. 

Information

  • Creator
    BetterSea
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Wavemakers Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Wavemakers Podcast