“No Arab Has Ever Held a Senior Position in Yachting”: Ghada “Lili” Soliman | The Wellbeing Project

Early in her career, Ghada “Lili” Soliman was told that “no Arab has ever held a senior position in yachting.” Seven years later, she became Chief Stewardess on a 74-metre yacht. Her story raises a question the industry cannot afford to dismiss: how much talent is overlooked when an accent, nationality or passport is mistaken for a measure of ability?

Karine Rayson speaks with Lili, Founder of The Inner Harbour and a Chief Stewardess with more than 15 years in luxury yachting, about the assumptions that shape who gets heard, encouraged and promoted onboard. They discuss what it takes to speak up when the people you challenge can influence your career, and why staying silent can leave capable crew feeling small.

This is a candid conversation about discrimination and belonging, and about the responsibility captains and heads of department have to make it safe for crew to contribute, develop and lead.

In this episode, they discuss:
• The remark Lili was given early in her career and the path she took to Chief Stew
• How nationality, language and accent can affect opportunity onboard
• The quiet ways bias can make capable crew feel small
• Why speaking up does not have to mean the end of a career
• What psychological safety looks like in practice
• How captains and heads of department can recognise and develop talent beyond the loudest voices

Guest:
Ghada “Lili” Soliman
Founder, The Inner Harbour
Chief Stewardess, 15+ years in luxury yachting

Host:
Karine Rayson
The Crew Coach
https://www.thecrewcoach.com

🎙️ The Wellbeing Project | Yachting International Radio

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