Inclusion is a critical element in the maritime industry’s journey towards becoming a genuinely welcoming and inclusive environment, according to Mark O’Neil, CEO of Columbia Group. Speaking at the TradeWinds Shipowner’s Forum during NorShipping, he emphasized that fostering a sense of value and belonging for all individuals—referred to as “People with a capital P”—is essential for achieving true diversity.
Mr. O’Neil described inclusion as “diversity’s forgotten twin,” warning that without it, diversity efforts may amount to superficial gestures rather than meaningful change. He stated, “Inclusion makes it authentic, real, attractive, reliable and ensures the wonderful power of diversity is harnessed and harvested.”
He proudly highlighted that 10% of Columbia Group’s seafarers are female, significantly higher than the industry average of just 1%.
Moreover, the company boasts a nearly equal gender split in its workforce, with a 48% to 52% female to male ratio, and over 50 women in leadership positions. Despite these achievements, he acknowledged that there is still more work to be done in advancing diversity and inclusion within the company.
Mr. O’Neil addressed the sector’s pressing challenges, noting that attracting and retaining motivated, educated individuals from diverse backgrounds is paramount. He articulated that maintaining these individuals is as vital as attracting them, emphasizing the need for the industry to actively listen to and involve them in decision-making processes.
He advocated for a broader, non-genre specific approach to diversity that would enhance the industry’s appeal. Such efforts, he believes, could position the maritime industry as a model for other sectors, attracting a wealth of talent and fostering a more inclusive environment where different perspectives contribute to collective strength.
In closing, he commended WISTA for its achievements over 50 years but urged the broader industry to prioritize inclusion above mere equality. He called for a more profound commitment to valuing every individual’s contributions, reinforcing the need for inclusion in the diversity dialogue.