Jo Rzymowska: 'Women at the top have needed to be brave'
Jo RzymowskaAs March comes into focus, I excitedly look forward to one of the most important days in my calendar – International Women’s Day (8 March). Building my career when female executives were few, I was blessed to be surrounded by remarkably inspiring women, as well as supportive male allies – particularly my father, who reassured me I could be anything I set my mind to.
In an industry where fewer than 2% of mariners are women, those at the top have needed to be brave and see past convention in pursuit of career goals. I look to the example of Liz Marami, who recently became the first Kenyan woman to be certified a UK chief officer, and Captain Kate McCue, the first female American cruise captain, who was last year appointed master of Celebrity Beyond.
Like mine, Captain Kate’s father inspired her to dream, challenged her to aspire for the top job and not to settle for anything less. Although headway has been made, we still need a culture shift in travel so more women can break through barriers.
I think fondly of Rachel Pagonis, chief security officer onboard Celebrity Edge, who was told throughout her early career before she joined Celebrity Cruises that she was in a “man’s job”. I’m glad she didn’t listen and went ahead regardless. I’m proud Celebrity Cruises champions representation – last year, 32% of officers on the bridges of our ships were women. I have benefited from a network of inspirational role models who supported me throughout my career to grow in confidence and find my voice.
Like many women, I’ve turned to Karen [Gill] and Max [Benson], the founders of gender equality champion everywoman. Their training courses, and more, are accessible though Royal Caribbean Group’s online RCL Cares hub, available to all our employees and our travel partners.
Our MentorSHIP programme, meanwhile, matches those early in their career with female managers and leaders to build valuable confidence and resilience skills.The road to inclusivity is a journey, and while the destination is in sight, there’s more to be done.
At Celebrity, we’re constantly evaluating what we can do to make the change faster. It makes good business sense.
Sharing our “free to be me” values with our staff, crew and guests is something that makes the experience on our ships what it is. We progressed our efforts to change travel from the “outside in” last year, launching the All Inclusive Photo Project – a free to-use, open source library of diverse travel marketing images serving as our invitation to the industry to join us in a collaborative effort to make travel more inclusive; there is no competition when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion.
We will not achieve meaningful change without allies either. It has been collaboration with male colleagues, opening up the conversation, bringing them on the journey as allies, and combining strong female leadership with male voices for change that has led to real action.
Reflecting on my career, I realise I am a product of those who have surrounded me throughout my working life. I was proud to see [Celebrity president and chief executive] Lisa Lutoff-Perlo recognised as the Most Purposeful CEO at PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. This well-deserved award recognises the impact Lisa has had on me and others in paving the way for change.
On International Women’s Day, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on and thank the women in your life who have taken the first step, allowing the rest of us to follow. It could be anyone you see charging up that ladder that reminds you of why you did it yourself.
Jo Rzymowska is vice-president and managing director EMEA for Celebrity Cruises
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