Join this strategic, solutions-focused session led by Changing Tack, a Superyacht Alliance Think Tank. Tackling the critical issues of crew wellbeing, a cornerstone of professionalisation and operational excellence.
While a career on a superyacht is often rewarding, it comes with unique challenges, including employment issues, harassment, and personal struggles. As industry leaders, we have a collective responsibility to address these. This interactive session will prompt a strategic discussion on the existing tools and resources at our disposal to drive meaningful, positive cultural change.
This is more than a discussion; it's a collaborative effort to reshape the future of yacht crew health, safety, and wellbeing. Your insights as a professional are vital to fostering an environment that is both sustainable and appealing for the next generation. Let's champion change and build a lasting legacy for our industry.
Simon was appointed Chief Executive of the International Seafarers Welfare Assistance Network (ISWAN) in June 2021 and has been working to reinvigorate the organisation with a new strategy and purpose. After a successful career in the UK police service, he moved to the not-for-profit sector and has over 20 years of experience of leading successful NGOs in the UK, Nepal and Pakistan. Simon has worked in many different environments over the years, gaining significant experience of bringing diverse stakeholders together to achieve mutual objectives.
Laura is a former superyacht Purser, with shoreside experience in yacht management, refit, and construction across Europe. After completing a master’s degree in psychology, she joined the ISWAN team in January 2025 as Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager, focusing on the development and delivery of collaborative, cross-industry projects addressing key health, safety, and wellbeing issues faced by crew. ISWAN is Secretariat and Project Manager for Changing Tack, the crew welfare think tank under the Superyacht Alliance.
Carsten Franik is a seasoned Superyacht Captain and Mentor with more than twenty years of global command experience. Known for his composed decision-making and ability to create stable, high-performing crew environments, he brings a practical, clear-minded approach to modern yacht operations.
Carsten combines traditional seamanship with a long-term commitment to personal development. Outside of his time at sea, he works extensively on refining self-awareness, leadership presence, and resilience through practices informed by Taoism, Qi Gong, and other longstanding wisdom traditions. This ongoing work shapes a leadership style that is grounded, observant, and able to navigate complexity without unnecessary noise.
His career reflects a consistent focus on standards, structure, and culture: running efficient programs, maintaining strong crew cohesion, and ensuring that service, safety, and communication remain aligned under pressure.
At the Superyacht Forum, Carsten contributes a perspective centred on maturity in leadership—what it means to hold authority responsibly, how to build sustainable crew cultures, and how captains can adapt to the increasing demands of today’s large-yacht operations with clarity and steadiness.
Paul Shepherd is Chair of the CHIRP Superyacht Maritime Advisory Board, leading the group’s work to strengthen safety awareness and promote open reporting across the superyacht sector. A Master Mariner (Unlimited) with experience across yachts, cruise ships, ferries, tall ships and research vessels, Paul brings a broad operational perspective and a deep passion for safety to the role.
He is also the founder and Director of Whitehorse Maritime Academy, the leading provider of MCA oral exam preparation and professional training, and is also deeply involved in a range of auditing, inspection, consultancy and onboard training across the superyacht and commercial sectors.
Through CHIRP and his wider work, Paul advocates for practical, collaborative approaches to safety, encouraging the superyacht industry to actively share and learn from incidents across the sector and to embed proactive safety leadership at every level.
Kayleigh joined Hill Robinson four years ago brining nearly a decade of expertise in Human Resources, Education, and Recruitment to Hill Robinson. With a rich background in establishing HR frameworks for international startups, she has successfully shaped policies and welfare initiatives for employees. A dedicated advocate for gender equality, Kayleigh co-founded WorkmATe, a social enterprise supporting young women in STEM education. Through networking events and mentorship programs, she connected over 200 women with valuable opportunities in both employment and education.
In her transition to the yachting industry, Kayleigh seamlessly integrates her passion for fair employment and welfare culture from land to sea. As Crew Services Coordinator, she is dedicated to placing crew members at the forefront of the conversation, embodying Hill Robinson’s commitment to providing an exceptional crew experience.
