Women in Breakbulk Lounge

An interactive workshop focused on how professionals can better utilize LinkedIn for career growth, networking, business development, employer visibility and professional influence.


 

Aligned with The Heavy Lift Group’s recently launched THLG Next Gen initiative, this interactive workshop explores how the industry can become more accessible and engaging for young talent while strengthening knowledge transfer and long-term career development.

Designed as an informal, conversation-driven session, the workshop will focus on practical skills development, mentorship, cross-generational collaboration and the growing impact of AI and digitalization across project logistics. Participants will have the chance to ask questions, exchange ideas and gain practical insight from senior professionals working across the global THLG network.

THLG is a global alliance of 72 specialized transport and logistics companies across 57 countries, with expertise spanning industrial project forwarding, crane operations, oversized transport, vessel chartering and engineering.

The maritime energy transition comes at a time where digitalisation, increasing demand for transparency and a complex maze of regulations are having a huge impact on the bunkering industry. How will all of those changes impact the bunkering industry as we know it and how does the bunkering industry 2.0 look like? How can stakeholders work together to make the transition as smooth as possible to futureproof our industry?

Who is this workshop for? Everyone who has a stake in fuel buying, fuel selling or who just wants to know better how the maritime energy transition will change the bunkering industry and what role you can play in this.

Mastering cross-cultural perspectives to drive safety, leadership, and business success

As global business expands between the West and Asia, cultural differences remain a hidden barrier to success, impacting commercial outcomes, leadership effectiveness and safe operations. In this 45-minute workshop, Eelco Kraefft shares real-world examples and practical frameworks to help participants navigate cultural differences more effectively. Learn how to build trust, strengthen international partnerships, improve communication and support safer, better business outcomes.

Who this workshop is for: Commercial leaders, business developers, project managers, HR professionals and executives working internationally.

Non-promotable work keeps organizations running but too often, it keeps women stuck. From note-taking to behind-the-scenes coordination, these low-visibility tasks quietly drain time, energy, and advancement opportunities. 
  
This session invites a powerful shift. You’ll learn to recognize what truly moves your career forward, set clear boundaries without guilt, and step into more strategic, visible contributions. We’ll also explore how leaders can create more equitable team dynamics, where responsibility is shared, and talent is fully seen. 
  
You’ll leave with practical language, mindset shifts, and a renewed sense of ownership over your time, your value, and your next level. 

This session explores Ubuntu the African philosophy of “I am because we are,” as a framework for leadership, collaboration and sustainable growth in maritime and global trade. The participants will examine how trust-based partnerships, inclusive leadership and African values can strengthen commercial ecosystems, support decarbonization and build resilient supply chains.

The strongest teams are built from the inside out — starting with the nervous system. This active workshop moves from the micro to the macro: science-backed tools to steady yourself under pressure, practices that regulate a team's collective state, and a framework for connecting daily work to shared purpose. You'll experience the physiological sigh, explore what creates real team resonance, and leave with a Monday-morning toolkit for yourself and the women you lead alongside.

Who this workshop is for: Women leaders and teams in breakbulk and shipping who want to strengthen individual resilience, deepen team connection, and reconnect with the bigger "why" behind the work.

Many people are hesitant to call a lawyer when issues arise; lawyers are expensive, only make things more complicated and should only be involved when there is no other option. In this workshop I will explain more about my work and when it can actually save you money to call a lawyer.



 

Diversity is often treated as a goal, but what kind of diversity actually strengthens teams? In this interactive and thought-provoking workshop, participants will experience how inclusion, leadership and team dynamics influence collaboration, trust and performance. Through practical exercises and honest reflection, we explore the difference between having diversity in a team and truly benefiting from it. Expect interaction, discomfort, insight and concrete takeaways.

Who this workshop is for: Leaders, HR professionals, team managers and anyone responsible for team culture, collaboration and people development.

In this session, Ship Happens creator Jenn Morris shares the framework she’s used to build a recognized personal brand in the industry, how to define what you stand for, identify your natural strengths, and start showing up with confidence on your own terms.

Every attendee leaves with the Built to Be Seen workbook to work through at their own pace, plus concrete first steps to take, whether that's a LinkedIn post, a speaking pitch, or hitting record.