Have you ever wondered how a farm girl from Indiana became a mentor and a highly influential figure in yachting? We’re talking about Capt. Kelly Gordon, our guest on this episode of the Megayacht News Radio podcast series. Despite Gordon’s atypical background, her life journey took a remarkable turn, allowing her to find her passion on the water.
Raised on a farm, Gordon had always planned to become a veterinarian. However, due to financial constraints, she couldn’t afford to go to veterinary school. This led her to get a master’s degree in chemistry and eventually teach at a college in North Carolina. There, on the coast, she first discovered her love for the water and the allure of the yachting industry. Despite not knowing the basics of boating, she was drawn to the complexities and challenges of yachting. Interestingly, she finds parallels between it and operating heavy machinery on the farm.
Gordon’s journey goes beyond her personal transformation. It extends into a deep dive into the dynamics of the yachting industry. Gordon, along with our host, discusses the challenges faced by crewmembers who live and work in confined spaces. They additionally discuss the increasing presence of women in leadership roles, and the need for more professionalism. This conversation reveals that the glittering aesthetics of yachting is just the surface, and there is a much deeper, more complex world beneath.
In addition to these enlightening discussions, the conversation highlights the ripples of influence created by Gordon’s teachings. One of the most heartening stories is about a woman who flew all the way from Italy just to listen to her speak, and another woman who, inspired by Gordon’s story, decided not to give up on life. These stories serve as a testament to the profound impact that Gordon has on the lives of many people around the world.
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The episode wraps up with a discussion about the “Captain’s Classroom” videos, a series where Gordon combines her love for teaching and yachting. These videos have not only become a popular resource for young adults in the industry, but also demonstrate her commitment to mentoring the next generation of yacht crewmembers.
This conversation with Capt. Kelly Gordon is a rich exploration of challenges and opportunities in the yachting industry, and the power of a single voice to influence change. It is an inspiring story of passion, perseverance, and leadership, showing us that it is possible to make a significant impact, regardless of where we start our journey. Additionally, her story is a powerful reminder that the path to success is not always linear. Sometimes, it requires us to venture into uncharted waters, take risks, and face challenges head-on. And while the journey may be difficult, the rewards can be incredibly fulfilling.
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Listen to the episode above, or listen and subscribe to Megayacht News Radio for free. You can do so via on Apple Podcasts, Audible, iHeartRadio Podcasts, Spotify, or TuneIn. A transcript is available upon request, too.
Capt. Kelly Gordon captainkellyjgordon.com
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