A full room long before the start signaled the momentum behind this initiative. Four years ago, Metstrade had no women’s program at all. Today it has inspired similar events across the sector and helped build a global network of advocates pushing for real change.
This year’s theme, Navigating Today’s Global Marketplace, reflected the complex environment marine leaders operate in. Political uncertainty, shifting trade conditions, rapid digital acceleration, and rising consumer expectations all influence how companies move forward. Panelists focused on how to lead confidently through this complexity, relying on empowered teams, strategic focus, and a readiness to rethink traditional approaches.
Four influential leaders shaped the discussion. Áine Denari, President of Navico Group and Chief Technology Officer at Brunswick Corporation. Andrea Tetto, Director of Marine Business Planning at Yamaha U.S. Sylvie Ernoult, long-serving Show Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival. Suzanne Blaustone, CEO of Barton Marine. Moderation came from Michele Goldsmith, Vice President and General Manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group, whose perspective anchored the session.
A central message repeated throughout the morning: No one can be an expert in everything. The marine industry is evolving quickly and becoming increasingly interconnected. Panelists emphasized the value of empowered teams and active listening. Innovation begins with understanding people; how customers use their boats, what frustrates them, what excites them. What they may not yet realise they want. Several speakers referenced the idea that consumers rarely articulate the solutions that later define an era. People did not ask for a smartphone; similarly, many boaters cannot yet describe the tools that will remove friction from their journey or make time on the water easier, safer, and more rewarding.
Removing pain points and understand consumer needs
Removing friction surfaced as a constant theme. Growing participation requires identifying barriers such as cost, confidence, reliability, access, and the fear of making mistakes on the water. Solutions range from shared-access models to lower-cost products, integrated systems, and autonomous docking support. Every successful solution begins with mapping and understanding the customer experience.
Sylvie Ernoult underscored the importance of content. Her leadership has shaped the Cannes Yachting Festival into one of the strongest luxury marine events by placing quality at the center. She highlighted the need to balance major brands with the many small innovators that bring fresh energy to the sector. Transparency with exhibitors is essential. Her show consistently attracts more clients than available square meters, turning each stand into a marketing and media platform. Ensuring no space is wasted has become a guiding principle. As the moderator noted, there are moments when numbers matter less than experience and instinct, which often guide the strongest decisions.
How to navigate tech vs. the human element
Technology and AI sparked a lively exchange. Panelists agreed that digital tools can make boating easier and more welcoming. Tech, however, should never replace the human element that draws people to the water. Leisure time is personal and precious. AI can support global companies, yet it remains imperfect, and leaders must understand both its strengths and its limits.
Suzanne Blaustone shared a grounded perspective from running an independent global business. Finding and retaining good people remains one of the biggest challenges. She stressed the value of knowing who you are as a company and staying true to core strengths. Technology can support communication, translation, and innovation, yet human connection remains the heart of Barton Marine. As she put it, on her watch a real person will always answer the phone.
Áine Denari, who has led major technological transformations across automotive, consulting, and tech, encouraged the industry to continue looking outward. The shift from hardware to software requires new capabilities and long-term investment. Lessons from automotive can guide the marine sector, especially in scaling technology and building integrated systems. She cautioned, however, against copying solutions directly. The marine environment has its own physics, rhythms, and customer needs.
Nurture your creative time; it fuels the next chapter.
The panel also explored how leaders protect space for strategic thinking. Many struggle to find time for creativity. Sylvie described a structured process that allows her team to operate in a self-led, project-based rhythm while she focuses on long-term vision and multi-year strategies. Michele added that innovation often requires saying no to many ideas to protect the ones that matter.
One theme connected every viewpoint. Progress is not linear and leadership is not static. The future of the marine industry depends on people who challenge assumptions, test new ideas, and lift others as they move forward. Several speakers highlighted the need for strong role models and support systems for the next generation. Initiatives like Women on Water play a significant role by offering tools, advice, and real case studies focused on empowerment and progression. As future-minded thinkers, they aim to build new skills, encourage collaboration, and create space for innovation across the sector.
Looking ahead five to ten years, panelists expressed clear optimism. Technology will reduce pain points and open the door for more boaters. Passion for life on the water will continue to grow. Sustainability will become a requirement rather than a bonus. Participation will expand if the industry remains focused on inclusion and accessibility. Áine captured this clearly: the goal is to bring more people into boating across ages, backgrounds, and communities.
The conversation closed with a powerful reminder. Creative leadership in the marine sector has never been more important. Innovation begins with people who are willing to rethink what is possible. Progress depends on those ready to turn ideas into action. The coming chapter will be shaped by leaders who combine resilience, creativity, and a deep love for life on the water.
Read more about Metstrade here: www.metstrade.com
