You Are the Captain: Navigating Leadership with Purpose and Precision
What does it take to lead a team of over 1,000 people, representing 64 nationalities, through open seas and unpredictable conditions?
I recently had the privilege of hearing Captain Costas of the Celebrity Edge share his experience commanding one of the world’s most innovative cruise ships. But this isn’t a story about ships—it’s a story about leadership. Because whether you're at the helm of a business, a team, or your own life, the challenges are strikingly similar.
Here are five leadership insights drawn from his approach that you can apply today—no lifejacket required:
- Anchor your leadership in values and systems
- Build resilient, trusted teams through clarity and structure
- Embrace diversity as a leadership strength
- Plan every voyage with precision—but stay flexible
- Show up, stand beside your crew, and lead by example
- Let’s explore what it really means to captain your own ship.
⚓ Strong Anchors Hold in Any Storm
A cruise ship the size of the Celebrity Edge depends on massive anchors—15 tonnes each—held by 385 metres of chain. But it’s not the size alone that matters. It's how they’re deployed: deliberately, dependably, and without hesitation when storms arise.
🧭 Leadership Reflection:
What anchors you? Whether it's your values, your vision, or the systems you rely on—leaders need grounding. In times of uncertainty, your team looks to the stability you bring.
💬 Clarify your values:
Take 10 minutes today to write down your top three leadership values. How clearly do they guide your decisions when pressure rises?
🧠 Leadership Requires Structure, Not Just Strength
Captain Costas’ bridge team operates around the clock, with clearly defined shifts, duties, and redundancies. No one leads alone, and no one is left guessing. Everyone knows who is on watch, what’s expected, and how decisions are made.
🧭 Leadership Reflection:
Trust doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built on clarity. Clear roles, communication, and consistency create teams that operate with confidence even when you’re not in the room.
💬 Check for Clarity and Delegation:
Look at your team structure. Are responsibilities clear, or are you over-functioning as the leader? Where can you delegate more boldly?
Personal note, this is one of my personal challenge areas! Clarity can be tricky but your team needs it... A work in progress for me 😊
🌏 Diversity Isn’t a Challenge—It’s a Strength
With 1,064 crew members representing 64 nationalities and 30% women, the Celebrity Edge thrives on diversity. It's not just about inclusion; it's about integration. Every voice, every perspective, contributes to smoother operations and richer onboard experiences.
🧭 Leadership Reflection:
Diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones—but only when leaders create space for contribution. It starts with hiring, but continues in how we listen, collaborate, and lead.
💬 Amplify the missing voice:
Whose voice is missing from your leadership table? What’s one way you can amplify a diverse perspective this week?
📍 Every Great Journey Starts with a Plan
Voyage planning on a ship is non-negotiable. It’s required by law and critical to avoiding errors. The captain follows a four-phase process: Appraisal → Planning → Execution → Monitoring. No journey is left to chance.
🧭 Leadership Reflection:
We often skip straight to execution in our day-to-day rush. But without thoughtful planning and continuous adjustment, we leave too much to chance.
💬 Revisit your planning process:
Before your next big project, walk through all four phases. Who needs to be involved in the appraisal? How will you track and adapt the execution?
📳 Need help with this one? Strategy and Planning shouldn't be a difficult or drawn out process - call me if need support for this one.
🧑✈️ Lead from the Front—and the Heart
Perhaps the most powerful moment was seeing Captain Costas stand with his senior team. They were different in gender, age, background—and united by respect and shared purpose. His leadership wasn’t just technical—it was personal, visible, and human.
🧭 Leadership Reflection:
People don’t follow titles. They follow authenticity, presence, and courage. Leadership isn’t about being the hero—it’s about building a crew that knows you're beside them, not above them.
💬 Be More Present This Week:
How visible are you to your team—not just in meetings, but emotionally? Consider one intentional act this week to lead with presence: a personal check-in, a handwritten note, or simply listening without multitasking.
Again on a personal note this is sometimes a challenge for me. I'm of the generation that just expects stuff to get done. But I know my team appreciate my time so I am endeavouring to make a better effort!
🌟 Final Thought: You’re Already at the Helm
Leadership isn’t about waiting for a title or a moment of crisis. You’re already the captain of something—a project, a community, your own career. What matters is how intentionally you steer.
The sea will always bring waves. But with clarity, courage, and the right crew—you’ll be ready.
My favourite photo from Captain Costas was when he compared the size of the Titanic to Celebrity Edge! How ships have grown and changed... Implement these concepts and imagine the opportunity you have to grow your organisation and ensure you don't go down in history like the Titanic!
