Although new to the maritime industry, Rebecca Sperti, CCO at Idwal, is eager to deepen her understanding of shipping and advocates for the adoption of standardised, independent vessel-condition data.
Drawing on her experience in other industries, she has seen how impartial audits and benchmarking can unlock real value—enabling proactive management, reducing risk, and improving asset performance. Rebecca encourages professionals to embrace authenticity and gravitate toward environments where their natural style adds value. In doing so, they can strengthen their confidence and leadership, while enhancing the quality of the teams and cultures they are part of.
SAFETY4SEA: How did it come about that you joined shipping industry and your field of expertise specifically?
Rebecca Sperti: I joined the shipping industry somewhat by chance. Before discovering Idwal, it wasn’t a sector I’d worked in directly, having spent 15 years in construction and facilities management. But the parallels are clear: assets, financiers, insurers, owners and the need to monitor condition throughout their lifecycle. As a commercial leader, I’ve learned that great marketing, sales and customer experience processes transfer anywhere. I only wish I’d found shipping sooner.
S4S: What about your current job excites you most and why?
R.Sp.: As someone new to the maritime world, I’m genuinely excited to dive deeper, learn more and build strong, lasting relationships across the industry. The welcome I’ve had so far has been incredible. My focus now is helping Idwal strengthen even further its position as the best‑in‑class provider of S&P inspections and, increasingly, a trusted long‑term assurance partner for the entire asset lifecycle.
S4S: When you think of the word successful who’s the first person who comes to mind and why?
R.Sp.: For me, success isn’t defined purely by job title or financial achievement. It’s someone who manages to excel professionally while still protecting what matters most – family, friendships, passions and a sense of self. True success is doing work you love without losing balance. So the people I admire most are those who achieve impact while staying grounded, fulfilled and connected to their wider life.
S4S: Who is/was the most influential person/mentor to you & why?
R.Sp.: My former CEO, Gemma Archibald, has been the most influential leader in my career – and the first female one. A real powerhouse, she combined commercial sharpness with genuine care for people, both customer and employees. She never compromised on quality and championed growth from within. She pushed me beyond my comfort zone, amplified my voice and created an environment where we delivered our best work. Her impact still shapes me today.
S4S: What is the best and what was the worst piece of advice you’ve ever been given and why?
R.Sp.: The best advice I’ve received is to say yes even when you don’t feel fully ready – growth happens in those moments. The worst was to conform or present a version of myself that felt more acceptable rather than authentic. I’ve learned that your best work comes when you show up as yourself, not as a version designed to blend in.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile career investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
R.Sp.: My MBA was the most valuable investment I’ve made. A former manager, Steven Hughes, nudged me to go for it even when I doubted whether the timing was right – another lesson in acting before you feel “ready.” Beyond the learning, the network was invaluable. Many of those relationships remain active today, offering support, recommendations, talent and great ideas.
S4S: If you could give a piece of advice to your 18-year-old-self one thing, what would it be and why? What piece of advice should you ignore?
R.Sp.: I’d tell my younger self: It’s okay to be you. You don’t need to twist yourself to fit in, and your worth isn’t defined by others’ opinions. I wish someone had taught me the “Let Them Theory”: you can’t control others – only your reaction. Let people be who they are. The freedom comes when you stop managing everything and simply show up as yourself.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your business life?
R.Sp.: The most transformative shift has been embracing authenticity. I’ve stopped trying to mould myself to fit environments that don’t suit me and instead gravitate toward places where my natural style adds value. That mindset change has improved my confidence, my leadership and the quality of the teams and cultures I choose to be part of.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape and your area of expertise specifically and why?
R.Sp.: If I could change one thing, it would be wider adoption of standardised, independent vessel‑condition data. I’ve seen in previous industries how impartial audits and benchmarking unlock real value – enabling proactive management, reducing risk and improving asset performance. Idwal’s objective, consistent approach gives the market exactly that clarity, and I’d love to see it used even more broadly across maritime
S4S: What is your personal motto?
R.Sp.: Be brave. Be curious. Be yourself. Bravery pushes me to take opportunities before I feel completely ready. Curiosity keeps me learning and improving. And authenticity reminds me that the greatest impact and the healthiest relationships happen when you show up as your true self.