As part of Women’s Equality Day today, we at Navis are celebrating Kate McCue, the first female American Captain of a mega ship, the Celebrity Summit.
Kate had dreamed as a child of being a cruise director but her dad encouraged her to “drive the thing” and to apply to California State University Maritime Academy. Kate was one of only eight women in her graduating class.
In an occupation known for being predominantly male, Kate credits her success to working hard, establishing strong relationships and smiling a lot. Contrary to studies that show that smiling a lot can negatively impact your career, Captain Kate says her tendency to smile a lot has helped hers.
Career & leadership development company Red Shoe Movement met with Kate to discuss her success, leadership style and views on gender roles. Read Kate’s interview with Red Shoe Movement below.
How did it feel the first time you sat at the head of the Celebrity Summit as the captain?
Do you feel a sense of added responsibility being the first female American captain of a mega ship? Is there something you must prove being a woman in a male dominated occupation?
Many are surprised to hear that I have always worked with women in this industry, whether they were my senior officers, my peers, or my apprentices. I am not alone and only on very rare occasions did I find myself as the solo female presence on the bridge.
One of the secrets to success, regardless of gender, is the ability to do your job: do it well and do even more than what is expected. Then there is no way you can’t succeed.
From the get go, you said you wanted to be a very visible captain. (And judging from your passengers’ comments you are!) How much of a leader’s role is staying in touch with her clients and her team?
The ability to understand what your team, your guests and your ship need or want is imperative.
Being a visible captain means that I am accessible for open communication and constant feedback, which makes a more cohesive environment.
What kind of leader are you?
What traits are clear advantages you bring to a male dominated occupation?
What are some of the aspects of your personality or your style that you’ve had to adjust for this role?
As in any profession, in a male dominated occupation you will work hard. Having fun along the way is a must.
It seems that the captain uniform was originally designed for an all-male workforce. Do you think eventually there will be some adjustments to accommodate more women in this male-dominated job? What would be some of your suggestions for a uniform that would be more feminine?
When I came to Celebrity Cruises, they actually asked for my opinion on several uniform pieces, which I thought was pretty fantastic. We now have more tailored evening jackets and [trousers] with all the bells and whistles!
I have a few more suggestions for uniforms, for example, work shoes. My go-to shoe for evenings is Christian Louboutin black patent leather platforms. You simply can’t go wrong there! In a perfect world, every one of my female crew would have access to that fabulous feminine addition to their uniform!
Another suggestion I would make for any company uniform is regarding neckties. My husband is from Croatia, home of the Cravat. While I must respect that, I have to add that when it comes to a woman in uniform, neckties detract from femininity, so it would be best to make them optional.
You are a role model to women and girls who might not have considered a career like yours. How do you embrace that role?
I do like to use social media, Instagram in particular, as a platform to answer questions or impart advice to inquiring minds. The focus of my Instagram account is to provide a behind the scenes look into the life of a Captain, making it more tangible and hopefully interesting to others attracted to the career or the shipping industry.
Finally, do you keep up with the comments your guests leave on the Celebrity Cruises website? What are some of the most surprising comments you’ve read?
On a much lighter note, a guest once told me at a cocktail party that I am to Captains what Southwest is to airlines. I hope I can assume that Southwest’s reputation of incredible crew who strive to provide Positively Outrageous Service with a fun-loving attitude was what she meant! Just don’t hold your breath waiting for me to dance in the corridors or sing on the public address system. I save that for special occasions!
Read the original interview between Kate McCue and Red Shoe Movement.
