by John Faraclas
Upon revealing to Zoe Upson that she won this year’s edition on “The 100 Top WOMEN in Shipping for 2025 by allaboutshipping.co.uk”, the seventh since 2018, she responded as follows – thanks to Anny Zade’s steno skills, we bring you verbatim her response:
John Faraclas: “Zoe, do please tell us about yourself, your life in a nutshell and what’s next for you in the World of Shipping, a male dominated world.”
Zoe Upson: “I’m originally from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, the youngest of four siblings, and by most accounts, an incredibly naughty child who eventually learned how to redirect that energy into something more constructive. I was fortunate enough to find my way into shipping early in my career, and it quickly became more than just an industry to me. It was, and still is, a genuine love affair.”
She continued: “Working in what has traditionally been a male-dominated world, I was always curious about why more women were not drawn into the space. That question became the foundation of a passion that would later shape much of my work. From that thinking, WOMEN TOGETHER was born, a community built on connection, shared experience, confidence, and collective support, which has grown into something far beyond anything I could have imagined.”
More emphatically she stressed: “While I often stand visibly at the forefront, largely due to my platform, visibility, and accessibility, the reality is that I am nothing without the extraordinary women who form the heart of WOMEN TOGETHER, alongside the mentors and allies who have supported my journey. I have never had a female mentor. My career has been guided by exceptional male mentors who opened doors, challenged me, and helped shape my thinking.”
Feeling confident, but down to earth, she added: “Everything I have built has come through relentless hard work, long days, and an unshakable determination to create a better life for myself and my daughter. I have navigated my career as a single mother, without a traditional support structure at home, driven not only by the desire to succeed but to help reshape the industry so the next generation faces fewer barriers than those before them.”
On Priorities and Responsibilities, she mentioned: “Just as importantly, I want my daughter to grow up believing that anything is possible if she truly puts her mind to it. That if her Mamma hcan break through ceilings, then she can too.”
Ending this impromptu discussion: “On 15 January, I lost my father. I was with him at the end, and I promised him I would keep winning awards to honour his name. A week ago, we laid him to rest. I know he would be proud.”
What a touching account!
