Women are influential leaders, changing the world in remarkable ways. One way they are doing this in the diving industry is by leading successful businesses. This blog post will showcase six successful female-led PADI Dive Centers worldwide. These businesses are run by inspiring women dedicated to providing high-quality diving experiences for their customers. Through their leadership, they are creating a more diverse and inclusive industry that embraces teamwork and innovation.
Honduras – Roatan Divers: Fernanda Paiva and Danielle Abe
Roatan Divers is owned and operated by women and has an impressive all-female management team. Fernanda Paiva, the General Manager and Course Director, is at the helm, supported by Suzanne Eggerding, the Base Leader, and Danielle Abe, the Sales Executive. Paiva believes female instructors should be sought out for their exceptional qualities, such as attention to detail, effective communication, excellent customer service, patience, and problem-solving abilities. While it’s not a gender war, women prefer taking courses with female Instructors who better understand their needs. The grace and sensitivity of women contribute to creating a calm and stress-free environment, making it easier to address everyday challenges.
According to Abe, the Sales Executive at Roatan Divers, women excel at noticing the intricate details that contribute to the bigger picture. “This attention to detail behind the scenes is how we can run such a meticulous and successful operation. Our communication lines are open. Our decisions are thoughtfully considered and efficiently implemented. Our clients and team members are met with empathy and understanding. All these things add up to a curated experience where our divers feel not only well taken care of but like a member of the family.”
When asked how women can impact the diving industry, Abe responded by highlighting that women-led dive centers challenge the traditional narrative of what women are and can be. “A woman can wear a sundress and fix a compressor. She can like red lipstick and complete a challenging tec dive with perfect trim. She can be gentle one moment and take control of a rescue situation the next. This shift in the industry can give other women the confidence they need to pursue their dream; whether that’s by showing them it’s possible or by providing them with a space where they feel more comfortable to receive their training.” Paiva added that female-led dive centers can help increase the number of women in diving by inspiring them to enter this world.
New Zealand – Freedive Aotearoa: Sacha Williamson
Sacha Williamson, the founder of Freedive Aotearoa, embarked on her diving career as a commercial diver. Thriving in this predominantly masculine domain since the age of 18, she undertook diverse projects globally. With a significant career shift, she transitioned into a PADI Instructor and then a PADI Freediver Instructor.
Her fascination with freediving started long before it gained popularity. Over the past decade, she has firmly established New Zealand’s first dedicated freediver training center and leads an all-women team of managers and instructors.
When asked about how a woman’s approach makes a difference, Sacha replied, “While I can’t deny that it’s a vibrant, masculine world, particularly in the grunt gruff realm of commercial diving where my career originated, when you’re underneath the water trying to move a 2-ton block, it doesn’t matter if you’re a 6-foot-six dude with Popeye arms or a petite, little, 18-year-old girl. No one is forcing that block unless you’re clever.”
In this way, Williamson realized the importance of thinking smarter, not harder. Always approaching the industry with a problem-solving mindset, she focused on her skills, passion, and dedication to her work instead of allowing gender to create obstacles or be a barrier.
Williamson believes that at the core of any thriving dive center or venture lies the individuals and the values they hold. Integrity and doing what’s right are essential qualities that define a person’s character and the center as a whole. “In my 23 years as a professional diver, I’ve observed that many dive centers were traditionally male-owned. However, my little seaside village on the Tutukaka coast has two dive centers, both led by women – mine and another. Working with these women has been a remarkable experience. They have been incredibly supportive, encouraging, inclusive, and helpful, empowering one another and proving that empowered women empower women.”
Malaysia – Jom Adventure: Ardnese Shuhaimi
Jom Adventure is a dive center led by women, boasting two female managers and three female PADI Instructors. Ardnese Shuhaimi, one of the managers and an Instructor, shares, “In 2017, I began my PADI Pro training in Malaysia. My passion continued to grow, and I wanted to inspire people, especially women, to feel confident and comfortable in their diving experiences. As time passed, we decided to establish our own Dive Centre, Jom Adventure.”
Despite her petite size, Shuhaimi never gives up, defying expectations. She sets a powerful example for her divers, proving that size is irrelevant. She remains dedicated to encouraging women to pursue diving and continually strive for improvement. Above all, she wants them to feel at ease both underwater and on land when diving with Jom Adventure, something she believes is aided by the female presence.
Shuhaimi strongly believes in the capabilities of women, affirming that they can achieve anything just as men can. She also envisions a dive center that prioritizes the safety and comfort of women, ensuring an environment free from any concerns of inappropriate behavior. She firmly believes that women’s exceptional attention to detail sets them apart in their professional endeavors. She adds, “Let us strive for greatness while supporting and uplifting one another.”
Mozambique – Gozo Azul Diving: Natalie Robinson and Alyssa Mitchell
At Gozo Azul Diving, Natalie Robinson and Alyssa Mitchell lead the way. Robinson, an experienced business and diving professional, envisions the center as a haven for diving enthusiasts to explore, learn, and connect with the sea. With a solid background in business management and extensive knowledge of the diving industry, Robinson was well-prepared to embrace the challenges of entrepreneurship.
On the other hand, Mitchell, the operations manager, embarked on a fearless journey as a nomadic diver, trading her belongings for a one-way ticket to Asia. “I decided to sell everything I owned, closed my eyes, and booked a one-way ticket to Asia. My diving journey is long and far from over. Deciding to go pro was a game changer in all aspects.”
Robinson understands the significance of establishing an inclusive and inviting atmosphere where everyone is valued and respected. She fosters a culture of inclusivity at the dive center, ensuring that all divers feel at ease and supported regardless of their background or identity. “Women are often socialized to be empathetic and nurturing, traits that I bring to my leadership style. I prioritize open communication, active listening, and empathy when interacting with staff and customers, fostering positive relationships built on trust and mutual respect,” remarks Robinson. Mitchell emphasizes the importance of compassion in unlocking team commitment and value, highlighting the need for understanding and care to enhance productivity. She adds, “Women lead less with ego and are generally calmer under pressure.”
Robinson believes female-led dive centers can transform the diving industry by fostering diversity, inclusion, safety, sustainability, innovation, and community spirit. Embracing their unique strengths and perspectives, these centers aim to cultivate a more vibrant, equitable, and prosperous diving community for all. She adds, “Female-led dive centers can serve as empowering spaces for women in diving, providing opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and skill development. By showcasing women in leadership roles and as role models within the industry, these dive centers can inspire other women to pursue their passion for diving and excel in their careers.”
In conclusion, women are an integral part of the transformation of the diving industry. As more women step into leadership roles in the diving business, the industry landscape steadily shifts towards a more equitable and inclusive environment.
This progression is not just promising for future women divers and diving professionals, but it also serves as an inspiration for all. Their remarkable strides in this field demonstrate human achievement’s limitless potential and diversity’s transformative power.
