What is your favorite travel memory?
My favourite travel memory was solo travelling through the Philippines. I surfed every day in Siargao, then went wreck diving in Coron, penetrating large Japanese World War II ships, some over 145 metres long. After that I sailed across Palawan, camping on beaches and discovering pristine reefs. I did the whole trip without a phone, which made it even more special. It was just the ocean, nature, and adventure.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Working here has allowed me to bring together my corporate background and my passion for marine conservation. I’ve grown as both a communicator and a leader, learning how to connect with people from all walks of life, whether it’s inspiring students underwater, supporting my team, or building partnerships. More than anything, I’ve learned that positivity and resilience are just as important as technical skills when it comes to driving meaningful change.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
Not exactly a return student but one who did not want to leave. They joined us for the Divemaster Conservation Program, then interned with us for eight months. Afterwards they based themselves on Gili Air to write their masters thesis on CoralWatch, a citizen science program that we use at Gili Shark Conservation. They only left recently after getting a marine science job in Raja Ampat. Watching their journey, from student to intern to professional, was incredibly inspiring. It showed me how transformative this kind of hands-on experience can be.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would choose the Divemaster Program. It’s such a unique opportunity because it combines earning a professional diving qualification with learning how to weave conservation knowledge and marine biology into guiding. For me, it’s the perfect bridge between science and experience. You’re not just leading dives, you’re teaching people to see the reef through a conservation lens. That ability to inspire others while growing as a professional diver makes the program truly special.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Our company is unique because we don't just focus on science, we focus on people. Whether it is students joining us for the first time, interns developing professional skills, or divers gaining a new perspective, our goal is to connect people to the science in a way that is accessible and inspiring. We believe conservation is not only about collecting data, but also about building awareness, changing behaviours, and creating a community of ocean advocates. By combining education, hands on research, and personal experience in the water, we take a holistic approach that makes our work impactful far beyond the reef itself.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Staying aligned in mission, people, and impact is key. When these three elements move in sync, they build trust, strengthen collaboration, and inspire others to take action. This harmony will not only drives real change, but also ensures that the work and effort we do remains meaningful and sustainable.
