{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 129: Decarbonization That Actually Works; Founder Lessons with Gordana Ilic, PhD of BetterSea","description":"Guest: Gordana Ilic, PhD \u2014 Co-Founder & Co-CEO, BetterSea and host of The Wavemakers Podcast Episode Overview: Gordana Ilic didn\u2019t come up through shipping.  Gordana\u2019s path was through sustainability, entrepreneurship, corporate innovation, then into Maersk\u2019s decarbonization work before returning to entrepreneurship. In this episode, we go beyond regulation talk and into what\u2019s really happening in the market: how FuelEU is being received, why smaller owners moved faster than some of the giants, what pooling is changing culturally and commercially, and what founders learn the hard way about building in an industry that\u2019s still adjusting to transparency. Key Points: From sustainability to shipping, by way of innovation: Gordana\u2019s path from chemistry\/PhD work to startup ecosystems, corporate innovation, and finally maritime decarbonization. Why she left Maersk to build again: Entrepreneurship as \u201cnature,\u201d not just opportunity and why ignoring that pull started affecting her health. BetterSea\u2019s pivot: broad vision \u2192 sharp wedge: Starting with a wider decarbonization decision framework, then focusing on FuelEU to match market readiness and urgency. FuelEU early reactions were\u2026 real: From \u201cEU ETS won\u2019t happen\u201d to skepticism in Singapore  and the long road of educating the market before urgency hit. Surprise: smaller owners moved first: Faster decision cycles, direct access to leadership, and a willingness to act once risk\/opportunity became clear (including strong early traction with Greek owners). The IMO pause shockwave: A market freeze, regrouping, and then clarity: regional regulations are the near-term reality and FuelEU isn\u2019t going away. Pooling is working but it forces transparency: Deals, due diligence, KYC, and the reality that shipping companies aren\u2019t always used to hearing \u201cno\u201d from their counterparties, now other shipping companies. Efficiency isn\u2019t one silver bullet: Alternative fuels are straightforward in concept, but the bigger differentiator is execution speed, alignment, and how companies think portfolio-style over time. Founder advice that matters: Trust your gut, challenge norms politely, ask \u201cwhy not,\u201d and reach out to people early (LinkedIn is a cheat code when used well). Podcasting as a leadership tool: Why Gordana launched The Wavemakers Podcast, what she\u2019s learned from conversations, and why creative projects often become personal \u201cguide rails.\u201d Learn More: Check out Gordana\u2019s podcast The Wavemakers Podcast on YouTube and other streaming channels. Related listening: Episode 105: Decarbonization & FuelEU Reality with Friederike Hesse of zero44.  This is a strong companion on compliance mechanics, pooling, and commercial decision-making. Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Watch the episode on YouTube. Music by: Peg and The Rejected \u201cKing of SKA\u201d Art Work By: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast: If you found value in this episode, please rate us 5-stars and follow. Subscribe to the newsletter for updates \u2014 and if you\u2019re interested in advertising, reach out to my friends at Digital Ship. ","author_name":"The Last Dinosaur - Maritime Shipping In The Digital Age","author_url":"http:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/404561\/site","html":"