Female Focus Series: Desiree Goh, Office Manager – Client Liaison

Simpson Marine has developed a brand new ‘Female Focus’ interview series that profiles some of the exceptional women working across the company.

Today we profile Desiree, Office Manager – Client Liaison for Singapore. Enjoy getting to know Desiree more and if you have any more questions for her, please feel free to contact us directly.

Q: What keeps you motivated and driven?
A: My family at the end of day and pride in carrying out my tasked jobs and doing them well without hiccups.

Q: Who has been the biggest influence on you in your work and/or personal life?
A: My Mum as she is a tough character who always taught us to be humble, have grit and do things the right way. If you have to do something, give it your best – don’t bother doing it half-heartedly.

Q: What are some values you live by?
A: Be true to yourself and be honest. Give everything 100% and be proud that you have given your best regardless of the outcome.

Q: What do you hope to achieve in your work?
A:To keep showing that although it is a male dominated industry, females can also be a power house and excel in all that they do!

Q: What one piece of advice would you give to aspiring women who are keen to join this industry?
A: The yachting industry is just like any industry. The sky is the limit as long as you give it a shot, do your best and are willing to learn the ropes (no pun intended!). I think the key players in this industry are all very open to helping individuals to grow, so if the yachting industry is one you have an interest in I definitely encourage you to take that step forward!

Q: How did you get involved in the yachting industry?
A: I was living in Australia for many years and upon graduation I worked in a marina. When I subsequently relocated back to Singapore, the brand we represented in Australia was also represented by Simpson Marine so I approached them to see if there were any openings. Nine years later, the rest is history!

Q: What is one change you would like to see in this industry?
A: More females in the industry and more female captains!

Q: What would you say is your biggest achievement in your career with Simpson Marine so far?
A: I am proud of organising the Simpson Marine display during the Singapore Yacht Show. I have done this for several years now and each year is bigger and better!

Q: What inspires you within what is undoubtedly a male-dominated industry?
A: Though it is a male dominated industry, my colleagues and industry friends see everyone as equals, so there is really nothing that can’t be done if we try and always give it our best.

Q: What is your first memory of yachting?
A: Not really a first memory, but rather one that was most memorable, was when we were heading to the Riau Islands many years back in convoy. It was a chance to really be living the yachting lifestyle with the team and clients on their yachts. It was great to take a step back and enjoy nature at its best and disconnect for a few days. I did get quite sunburnt though and that experience also taught me to keep applying that sunscreen!

Q: What is a must-do on a yacht for you?
A: -Taking the wheel for a while, and enjoying the salty air and breeze flowing over me.
-Disconnecting and taking in the sights while cruising.
-Sitting on the swim platform and soaking my feet in the water.

 Q: Describe your perfect day on a yacht.
A: Cruising out with friends and colleagues to enjoy a BBQ, good food, music and lots of laughs!