Female Focus Series: Bee Cummins, Thailand Office Manager

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 Bee Cummins, the Office Manager of Thailand. Enjoy getting to know Bee 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 and Simpson Marine are the key drivers and motivation behind my every day work life.

Q: Who has been the biggest influence on you in your work and/or personal life?
A: Simpson Marine’s Managing Director, Mike Simpson. Mike has a lot of experience in yachting, yacht management and Asia. As the leader in the Asian market, he is my inspiration and I am proud to be working for the best company in the industry. I always feel very humbled and proud to be part of Simpson Marine Group.

Q: What are some values you live by?
A: Honesty, integrity and doing the right thing by everybody

Q: What do you hope to achieve in your work?
A: My short-term goal is to use my decade-long experience as an Office Manager for Simpson Marine to nurture the younger generation of employees and my team. I hope to develop into a position that allows me to continue using these current skills that I have in order to manage a bigger team.

Q: What is your idea of success in the yachting industry?
A: Team work. There is no “I” in team, success relies on the combined efforts of individuals who work together to make dreams and success possible. This is how Simpson Marine Thailand has weathered through storms and will sail to greater heights as the year passes.

Q: What is one piece of advice would you give to aspiring women who are keen to join this industry?
A: Everything about yachting is always fun but it is important to be yourself. Once you fall for what you are doing, you will find happiness and success in everything in life.

Q: How did you get involved in the yachting industry?
A: I was first introduced to Simpson Marine and the yachting industry through a close connection of mine. I was new to the industry and I had to quickly pick up the basics, learning about yachts, sailing, yacht parts etc. In 2008, I was then given the opportunity to be promoted as the Office Administrator at Simpson Marine Thailand.

Q: What is one change you would like to see in this industry?
A: Gender equality. Women should be given more opportunities to work in this industry the same as men.

Q: What would you say is your biggest achievement in your career with Simpson Marine so far?
A: My biggest achievement would be my growth and career progression within Simpson Marine. Having worked as an Office Manager for 12 years, I am fully responsible for all the ins and outs of the Simpson Marine Thailand office. I also play an active role in every process, including Human Resources, Sales, Services, Yacht Care and Yacht Charter.

Q: What inspires you within what is undoubtedly a male-dominated industry?
A: Be adventurous and fun. Remember, if men can do this, women can do it too!

Q: What is your first memory of yachting?
A: My first sailing trip to Langkawi and I got sea sick.

Q: What is a must-do on a yacht for you?
A: Making sure there is a yacht check list document, and also ensuring the yacht is cleaned and properly maintained – like our usual Simpson Marine boat show standard.

Q: Describe your perfect day on a yacht.
A: Sea, Sand and Sun. The Lagoon Escapade 2019 is a special memory.