Building a career in a male-dominated industry

International Women’s Day isn’t just a celebration; it’s a reminder of the courage, determination, and mindset it takes to lead in sectors where women are often in the minority.

At SALINE, we operate in maritime, offshore wind, construction, and Greentech - industries traditionally dominated by men.

Here, women make up the majority of our team, but that hasn’t always meant the path is easy.

We asked Nikki Smith, Managing Director, to share her reflections on building a career in male-dominated industries. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and the leadership lessons she’s learned along the way.

Challenge the narrative

“Women don’t make good directors.”

Nikki has heard this more than once. Her advice? Don’t let it define you - let it motivate you. “Businesses thrive when diverse perspectives are valued. Teams with different viewpoints make stronger decisions, and effective leadership isn’t about a single personality - it’s about insight, balance, and courage.”

She adds: “You’ll still hear people say women are too emotional, too cautious, or not ambitious enough for senior roles. Don’t let those stereotypes limit you. They reflect others’ biases, not your potential.”

Back yourself

Nikki doesn’t follow a single role model. She relies on her mindset: “Step up, take your space, and don’t undervalue yourself. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.”

Her advice: seek rooms where you feel unsure, voice your ideas even if your confidence wavers, and push into challenges that feel uncomfortable. “Backing yourself isn’t arrogance, it’s your responsibility as a professional. And by doing it, you show others it’s possible.”

Know your worth

“Underselling yourself can undervalue not just you, but your team and the business,” Nikki says.

Her advice: recognise your value early, communicate it clearly, and stand firm. Knowing your worth isn’t ego - it’s essential leadership.

From impulsive to reflective

Early in her career, Nikki would dive straight into decisions. Experience taught her the power of pausing: “Think before you act. Reflection before action is not indecision - it’s strategy. It leads to smarter, more considered decisions.”

Presence changes perception

Being one of the few women in technical discussions can feel isolating. Nikki’s tip: “Your presence matters. Speak up, contribute confidently, and don’t shrink to make others comfortable.”

She notes that in industries like maritime, women make up less than 19% of the workforce, with only 3–15% holding director-level roles. “Every woman who steps into leadership makes it easier for those coming after her,” she says.

The takeaway

Leadership isn’t about proving yourself to anyone else. Nikki’s advice: believe in your ability, embrace growth, challenge assumptions, know your value, back yourself, and lead with confidence. That’s how real change happens.