Cusack & Co turns 6!

Today Cusack & Co turns 6 and here are six lessons I’ve learnt from my own law firm (that I built from scratch).

1.???? Other people’s limits are not your limits.

When people tell you “You can’t do that” what they really mean is that they can’t do that. Therefore it’s inconceivable to them that it’s at all possible.

If you believe that you can, go prove them wrong. But it’s not about proving them wrong, it’s about backing yourself and committing to your belief in yourself.

p.s we’re talking about legal things here, if someone tells you not to violate laws I’d listen to them.

I’ve racked up a stunning number of wins where people who actually do know the state of play said, “you won’t be able to make that happen”.

And then I do. And I do it again. Because I’m sassy like that. And I say I told you so. And they begrudgingly agree.

Statistically embolden to keep on believing in myself.

2.???? Stand up for your beliefs.

This is a big one. I’ve been pretty vocal about my advocacy and have been told that it’s career limiting more than once.

And it is career limiting. I’m sure I’ve missed out on jobs but organisations who are supposed to share my advocacy but at the last minute allow cowardice in.

I have curated and maximised my privilege in order to speak about issues that are unfun and uncool and make people shift awkwardly in their seats.

I have confronted CEOs and powerful (mostly men) in defence and they have all capitulated in the face of my influence and endless energy and passion for the cause.

I remember in the early days someone close to me said, don’t speak out. You’ll get known as a trouble maker. Wait until you’re successful and then you can speak out.

And I said… but then I have something to lose and then I won’t do it. And I won’t have been authentic in the process either. If I am authentic and genuine about my beliefs and values then no one will be surprised and people will have chosen to work with me because of those stances. When will I be successful enough to decide to start supporting those without a voice? I’ve seen lots of successful people wait until their autobiography to hit the shelves talking about all the change they’d wish they’d tried for. Do it now. Lamenting in your book doesn’t make up for the lack of courage in moments that matter.

(I don’t talk to that person anymore).

3.???? Run your own race

Oof. This one I must remind myself of over and over again. I see lots of people in positions of power playing fast and loose with doing the right thing. Like it’s a optional choice to conduct oneself with integrity whenever they simply feel like it.

It’s hard to see them succeed and commit to your own course of action. But if you’re doing something new, or upsetting the status quo then there is no trailblazer except the trail you’re leading right now.

This has been the hardest to grapple with because whilst you’re running your own race, there are plenty of spectators heckling you about going the wrong way or doing it wrong.

And they may be well meaning, or they may be projecting but it’s hard to tune out.

You have to love yourself loudest in your life. Keep the circle of feedback small to those who want you to shine the brightest (whatever that looks like) and provide that unconditional support and occasional bearing heading.

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4.???? Curate your network

I have a very large network, some who are surface level contacts and some who I can call at 1am because it’s their midday thanks to the power of timezones.

It’s not about what others can do for you, I try to not collect people as trading cards but more connect over shared interests. Nerds of maritime will unite faster despite any language barrier or having never met. I met someone recently and within the hour we were swapping general average jokes and cargo claim war stories.

Find the passionate nerds. I don’t know half of what some of my connections now friends know (looking at you Larry with Microsoft wizardry and Brian with the hilarious HS Codes). But I love hearing them talk passionately about their interests whether it’s work related or in their down time. Finding people with passion drowns out most of the beige nay sayers.

And you can continue to curate as time goes on. People can change and move onto new things or they can become stuck and you will continue to grow without them. Loyalty isn’t blind, and you don’t have to stay for old time’s sake.

You are not the morality police, and you don’t have to educate everyone on everything, you can simply and quietly walk away if things no longer align.

And you can also have a conversation and see if that helps. It’s a series of imperfect choices made without the benefit of hindsight. You only hope you get a bit quicker, more courageous as you move through life and those you want to walk with you.

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5.???? Give back

This is hugely important to me.

As someone who didn’t come from a legal family, or a shipping family, I am eternally grateful for those who took time to teach me aspects of the industry.

(See above about nerds).

I have had twist locks and gantry cranes explained to me using a phone and sugar packets. I’ve had deeply nerdy conversations over what is a ship (Singapore edition) going into the ludicrous to stress test the elements.

I’m organising a trip out to a ship via helicopter because I’ve made friends with the pilots.

And in return I mentor (informally and formally) colleagues and friends on advocacy, public speaking, legal concepts, running a business.

I’ve built courses, I’ve run free webinars, trying to help just one more person be a little less confused, a little less overwhelmed. This very LinkedIn newsletter is another way to combat misinformation and be a (hopefully) trust source with no motivation except to raise awareness on concepts and issues.?

For all those that were there for me when I talked about my experience with sexual assault, I’ve in turn helped women I’ve never met who appear in my inbox desperately seeking reassurance from the overwhelming shame the process engulfs them in (quick note: it was never your fault, you did what you needed to feel safe then and now).

Championing for seafarer welfare, increasing the awareness of psychological safety and improving gender participation on a global scale is another way I use my created privilege to keep pushing the industry forward.

And I hope I inspire others to do the same.

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6.???? Have fun

In between the stress of running a business, combating (with words) the rampant misogynistic organisations in pockets of the industry I’ve had a heap of fun.

I’ve spoken at panels at navy conferences (wildly cool) and on stage with the IMO and UNCTAD in Geneva. I’ve danced with 300 women at WISTA conferences and keynoted at the age of 32 for the IMO Sec Gen.

I’ve been bold enough to try and giggled my way through the sheer audacity.

For love or money. The goal is both.

Thanks for supporting Cusack & Co to reach 6.

Unless you’re my haters then lol, thanks for the subs.

Keep standing on business and until next time…

-The Shipping Lawyer