Silke Fehr, Managing Director of Top Glory Marine Service GmbH & Co. KG, brings vision, conviction, and a deep respect for nature to the maritime services industry. Her career reflects a thoughtful mix of strategy and accountability that allows her to lead with both insight and compassion. As an entrepreneur and mother, she offers a leadership style that is unique in a field rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving.
From her earliest memories of life at sea to her current role guiding Top Glory, Silke’s approach has remained consistent. For her, leadership is more than making decisions. “Leadership means taking responsibility for people, processes, and our planet,” she explains, a principle that shapes every step of her journey.
A Lifetime Bond with the Sea
Growing up as a captain’s daughter, Silke was surrounded by the rhythm of the ocean. The experience instilled discipline, strength, and a natural sense of teamwork, even though her professional path began on land.
She began her career in the sales department of a medium-sized waste management company, gaining important knowledge about sustainable operations and customer needs. “My path started outside the industry, learning about sustainable processes and customer needs,” she recalls. These early experiences formed the foundation for her later success as an entrepreneur in the maritime sector.
In 2013, she founded her own company to lighten the workload of ship managers, shipowners, and captains through practical and proactive support. “I wanted to create solutions that were not just efficient but also proactive,” she says. This step combined her love for the maritime world with her commitment to sustainability and forward thinking.
Leading with Collaboration and Clarity
Silke describes her leadership as cooperative, solution-oriented, and value-driven. She believes every team member should have the chance to contribute and grow. “There is real strength in working together, especially when many elements must align,” she affirms.
Her experience in complex maritime operations sharpened her ability to prioritize, stay calm under pressure, and adapt quickly. “I have learned to prioritize more clearly, stay flexible, and remain composed when dealing with complex situations,” she explains. This steady approach builds trust and transparency, enabling her team to create innovative and eco-friendly solutions for customers and the environment.
Balancing Strategy with Human Connection
Each day, Silke balances strategic planning, customer interaction, and team development with an eye on purpose as well as efficiency. “It’s not about efficiency; it’s about identifying meaningful solutions that ease the burden on our partners,” she says.
She focuses on actions that bring concrete results operationally, personally, and environmentally. “Environmental pollution scares me deeply,” she shares. Motherhood has heightened her sense of responsibility. “I feel more strongly now than ever before that it is absolutely vital to be responsible, not just for my business, but for our planet too,” she reflects.
Bringing Work and Life into Alignment
Maintaining balance in a fast-moving industry is an ongoing challenge. Silke believes integration comes from many small, intentional choices. “There are no defined boundaries; it’s the sum of small decisions that bring about balance,” she notes.
Thoughtful planning and clear priorities shape her days, while flexibility remains essential. Her young son keeps her focused on what truly matters. “My son reminds me daily what truly matters,” she says. This perspective helps her lead with empathy and clarity, ensuring humanity stays central to the company culture.
Building a Resilient and High-Performing Team
For Silke, a strong team is the heart of success. “A resilient, high-performing team isn’t created by accident; it takes trust, open communication, and shared values,” she declares.
She is committed to building an environment where openness is valued, performance is recognized, and everyone understands the shared goal. At the same time, she accepts that difficult decisions are sometimes necessary. “Clarity and consistency are every bit as important as empathy,” she says. Through mutual support and common values, her team can face challenges with confidence and unity.
Calm in the Face of Uncertainty
The maritime sector often faces sudden changes and new regulations. Silke approaches these moments with calm focus and structured thinking. “At times of uncertainty, it’s essential to keep a calm head and to develop a wide perspective,” she explains.
Her method blends reliable information, open communication, and a willingness to question established processes. She also trusts her instincts when exploring new opportunities. “Uncertainty is never comfortable, but it provides the chance to reconsider and act boldly,” she adds, turning potential obstacles into opportunities.
The Power of Collective Strength
A major turning point in Silke’s career came with the realization that lasting success depends on teamwork. “We can only make a real difference for our customers, the company, and our shared vision when everyone pulls together,” she explains.
This insight deepened her focus on cooperation and transparent communication. As a result, her team grew more efficient and resilient, a change reflected in their work quality and in customer satisfaction.
Crafting the Maritime Services of the Future
Looking ahead, Silke envisions a maritime world defined by digital innovation, sustainability, and responsibility. “Smart, data-based solutions will not only optimize processes but also create transparency and accountability,” she predicts.
With Top Glory Marine Service GmbH & Co. KG, her goal is to become a leading partner for ESG data in the maritime sector, ensuring customers can manage waste efficiently and responsibly. “We position ourselves as a service provider and co-creator of a more sustainable, digital, and responsible industry,” she says, blending technology with environmental care to benefit both business and planet.
Guidance for Future Leaders
Silke encourages future professionals to remain curious, adaptable, and ready to accept responsibility. “It is crucial to have specialist knowledge, but also to be able to motivate people, handle difficult problems and look at things holistically,” she advises.
To her, leadership is less about having all the answers than about asking the right questions and making thoughtful choices. “Success never comes alone. If you want to be a leader, you need to comprehend how precious a good team is and have the courage to make tough choices for the overall good,” she counsels.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Silke hopes her career shows that leadership can be both effective and personal. “I want future generations to see that leadership isn’t about remoteness, it’s about closeness,” she says. That means taking ownership, making decisions, and being ready to join the work when needed.
“In a changing industry, we need leaders who listen, understand, and help shape the future,” she adds. By modeling openness and accountability, she aims to inspire leaders who will continue to guide the maritime industry forward.
Conclusion
Silke Fehr’s journey with Top Glory Marine Service GmbH & Co. KG blends maritime tradition with innovation and a deep commitment to the planet. From her childhood as a captain’s daughter to her role as Managing Director, she proves that true leadership is built on teamwork and responsibility.
Guided by sustainability in every decision and a strong emphasis on team cohesion, Silke is advancing a more responsible and forward-looking maritime industry. “One can be a good leader and still be human,” she asserts, offering a message of hope and purpose that travels well beyond the horizon.
