Stronger Doesn’t Mean Harder: Why It’s Time to Redefine Resilience at Sea

In Episode 244 of the Women Offshore Podcast, Executive Director Liz Schmidt and Director of Career Development Christine MacMillan sit down for an open and honest conversation about resiliency—and why it may be time to rethink how we talk about it.

Resilience is often celebrated as the hallmark of success, especially for women working offshore in a male-dominated industry. But what happens when “being resilient” becomes an expectation rather than an empowering choice?

Liz and Christine explore the fine line between healthy resilience—the ability to adapt and recover—and resilience fatigue, where constant endurance starts to take a toll on mental health, identity, and joy in the work itself.

They share their own perspectives from years of working in maritime, discussing how women often feel the need to prove themselves over and over again, showing strength in every situation. But the truth is, resilience shouldn’t have to mean running on empty.

This candid conversation dives into:

• The myth of endless toughness
• The cost of resilience without support
• How we can redefine strength as authenticity, balance, and connection

Tune in to Episode 244 to hear Liz and Christine’s honest reflections—and join us as we reshape what it truly means to thrive offshore.