A New Life in the Sea Suite

As a lifelong Seattleite, Kristi Schooley always loved being surrounded by water. She bought her first boat in her 20s.

“After that, being on the water became a part of my life and a true passion,” says Schooley, who launched a second career as a senior captain at Argosy Cruises 20 years ago after spending more than two decades in the hospitality industry. “I knew I needed a change and began dreaming of ways to combine my years of experience owning a hospitality business with my ultimate passion.”

So, Schooley enrolled in the Ballard Maritime School to pursue a 100-ton master’s license (which allows someone to operate a vessel of up to 100 gross tons) while also raising two teenage daughters. She met a woman who worked at Argosy Cruises, and Schooley was hooked. She landed a job at the Seattle boat tour and events company and, within two years, logged the sea hours needed to obtain her license. She began by driving smaller boats and now, as a senior captain, helms Argosy’s newest ship, the 125-foot vessel the USS Salish Explorer.

Leadership

A good leader is an inspiration to others who serves as a leader and a true guide. In my experience, the strongest leaders that I’ve learned the most from have all had an open mind, and are ready to embrace new ideas and different viewpoints. Throughout my own leadership journey, particularly working on Argosy cruises, I’ve found that communication is also a key strength. I try to listen with intent and clarity to ensure everyone is on the same page, and am always thankful for the input of individuals on my team. On a boat, communication is simplified with all crew learning to speak the same maritime language, regimenting communication so that nothing gets lost in translation. Taking the time to foster a culture of respect and collaboration is one of the best investments a leader can make.

Overrated Traits

None, especially if leaders are earnest and truly want the best for their teams.

Prominence

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that clear communication about career goals is essential. Being upfront and assertive about your professional aspirations and advocating for yourself are crucial steps toward achieving them. Regularly engaging in open dialogues with mentors and leaders within your organization has been immensely beneficial for me. These conversations provide guidance and insights, fostering relationships that can open new opportunities. As I transitioned from my previous career to becoming a captain, I found that sharing my ambitions openly and seeking advice from experienced mentors and peers helped me navigate challenges and make informed decisions. It’s about taking charge of your career path and steering toward your goals with confidence and clarity.

Mentorship

One of the most important things I learned from a female mentor was the art of being able to advocate for myself in spaces where women’s voices are often overlooked. When I was hired as a deckhand there were two female captains, Chris Sanders and Shane Rich. It was really encouraging for me to observe them and have them as examples. One of the things they taught me was how to not take negative comments personally, because ultimately, they reflect societal biases rather than my personal worth.

Advice

With experience navigating a diverse career path, my advice to the next generation of female leaders is to embark on your journey with openness and a deep passion for discovery. My experience in the hospitality industry taught me to be incredibly flexible, maintain an open-door policy, value every individual’s time, and foster a culture of accessibility and trust. All those traits are critical for successfully leading a 125-foot vessel full of guests or a thriving business.

In professional discussions, prioritize diverse perspectives, recognizing the invaluable insights they offer, particularly in challenging situations. Blend your passions with your professional expertise, as I did with maritime pursuits after years in hospitality, to create a fulfilling career path. Embrace challenges with resilience, persisting through obstacles as opportunities for personal and professional growth. Seek out opportunities for learning and development, continually expanding your skills and knowledge. Ultimately, lead by example, demonstrating that dedication, adaptability, and a commitment to learning pave the way for impactful leadership.

Unwind

In the fall, you’ll find me out on my old Boston whaler off Shilshole putting crab pots out, drifting, reading, and napping. Before that, spending time with my family, planting trees, and driving back roads with my husband in pursuit of hidden gems around the Northwest.

Autobiography Title

My autobiography would be titled It’s Never Too Late to Correct Course, highlighting my belief that life offers opportunities for reinvention at any stage. Transitioning from a career in hospitality to becoming a captain later in life surprised many who knew me, but following my instincts led me to a happier, more fulfilled life. The title reflects my journey of personal growth, and the realization that we can always steer toward new horizons, despite challenges.