Discover insights shaped by the sea - book your free consultation today!
Leadership Built at Sea. Designed for the World.
I transform ocean leadership experience into clarity, confidence, and practical tools for organizations, leaders, and public.

Discover insights shaped by the sea - book your free consultation today!
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I transform ocean leadership experience into clarity, confidence, and practical tools for organizations, leaders, and public.


High-impact leadership programs built on real maritime experience — tailored for organizations seeking stronger teamwork, resilience, and emotional intelligence.
I translate leadership from the sea into practical tools that transform managers into trusted, courageous leaders.

Support for women who want to lead with confidence, navigate change, and unlock their full potential.
Through coaching, mentoring, and real-world insight, I help women step into leadership roles with clarity, strength, and authenticity.

Professional mentoring and training for future officers, cadets, and maritime professionals.
I deliver practical guidance shaped by real-life nautical operations, bridge management, safety, communication, and leadership at sea.

Inspirational keynote speeches based on real maritime leadership — resilience, empathy, decision-making, crisis management, and life at sea.
Perfect for conferences, company events, or educational audiences seeking powerful storytelling with practical takeaways.

Authentic, inspiring storytelling for TV, radio, podcasts, and online platforms.
I share real experiences from life at sea, leadership in challenging environments, and my journey across cultures — including my years living in India.
My media presence brings a human, relatable perspective that motivates, educates, and inspires diverse audiences.

Personal, confidential sessions tailored to your goals — whether you seek leadership guidance, life clarity, or professional direction.
Designed for individuals who want deep, focused support and actionable insight.

Easy-to-understand, engaging explanations of how life and work at sea really look — from ship operations to crew life and passenger experiences.
Perfect for curious minds who want to learn more about ships, navigation, safety, and the behind-the-scenes world of maritime life.


I’m Ivana Kulkarni — Master Mariner, leadership mentor, and global consultant.
For more than a decade, I navigated some of the world’s most challenging oceans, led diverse crews in high-pressure environments, and learned what true leadership looks like when calm, clarity, and trust are non-negotiable.
My journey between the sea and Mumbai shaped both my character and the way I work. India taught me empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the strength of community. The ocean taught me decisiveness, resilience, and how to lead when the stakes are real. Together, these experiences fuel the leadership approach I share with teams and organizations today.
I now transform maritime insights into practical workshops, executive coaching, inspiring keynotes, and programs that help leaders and teams navigate uncertainty with confidence. My work focuses on empathetic leadership, women's empowerment, global collaboration, and bridging the gap between human behavior and high-performance environments.
Whether I’m speaking to corporate teams, mentoring emerging leaders, or guiding individuals on their personal journey, my mission is the same:
to empower people to lead with purpose, authenticity, and courage — no matter the waters they navigate.

As the first female Master Mariner of my home country - Slovakia, a country without the sea, I broke a long-standing barrier in the maritime world. My journey to obtaining the highest qualification in the merchant navy was built on discipline, technical excellence, and years of navigating some of the world’s most challenging waters.

Recognized among the Top 100 Women in Shipping by allaboutshipping.co.uk for my contribution to modern maritime leadership, safety, and diversity. This acknowledgment reflects not only professional achievement but the responsibility to pave the way for others.

Years of navigating in polar regions — from drifting ice fields to remote Antarctic channels — shaped my expertise in high-risk environments. My work in extreme cold, isolation, and variable sea ice taught me precision, adaptability, and calm decision-making under pressure.

As an ambassador and mentor for international maritime communities, I support emerging leaders, advocate for women in the industry, and contribute to global initiatives that elevate safety, education, and opportunity at sea.
Whether you’re part of an organization, a future leader interested in leadership programs, or simply curious about life at sea, I’d love to hear from you!
Your curiosity, questions, and ideas matter! Feel free to reach out any time — I’m here to guide, support, and inspire through mentoring, coaching and training.
Slovakia & India
+421915894966 (SVK) +919004114842 (IND) hello@ivanakulkarni.com
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