In today’s interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Begüm Doğulu, an innovative and visionary force in her field. Known for her dynamic approach and ability to push boundaries, Begüm has made a profound impact through her influential work, constantly inspiring others with her creative ideas. Her journey is one marked by resilience, as she continues to rise above challenges and lead with a future-focused mindset. We’re excited talk with her about her experiences, and the driving forces behind her success.
In her own words here's Part 1.
Q: Let’s reflect for a bit about your journey to become Begüm Yachting. Your entry into the yachting industry was both unexpected and unconventional. What personal qualities or experiences do you believe were pivotal in transforming those early challenges into the foundation of Begüm Yachting?
A: Entering a male-dominated and specialized industry like yachting without a conventional background required a high level of resilience. Adapting quickly to new situations, learning from setbacks, and staying determined even when the path was unclear were essential in navigating the challenges I faced.
The ability to spot opportunities and take calculated risks played a significant role, too. Identifying gaps in the market and having the courage to pursue innovative solutions helped in establishing my unique identity in the industry.
A genuine commitment to delivering top-notch service and creating memorable experiences for clients was a driving force. This passion for excellence became a cornerstone of my business, setting it apart in a competitive market.
Q2: Begüm Yachting has achieved remarkable success over the years. Can you share a specific milestone or turning point in your career that holds a special place in your heart, and why?
A: One particular milestone that holds a special place in my heart is the moment when we successfully completed our first major refit project at Barka Shipyard. This project was not just about the technical achievement; it represented a turning point for Begüm Yachting in many ways.
When we decided to establish Barka Shipyard, it was a significant leap into a new venture, with all the associated risks and challenges. The project we undertook was complex and required coordination across multiple teams, a deep understanding of our client's needs, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Successfully completing this refit not only solidified our reputation in the industry but also proved that we could excel in the technical aspects of yachting, beyond the traditional services we had been known for. It was a validation of our team's hard work, resilience, and dedication, and it opened up new opportunities for us to expand our services.
This milestone is dear to me because it encapsulated the essence of what Begüm Yachting stands for—innovation, quality, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It was a moment that reinforced our belief that with the right vision and teamwork, we could achieve anything we set our minds to.
Q3: As one of the few female leaders ( on this level) in the yachting industry, what unique perspectives or strategies have you brought to the table that have shaped the direction of Begüm Yachting?
A: As a female leader in the predominantly male-dominated yachting industry, I've found that bringing a different perspective has been both a challenge and an opportunity. My approach has been shaped by a few key strategies and perspectives that I believe have been instrumental in the growth and success of Begüm Yachting:
Firstly, I believe that understanding the needs and desires of clients, employees, and partners on a deeper level is essential for long-term success. This empathetic approach has allowed us to build strong, trusting relationships with our clients, who know that their needs will be understood and met with care. It has also fostered a supportive and collaborative work environment within our team.
From the beginning, I recognized the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. This not only refers to gender but also includes bringing together people from various backgrounds and experiences. Diversity has fueled innovation and creativity within our company, helping us to approach challenges from multiple angles and develop more comprehensive solutions.
Being attuned to the unique preferences and expectations of our clients has driven us to constantly innovate and tailor our services. Whether it’s through bespoke experiences or integrating the latest technology into our operations, I've always prioritized the needs of our clients, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed their expectations.
Recognizing the impact of our industry on the environment, I’ve placed a strong emphasis on incorporating sustainable practices into our operations. This perspective has influenced decisions from the types of materials we use in refits to the promotion of eco-friendly itineraries and practices. It's not just about keeping up with trends but leading by example in an industry that needs to evolve in this direction.
I’ve also worked hard to build a brand that stands for reliability, luxury, and personalization. This involved not just delivering exceptional service but also crafting a narrative around Begüm Yachting that resonates with our values and mission. I believe that a strong, authentic brand identity is crucial for long-term success and client loyalty.
Understanding the challenges of being a minority in the industry, I’ve been committed to mentoring and empowering other women and young professionals in yachting. Creating opportunities for them and promoting a culture of growth and learning has been a key focus, shaping not just our company but contributing positively to the broader industry.
These strategies have been instrumental in guiding the direction of Begüm Yachting, allowing us to carve out a unique space in the industry. By embracing these perspectives, we've been able to grow steadily while staying true to our core values of excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction.
Q4: Turkey has seen substantial growth as a yachting destination. What role has Begüm Yachting played in promoting Turkey as a must-visit location for superyachts, and what challenges did you encounter in this journey?
A: Begüm Yachting has played a pivotal role in promoting Turkey as a premier destination for superyachts, contributing significantly to the country’s rise as a sought-after location for luxury yachting. Founded in 1997, Begüm Yachting has leveraged its expertise, local knowledge, and comprehensive service offerings to attract and cater to the needs of superyachts, their owners, and crews.
By offering a wide range of high-quality services such as yacht clearance, provisioning, fuel bunkering, and concierge services, Begüm Yachting has made Turkey an attractive destination for superyachts. These services ensure that superyachts receive the support they need, making their stay in Turkish waters smooth and enjoyable.
Begüm Yachting’s in-depth understanding of Turkey’s coastline, regulations, and local culture has been a significant advantage. They have provided valuable guidance to superyachts, ensuring compliance with local regulations and enhancing the overall experience of yachting in Turkey.
Our company has built strong relationships with local marinas, tourism boards, and businesses, which have been instrumental in improving the infrastructure and services available to superyachts in Turkey. These partnerships have helped create a more welcoming environment for yacht owners and their guests.
Begüm Yachting has actively participated in international yacht shows and events, showcasing Turkey as a top yachting destination. Our marketing efforts have highlighted the unique attractions of Turkey, from its stunning coastline and historical sites to its luxury amenities, helping to position Turkey as a must-visit location for superyachts.
One of the major challenges faced by Begüm Yachting has been dealing with the complex regulatory framework in Turkey. The company has worked closely with local authorities to simplify procedures and ensure that superyachts can operate smoothly within Turkish waters.
While Turkey has a beautiful coastline, the development of yachting infrastructure, such as marinas and support facilities, has been a gradual process. Begüm Yachting has been involved in advocating for and supporting the expansion of these facilities, which was initially a challenge but has led to significant improvements over time.
When my company started promoting Turkey, the country was not as well-known as other Mediterranean destinations like Italy or Greece. Changing this perception required consistent effort and the ability to deliver high-quality services that could compete with more established yachting locations.
We have also had to navigate periods of economic and political instability in Turkey. These factors sometimes impacted the yachting season and required Begüm Yachting to adapt quickly to ensure continued growth and satisfaction among their clients.
Q5: With sustainability becoming increasingly important in the yachting industry, is Begüm Yachting contributing to eco-friendly practices within Turkey’s yachting sector? If so, how?
A: Begüm Yachting has recognized the growing importance of sustainability in the yachting industry and has taken steps to contribute to eco-friendly practices within Turkey’s yachting sector, by promoting sustainable yachting practices, via the following:
- Environmental Awareness and Education: Begüm Yachting actively promotes environmental awareness among yacht owners, captains, and crew. They provide guidance on best practices for minimizing the environmental impact of yachting activities, such as reducing waste, preventing marine pollution, and using eco-friendly products on board.
- Supporting Sustainable Infrastructure: The company collaborates with marinas and ports that prioritize sustainability, such as those with eco-certifications like the Blue Flag. By directing yachts to these facilities, Begüm Yachting encourages the development and use of sustainable infrastructure within Turkey’s yachting sector.
- Reducing Carbon Footprint: Begüm Yachting is involved in initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of yachting in Turkey. This includes advocating for the use of cleaner fuels, energy-efficient technologies, and supporting yachts that adopt hybrid or electric propulsion systems.
- Waste Management Initiatives: The company emphasizes proper waste management and disposal practices for yachts operating in Turkish waters. They collaborate with local authorities and service providers to ensure that waste from yachts is handled in an environmentally responsible manner, reducing the risk of pollution.
- Sustainable Tourism: Begüm Yachting promotes sustainable tourism practices by encouraging yachts to explore less-visited, pristine areas along the Turkish coastline in a responsible manner. They emphasize the importance of preserving these natural habitats and minimizing the impact of yachting activities on local ecosystems.
- Partnerships and Advocacy: Begüm Yachting partners with environmental organizations and participates in initiatives aimed at protecting Turkey’s marine environment. They are advocates for policies that promote sustainability within the yachting industry, contributing to broader efforts to protect Turkey’s coastal and marine ecosystems.
Through these efforts, Begüm Yachting is helping to lead the way in making Turkey’s yachting industry more sustainable, ensuring that the beauty of the Turkish coastline can be enjoyed by future generations while minimizing the environmental impact of yachting activities.
When speaking to someone as dynamic, knowledgeable and influential as Begüm Doguku, it's had to not ask more questions. Therefore, we have put her interview as a two part series. Part 2 will be posted soon.
In the meantime, read more about Begum Yachting, the largest superyacht and charter agency in Turkey.
