Toxic Leadership On Deck: How Bad Leadership Breaks Crew Confidence | The Wellbeing Project

Toxic leadership does not just affect morale. It can change how crew see themselves.

In this episode of The Wellbeing Project, host Karine Rayson of The Crew Coach is joined by Keagan Blanckensee, Bosun, for an honest conversation about the impact poor leadership can have on deck crew over time.

Keagan has spent more than 10 years in superyachting, including bosun roles on 100m+ vessels. He shares how a highly critical leadership environment affected his confidence, communication, decision-making, and sense of self long after he had left the boat.

This conversation explores what happens when pressure becomes damaging, why feedback needs to be constructive, and how leaders can build stronger teams through respect, clarity, communication, and trust.

In This Episode:
• How toxic leadership affects crew confidence
• Why crew may not realise the damage until they leave
• The difference between pressure and intimidation
• How poor leadership shows up on deck
• Why feedback must be constructive, not crushing
• How captains, chief officers, and bosuns can communicate better
• Why respect is the foundation of strong leadership
• What good leadership looks like in practice onboard

Guest:
Keagan Blanckensee, Bosun

Host:
Karine Rayson, The Crew Coach
https://www.thecrewcoach.com

🎙️ The Wellbeing Project | Yachting International Radio

Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website:
https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news

Search Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.