Together We Rise: Juliana’s Unstoppable Journey at Bolton

From the unknown to confidence: what was your first impression of Seafman?

Juliana joined Seafman in 2012 at 35 years old, bringing with her a mix of confidence and some fears about the unknown. "When I applied for a job with Seafman, I felt this could be the start of something great," she recalls. "I had some doubts, but I was confident in my abilities." Starting as a production operator, Juliana soon discovered the importance of each role and how every team member contributed to something bigger. "From the very beginning, it was clear that everyone here plays an important role making the difference for our customers and the wider Bolton community. It was like a light bulb went off. I wanted to keep growing, and I wasn’t afraid to push myself."

Support that goes beyond the job: how did Bolton help you grow?

"From day one, I felt like I was given every resource to succeed. Whether it was training, leadership programs, or just the encouragement to keep pushing myself, Bolton through Seafman made sure I had what I needed.

The biggest change? They encouraged me to go back to school. Believing in me. Balancing work, studies, and life felt like being a superhero - just without the cape. Yet, throughout that journey, I truly felt supported, not only by the company but also by my colleagues. This unwavering sense of unity has been instrumental in my growth, both personally and professionally. Here, collaboration and teamwork aren't just values - they're a constant source of inspiration, shaping my path every step of the way.  

By 2016, I graduated as an Accounting and Auditing Engineer, and that really set the stage for my next steps. With my new degree, I decided to ‘go for it’ and I applied for the internal position of Production Inspector, and guess what? I got it! I felt like I had just won the job lottery." By 2023, Juliana was promoted to Line Supervisor, where she continues to lead her team with a focus on collaboration and excellence.

Building a team: how do you foster a sense of togetherness among your team?

In Juliana’s eyes, success has never been a solo effort. It’s always been a team effort. "What makes Bolton special is that the support from your colleagues is always there. During my studies and throughout my career, I always knew I wasn’t alone. Whether I was up late studying or tackling a challenging project, I had the support of the entire team. And believe me, when you’re juggling it all, that kind of support is priceless."

As a Line Supervisor now, Juliana makes sure her team feels the same sense of unity and togetherness. "I always tell my team that we’re like a big family. We fight over the last donut in the breakroom, but we’ve got each other’s backs, no matter what."

How did you inspire creativity and teamwork while leading your team to meet production goals?

"Leadership is about more than achieving goals. It’s about inspiring creativity and problem-solving within the team. A good leader is willing to take risks, collaborate, and find innovative ways to solve problems. At Bolton, I’ve learned that leadership is a shared effort." In 2023, she led her team to  achieve significant production goals. "I implemented some new strategies to improve efficiency and streamline processes. It wasn’t just about getting things done; it was about getting things done in a way that made the work feel a little more exciting for everyone. Throughout this experience, I learned that leadership is not only about achieving goals, but also about inspiring others through of creativity and problem solving. One of the best parts was that we were able to keep things light-hearted and fun. When you’re working hard, it’s important to inject some humor into the process. We celebrated every win, no matter how small. And those moments of shared joy made the challenges feel a lot more manageable."

What advice would you give to your younger self or new team members just starting their careers here?

Embrace challenges! Looking back I realize how important it is to trust yourself, my biggest advice to my younger self or those starting out now is to not be afraid of challenges and take advantage of every learning opportunity. At Bolton, there will always be someone willing to help and guide, but in the end, confidence and personal initiative are the keys to success. As they progress in their careers, I would tell them to focus on their growth, keep learning, and don't hesitate to take the next step even if they feel like they are outside their comfort zone.

What’s next for Juliana and her team?

Looking to the future, Juliana’s goals remain centered on her team’s success. "I want to continue improving efficiency and quality while keeping fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels supported in facing new challenges and continuing to learn. My goal is to ensure that we all have the tools to develop and contribute ideas that improve our processes. I hope to inspire others to face challenges head-on and continue growing. With Bolton’s support, we can achieve greater things."