Prior to joining High Liner Foods, she spent seven years working in procurement at Fishery Products International and Stavis Seafoods. Her background includes procurement of aquaculture and wild-caught seafood commodities, field work in conservation and international development through New England Aquarium (NEAQ) and the United States Peace Corps, and industry participation through the NFI Future Leaders Program.
Gurshin holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Master's degree from the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences at Auburn University.
IntraFish: How did you begin working in the seafood industry?
Denise Gurshin: An internship at the New England Aquarium in Boston led to a United States Peace Corps assignment as an aquaculture extension agent in Cameroon. The experiences at the NEAQ, as well as in Africa, led me to complete a Master of Science degree at Auburn University’s School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences. That launched my career in the seafood industry. Years later, I’m happy to be applying those skills at an industry-leader such as High Liner Foods.
IF: What attracted you about the seafood industry?
DG: The seafood industry is challenging, innovative, and international – and the product is a critical component for meeting the world’s protein needs in the future. Likewise, the seafood industry is constantly changing. That change creates opportunity as well as excitement. With so many active market drivers – from weather and environmental conditions to currency exchange or trade restrictions -- along with many others -- there is never a dull moment.
IF: What obstacles have you faced in your career a man might not have encountered?
DG: Choosing to work in the seafood industry requires sacrifice, especially if you are a parent. When a man travels for his job, it may be viewed favorably that he is supporting his family. Too often, the comment to mothers who travel for business is: “I could never leave my child.”
My daughter understood time zones by the age of five and I’m able to stay connected to my family via Skype or other technology. Few people enjoy time away from their family. It’s the perception of a mother who travels for business that needs to change across many industries.
IF: Would you encourage other women to seek a career in this industry? Why?
DG: Yes -- it is a dynamic business that opened the world to me. I believe it can do the same for many other women.
IF: What advice would you give aspiring female seafood executives?
DG: Surround yourself with quality people. Networking with a lot of people in the industry is important, but keeping good quality people around you is critical to success.
IF: What are the biggest challenges facing female seafood executives in the industry?
DG: I believe maintaining a work/life balance is one of the hardest challenges for any executive, male or female. If you are hitting your business goals, no one is going to tell you to work less. That work/life balance is very personal & may change weekly, monthly, or annually.
I am lucky that I work with a group of very talented females. They are smart, creative, efficient, hardworking, and kind. We may not see one another socially, but it is understood that time is one of our most precious resources. We may only have a minute in passing to say hello, but we all understand that we have a lot to condense into every given day.
IF: How can the industry recruit more women into the sector?
DG: My suggestion is to be strategic. Through a few lecturing engagements at the university level, I’ve learned that supply chain management programs are a fantastic place to find bright, motivated, international talent.
Also, be creative. For example, I approached a fish cutter’s daughter who was taking college courses. She was eager to see another side of the business and her translating ability was an asset to the group.
Women who will excel in the seafood industry are out there. Some have yet to join the industry while others are already on-board and contributing. The effort to recruit and retain them must be a priority.
IF: Why are there so few women in executive roles in seafood?
DG: The seafood industry may not have the same lifestyle benefits as other occupations. An executive has to travel to suppliers and customers to understand the challenges of the business. The schedule is demanding and it takes a unique skill set to navigate.
IF: If there were one thing you could change about the industry to make it a better place for women workers, what would it be?
DG: I can't say that this is specific to women: All employers need to identify their employees’ strengths, challenge them, allow them to work to their potential, and acknowledge a job well done. When people are valued, they give you their best.
IF: What was the dumbest advice a man in the seafood industry has ever given you?
I am lucky that I have had the opportunity to work with some great men in the industry. I will always listen to the advice and perspective of others, whether it comes from a man or a woman. The most valuable, relevant advice is applied as quickly as possible. The rest is considered at a later date.
