My Journey with Maersk: A Story of Resilience, Inspiration and Support

Hello, my name is Steffen Steensbaek and I've been part of the Maersk family for 33 years. I am currently a Senior Customer Solutions Manager for the Global Customer Solutions team and a co-chair of the Diverse Abilities Employee Resource Network (ERN) at Maersk. My journey here has been unexpected in many ways but what has kept me going is a deep passion for my work, a love for the people I've met, and a fierce determination to make a positive impact on the world.

My Career Evolution

My entry into Maersk was far from conventional. I joined the company almost by accident, I had aspirations of becoming a journalist or work at sea, but in the end applied for Maersk along with two of my classmates at the time. I also had dreams of being a rockstar when I was younger but found that I did not have the skills on guitar or singing so instead I started my career as an accountant at Maersk.

Over the years, my career at Maersk took various twists and turns. After twelve years as an accountant, I transitioned into sales and teaching accounting, logistics, and customer service. My journey at Maersk has been a constant evolution, and it's a journey I wouldn't trade for anything.

A Battle Against Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

In 1993, my life changed when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I had initially become the youngest general manager in Maersk's history, but the progression of MS began to take its toll. However, through every challenge, Maersk stood by me. My bosses, colleagues, and the entire organization have shown incredible support. As my physical condition continued to deteriorate, my role was adjusted to suit my abilities. My leaders played a pivotal role in providing the necessary support and understanding, exemplifying Maersk's unwavering commitment to their employees.

Co-chair of the Diverse Abilities Employee Resource Network ERN

One of the most significant roles I've taken on at Maersk is as co-chair of the diverse abilities Employee Resource Network (ERN). My mission is clear: to improve the quality of life for everyone facing challenges, especially those with diverse abilities. I passionately believe that every individual possesses unique talents, and I am focused on unlocking these talents, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Maersk's Initiatives

I take immense pride in Maersk's initiatives, especially their commitment to diverse abilities and making the workplace accessible for all. For example, I have been travelling to Maersk offices around Europe to evaluate the accessibility of the workplace environment as part of my role on the Diverse Abilities ERN. I can only travel by car and have to be accompanied by a driver and nurse, which has been supported and funded by Maersk.

Maersk are also committed to environmental sustainability, and innovative solutions like electric trucks, methanol ships, and at a certain point in the future CO2 tax on shipping. Maersk is at the forefront of positive change in the industry, and I'm proud to be a part of this transformative journey.

Family Support

Beyond my professional life, I am a family man; I'm married with children. My wife, who has her own incredible career, and my three children, who each have embarked on their own unique journeys, have always been my unwavering support throughout my journey. The combined support of my family and Maersk have both been invaluable to me.

The Future and my Legacy

Despite my personal challenges, I remain optimistic. I continue to contribute by writing articles and sharing my knowledge about my experience.

My 33 years with Maersk have been a journey of resilience, inspiration, and the unwavering support of a company that values their employees. I hope my story serves as a beacon of inspiration for all. I've embraced opportunities, no matter how they came my way, and I'm committed to making a positive impact, even in the face of adversity. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the strength of the human spirit.