Rising Above The Waves: Beth Kinley’s Story Of Resilience

What does courage really look like?

Sometimes it looks like swapping a predictable career path for wild seas. Sometimes it looks like standing your ground in an industry where not everyone expects you to belong. And sometimes it looks like chasing a dream not just for yourself, but for the little eyes watching you from the shore.

This week’s PowerWomen story is all about resilience, reinvention and rising above. Beth Kinley’s journey from hospital theatres to the deck of a fishing boat is a reminder that it’s never too late to change direction, that passion can outweigh fear, and that women absolutely belong wherever they choose to be.

Here’s Beth’s story, in her own words.

“I Always Knew I Wanted More”

I didn’t start out at sea.

I started in the processing unit, but even then I had this vision in the back of my mind. One day, I wanted to run my own factory. I knew if I was ever going to do that properly, I needed to understand the whole food chain. I wanted to know how everything worked, from sea to plate.

When I was given the opportunity to go potting for crab and lobster, I grabbed it. The first time I headed out, I fell in love almost instantly. There’s something about being out there, the rhythm of the water, the focus it demands from you. It’s grounding and exhilarating all at once.

Then I got the chance to go trawling for King Scallops. I remember thinking, this is it. This is where I’m meant to be. Since then I’ve fished for queenies too, but King Scallops will always have my heart. There’s just something about them.

There isn’t really a “normal” day in fishing. Every day is different, and that’s exactly why I love it. The sea teaches you constantly. You’re learning, adapting, reading the weather, making decisions. It keeps you sharp.

When I’m not at sea, I run the day-to-day admin for the business I own with my other half. We also have two young boys, so life is full on in the best way. And when the wind blows and I can’t fish, I work in housekeeping for Island Escapes. They’re an incredible company to work for and have always been so supportive of my fishing career. The whole team is brilliant.

Sustainability is something I feel deeply passionate about. We have to look after this industry if we want it to be there for generations to come. Our eldest son is already fishing mad and I’ve no doubt our youngest will follow. I want there to be a future for them if they choose it.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing.

I’ve faced gender discrimination. Thankfully it’s been a small minority, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t knock my confidence for a while. It’s hard when you feel like you have to prove yourself twice as much.

What carried me through was the people around me. I’m incredibly lucky to have an amazing support network who pushed me to go back when I wobbled. And I want my boys to see that. I want them to grow up knowing that if Mum can do what she loves, they can achieve anything too.

I feel proud of myself every day I’m at sea. No one pushes me harder than I push myself. Each trip, I learn more. Each trip, I get stronger. I’m currently working towards completing my skipper qualifications, and that means everything to me. It’s about proving to myself, and to my boys, that anything is possible if you’re willing to work for it.

What some people might not know is that my career began somewhere completely different. I worked in A&E and went on to study BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice at the University of Leicester. My life could have looked very different.

But it’s never too late to change direction.

This path is tough at times, but I love it.

My advice to any woman figuring things out? Follow your dreams and believe in yourself. No matter what you choose to do, someone will always have a negative comment. Rise above it. Prove to them you can.

I wouldn’t be where I am without the support and opportunities I’ve been given. A special thank you to Cam Watterson, Luke Corkill, Jen Kneale, Haribo and Gordy for the experience, knowledge and encouragement they’ve shared with me. One day, I hope to pass everything I’ve learned on to the next generation of fishermen.

Beth’s story is about backing yourself when the path changes. It’s about resilience when confidence wobbles. It’s about showing the next generation what’s possible.

Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, building something from scratch, or quietly working towards your own version of skipper status, let this be your reminder: you’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to change direction. You’re allowed to chase the thing that lights you up.

Beth, we see you. And we’re cheering you on.