When Stefana Sopco landed in the Netherlands with just €80, not speaking Dutch, and no inkling she’d soon be shaping the future of global shipping, a single well-timed handshake—and a glass of Prosecco—launched her career. In this conversation she reveals how she became the marketing force behind PortXchange’s decarbonization push, a two-time Forty Under 40 honoree, and a vocal advocate for women in tech, sustainability, and mental-health transparency.
Jillian sits down with marketing leader Stefana Sopco to trace her improbable rise from jobless newcomer to a top voice in maritime decarbonization and diversity advocacy.
Stefana shares the pivotal networking moment that landed her first Dutch role, the tactics she uses to stay “un-layoffable” in an AI-filtered job market, and why sustainability, inclusion, and mental health all belong in the same conversation.
She breaks down decarbonization in plain language, reflects on resistance she’s faced around so-called “woke” topics, and offers practical guidance for anyone swimming against the tide.
Whether you’re determined to drive meaningful climate impact or carve out a career aligned with your values, Stefana’s story proves that one brave question—and one handshake (or prosecco) —can change everything.
If you’d like to learn more about joining our Community, check out OneHandshake.co
Here is the LinkedIn post about plastic that Jillian referenced.
To connect with Stefana,
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefana-sopco-marketing-manager/