‘Below Deck’ Captain Kerry says watching himself on TV made him a better boss
He says watching the footage exposed him to blind spots in his leadership, from his telltale facial expressions to how he handles conflict.
Captain Kerry Titheradge, the 50-year-old captain from the reality show Below Deck, claims that watching his own performance on TV helped him become a better leader. The show's cameras followed Titheradge and his mostly Gen Z crew, capturing every mistake, conflict, and high-pressure moment aboard luxury yacht charters. By reviewing these interactions, Titheradge said he gained valuable insights into his leadership style, particularly when managing younger workers.
Titheradge learned that his facial expressions often undermined his words, so he now takes a moment to compose himself before giving critical feedback. He also changed his approach to employee feedback, spacing out criticisms and praising performance in the moment. Titheradge emphasized that today's leaders must adapt to the workforce they have, recognizing that what seems obvious to one generation may not be to another.
He shared an example of how he realized his 17-year-old son wasn't equipped to start a boat because he grew up with keypad locks and keyless cars. Titheradge also noted that sometimes an employee's mistakes can be attributed to personal challenges, and he must consider whether the environment is right for them.
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