🐋 Humpback Whales & Collaboration

I’ve just spent the past two weeks traveling through Alaska’s Inner Passage waterway. It’s been filled with fresh air, lots of rain, and breathtaking scenery.

Do I need to escape all the way to Alaska for peace and tranquility?

Sure.

I’m working as a Naturalist on board a cruise vessel. My background as a wildlife filmmaker gives me tons of fun facts, anecdotes about animal interaction, and the perfect opportunity to boost up my colleagues.

I’ve talked about whales, bears, filming underwater, how to find a good animal story, and the moms of nature. The audiences—ranging from 150 to nearly 700—have had a great time.

Nature is fun, darnit!

🐬 A Tourist Day in Juneau

One day, I decided to be a tourist and joined a whale watching tour in Juneau. I know this city well. I spent a week here in 2018 when SECRETS OF THE WHALES was just starting.

My goal? Less whales, more outside time.

Onboard were about 30 people of all ages. I instantly bonded with a tween—a budding scientist from Ellicott City—who made my day. We talked whales, sharks, bears, my dog Span, and her love of all things nature. We had a ball. 🐾🌲

📸 Whale Tales and Wake-Up Calls

The boat slowed near a certain spot.

She asked:

“Are there whales?”

I said,

“Well, if other boats are stopped, the odds are pretty good.”

Sure enough, we saw a humpback whale mom and her calf. Over the next half an hour, four more whales surfaced. We tourists quickly mastered, “WHALE—TWO O’CLOCK!”

Although for some reason, I kept blurting out “WHALE AT 10 PM” or “2 AM.” No idea why that stuck in my head. 🤷♀️

🧭 Collaboration on the High Seas

That inlet was the main whale sightseeing zone in Juneau. At least half a dozen other eco-tour boats cruised the seas nearby.

One passenger asked:

“Do the boats communicate with each other?”

I replied:

“Most likely… they want to share the knowledge and succeed—unless someone breaks the rules.”

The passenger was thrilled to hear that.

Imagine collaborating so everyone succeeds.

Why should this be a strange concept?

Nobody has dominion over the whales, nor is this part of the Alaska Gulf. And there’s more than enough business to go around if you do it well.

In the wild, as in work, collaboration supports the whole community.

💼 Business Reflections from the Bow

I apply this same philosophy in business.

For the most part, there is enough business to go around. Helping and supporting others may not benefit you right now, but in the long run, it shapes your professional reputation.

That help you offer? It goes directly into who and what you represent.

• Are you someone who helps others?

• Do you boost a colleague so they can shine?

• Is collaboration and support part of your brand?

It should be.

It’s trust. 💡

🐳 What’s in a Whale Name?

As we cruised back to shore, the guide showed us pictures of the whales we’d seen. They could identify each one by fluke and dorsal fin patterns.

I asked how they named them.

He said when a new whale is spotted, the boat operators gather as many photos as they can, brainstorm a list of names, and then...

They vote.

Together.