Climbing the Hawsepipe and Finding a New Path with Larkin Bohn

By Alisha Proffitt Photos by Matt Johnson and Provided by Larkin Bohn 

Thinking about shaking things up in your life? Larkin Bohn has a story for you. And no, it doesn’t start with a fancy speech or a corporate gig, it kicks off on a cruise ship in Hawaii, with steel-toed boots and a paintbrush in hand.

Larkin grew up in Louisville but left home at 19, chasing whatever adventure came her way. The Army was her first stop, then a chapter in Chicago, and then, on a whim, she took a job on a cruise ship. What was supposed to be a customer service role quickly turned into something different. 

Larkin didn’t want to hang out behind the bar or work the usual spots. She wanted to be where the ship’s work really happened. “I got the job and flew to Hawaii to work aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. Ship life lit a fire in me, but I didn’t want to be behind the bar or in the gift shop. I wanted to be out on deck, working with tools, painting the hull, driving the vessel. I wanted to be with the crew that made the ship move. So, I found a way in. I networked, asked questions, and landed a job as an unlicensed deckhand with an adventure cruise company,” said Larkin. So she rolled up her sleeves and climbed the ranks the hard way, working her way up the “hawsepipe,” the nautical term for moving up from the bottom to licensed officer.

But then something happened. On a research vessel in Hawaii, surrounded by ocean scientists, Larkin picked up a camera just to share what she was seeing with friends and family. Those videos turned out to be way more than just souvenirs. They captured something compelling and real.

Larkin used to see scientists as distant, cold figures working behind lab doors, but that view shifted dramatically when she joined a research vessel. There, she witnessed their passion firsthand. Scientists battling harsh weather, long hours, and technical challenges, all with genuine curiosity and care. Larkin captured and shared that human side of science, using storytelling and humor to show the world that scientists are not just experts, but passionate, creative people connected to their work and the planet.

“Those videos got noticed. A scientist said, ‘This is science outreach you’re a communicator.’ I didn’t even know that was a job,” she recalled.

That moment changed everything. Suddenly, she wasn’t just “the sailor” anymore. She was a storyteller, a communicator, someone who could translate complicated stuff into something anyone could get. And that’s when she realized it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

“That moment changed my path. I started an LLC, built a website, learned how to pitch myself, and became a science videographer, working on research expeditions around the globe. Along the way, I also started telling stories about women in STEM andat sea, creating content that uplifted and empowered women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Eventually, one of those videos led to an invitation to give a TEDx Talk in Seattle. That talk, titled “How to Change Your Life Before It’s Too Late,” went live on YouTube this March and has since reached over 80,000 viewers. It launched me into a new phase of my career: public speaking.”

Larkin learned early on that leadership isn’t about just showing up and being loud. It’s about showing up with intention. At first, her energy made waves, in a good way and sometimes not so much. A tough performance review while working on the ships nudged her to rethink how she carried herself in high-pressure spaces where calm and precision matter most. Instead of charging in full throttle, she learned to lead by paying attention, waiting for the right moment to act. That change didn’t dull her spark. It made her sharper, more grounded.

Timing, she found out, rarely waits for perfect conditions. A story from a former captain about missed chances taught her this. So she learned to say yes, even when the timing wasn’t perfect. Momentum, she says, beats waiting around for the stars to align.

“‘You will never be as young as you are today.’ That quote changed my life. No matter your age—23, 43, or 63—it puts things into perspective. This is the youngest you’ll ever be from here on out. So if there’s something calling to you, something you’ve always wanted to try or become… the time to start moving toward it is now. Not when it’s convenient. Not when you feel totally ready. But now. Because ready might never come—but younger definitely won’t,” she advised.

That mentality was a must in the male-dominated worlds she worked in. Confidence was survival. Building that confidence took time, patience, and stacking small wins. But once it clicked, it was rock solid. Larkin never leaned on bravado. She let her work do the talking. And when the situation called for it, she spoke clearly and kindly to break through misunderstandings and ignorance.

Her path has shown her that presence, persistence, and purpose go further than a loud voice ever could. The strongest move? Owning the space you’ve earned.

Stepping onto the TEDx stage was a big deal for Larkin. Not just because she was telling her story, but because she was letting go of an old self. For years, her identity was tied to the sea and the tough respect she earned there. But as she stepped into science communication, she realized she was holding back. The fear wasn’t of the new, it was of losing the strength she’d fought hard to build. 

Preparing that talk helped her see the truth. That her grit and credibility weren’t about the job title or the sea. They were already inside her. That’s the heart of her message, who you are underneath the job is what really counts.

Since then, Larkin’s video production company Limitless Larkin LLC has taken her from Fiji to the Mariana Trench and back. She’s seen that no matter where you go, people want connection, meaning, and to be seen. The places change, but the human story doesn’t.

“The most surprising and beautiful lesson I’ve learned is just how alike we all are,” said Larkin. “No matter where you go in the world, no matter how different the landscape or language, people want the same things at their core. We all face heartbreak and triumph, love our families, crave purpose, and want to be seen. The common threads of the human condition are far more powerful than the differences. Filming around the world has shown me that again and again.”

Now, she’s using what she’s learned to help others dreaming of big changes. Reinvention isn’t about getting everything perfect from the start. It’s about showing up, getting clear, taking those brave little steps, and leaning on the people around you. So if you’re jumping into a new field or chasing something wild and unconventional, Larkin’s story is a reminder that you’ve already got what it takes. You just need to say yes.

Larkin Bohn’s story is about finding yourself. And at 45, she’s found that the most daring journey might just be the one toward who you really want to be.

So, what’s next for Larkin? 

This fall launches Larkin’s Reinvention Roadshow. It all begins October 9th, as she delivers the opening keynote at the Women Offshore Conference in Houston, and then the journey begins. 

“What started as a personal journey of reinvention is now a nationwide movement—one built on wheels. Rooted in real-life transformation,this bold new tour takes stories off the sidelines and into the streets—meeting girls and women where they are and showing them what’s possible. This fall, a custom-built van—part tiny home, part mobile storytelling studio—will travel from city to city, bringing something that’s never been done before: a rolling, immersive platform that amplifies powerful stories of reinvention and resilience directly to schools, expos, and community events across the U.S.—especially for women and girls rising in STEM, adventure, and unconventional careers.”

“We’re already partnering with a few early supporters and collaborators who are passionate about storytelling and empowerment—but there’s room for a few more voices to join us before we officially hit the road. Whether you’re a brand looking to champion women’s journeys, a donor aligned with women rising in STEM or adventure, or simply someone who believes in the power of transformation—this is a really exciting time to get involved.”

We would like to wish Larkin a very happy birthday this month, and many more adventures to come!

Want to follow Larkin and support her journey? Visit larkinbohn.com