Below Deck Med star Kayley Smith is a force to be reckoned with, and her journey on the show is nothing short of fascinating. In this exclusive interview, Smith opens up about her experiences, from her dynamic with Chief Stew Aesha Scott to her complicated relationship with Genevieve "Gen" Lillie. Smith's unwavering professionalism and ability to handle difficult situations with grace have made her a fan favorite, and her insights into the yachting industry offer a unique perspective on leadership and teamwork.
Aesha Scott: A Mentor and Friend
One of the most notable aspects of Smith's time on the show is her instant connection with Chief Stew Aesha Scott. Smith describes Scott as a mentor and a friend, someone who believed in her abilities and pushed her to reach her full potential. Smith's admiration for Scott's leadership style is evident, as she highlights Scott's ability to lead with grace and provide constructive feedback in a way that always uplifts the recipient.
"Aesha had so much belief in me that I believed in myself," Smith says. "She is the most amazing chief stew I have ever worked with. There was no way I was gonna let anybody get in the way of me proving Aesha right. I did my absolute best to live up to her expectations."
Genevieve Lillie: A Complex Relationship
The relationship between Smith and Genevieve Lillie is a complex one. Lillie, a member of the interior team, was jealous of Smith's success and badmouthed her behind her back. However, Smith's response to this situation is commendable. She never stooped to Lillie's level, choosing instead to focus on her work and maintain her professionalism.
"I am proud that I was never mean back," Smith says. "I just put my head down and got my job done. However, I do wish that I had said something earlier and been clearer with the boundaries. In the end, Kat ended up having to take on a lot of that negativity, and that wasn’t fair to her. It did actually impact the interior, which in turn affected the guests, the charter, and the team."
Male Ego and Joe Bradley
Smith also discusses her relationship with Lead Deckhand Joe Bradley, who was warned by Scott about his behavior. Smith's trust in her own judgment allowed her to see red flags and step back when necessary. She also handled Bradley's attempt to "test" her by talking to other women with maturity and forgiveness, demonstrating her ability to navigate challenging situations with grace.
"It’s just male ego at its finest," Smith says, laughing. "That wasn’t his best moment. He apologized pretty soon after it happened, and I forgave him. We moved on fairly quickly, but it was a bit of icky behavior."
Hannah Ferrier: A Special Guest Appearance
Smith teases the upcoming appearance of Below Deck Med alum Hannah Ferrier on the show. Ferrier's friendship with Scott and her connection to Smith's family make her a special guest. Smith's excitement about Ferrier's appearance highlights the show's ability to bring together diverse personalities and create meaningful connections.
"Hannah is so much fun! Aesha had no idea she was coming, so it was nice to see her reaction. Their friendship is so special. For Hannah to fly out all the way from Australia—I know how hard that flight is—was crazy. I’m really excited for you guys to see what’s coming," Smith says.
In conclusion, Kayley Smith's journey on Below Deck Med is a testament to her professionalism, leadership skills, and ability to navigate complex relationships. Her insights into the yachting industry and her personal experiences offer a unique perspective on teamwork and mentorship, making her a standout star on the show.
