Aesha Scott is surviving and thriving as Captain Sandy Yawn’s Chief Stew in Below Deck Mediterranean season 9. Before she became the leader of the interior department, she was one of Hannah Ferrier’s stews during Below Deck Med seasons 4 and 5. After excelling in both those roles, Aesha joined Below Deck Down Under as Captain Jason Chambers’ first Chief Stew. The New Zealand native was a great stew in Below Deck Med but soared in her leadership position on Below Deck Down Under. Shockingly, Aesha returned to the series after working with Captain Jason for two seasons.
Below Deck Med season 8 was a letdown. The drama between Tumi Mhlongo and Natalya Scudder tainted the season and created tension among the cast. Below Deck Med season 9 is already better than its predecessor, and the network has the crew to thank for that. Newbies such as Bri Muller and Elena Dubaich clashed in a way that didn’t feel as personal as Tumi and Natalya. Additionally, deckhands Gael Cameron and Nathan Gallagher’s looming boatmance has intrigued the audience. While the crew isn’t perfect, they’re quite entertaining, and at their core is Aesha.
Aesha Has A Great Management Style
Aesha Cultivates A Healthy Workspace
Aesha’s management style has served her well in Below Deck Down Under seasons 1 and 2 and Below Deck Med season 9. She came into season 9 of the Mediterranean-based series with two seasons as the Below Deck franchise Chief Stew under her belt. Aesha’s positive, bubbly attitude positioned her as a fan-favorite crew member after her first season as a stew in Below Deck Med season 4.
It was only a matter of time until she was given a leadership opportunity within the franchise, and when she was offered the role, she excelled.
Aesha and Captain Jason’s close bond relied on trust. As the captain, he fully trusted his Chief Stew. When Aesha came to him with concerns, he listened and acted accordingly. She formed a positive relationship with Captain Sandy before Below Deck Med season 9 that carried into the show. Aside from the captains, Aesha has been a reliable leader for her stews. It’s important to trust one’s boss in the workspace, and Aesha creates a positive, healthy environment for those around her through respect and open communication.
Aesha Is Always Uplifting Her Stews
Aesha Doesn’t Use Intimidation Tactics To Scare Her Stews
Aesha uses encouragement to uplift her stews in their moments of weakness. The first charter of each yachting season can be awkward. Most of the crew has not gotten to know one another and their professional working styles, which can lead to mishaps. Unfortunately for the crew, they had all of these problems and more. They were under an added layer of stress when the Mustique did not receive enough provisions. Chef Johnathan “Jono” Shillingford improvised most of his dishes to the guests approval. However, Stew Bri struggled the most.
She found it difficult to manage the laundry duties and took a long time washing, drying, and ironing clothing. Aesha noticed her third stew was struggling and pulled her aside after the first day of the charter season. She checked in with Bri and reassured her that the beginning of the season was hard on everyone and that she’d get better with time. Captain Sandy commended Aesha’s positivity and told her she handled the situation “really good.” The Chief Stew could have intimidated Bri into doing better at her job, but she chose to be kind.
“We will get better each day. You will be amazing today. Thank you for your hard work, I really appreciate it.”
Aesha Treats Everybody With Respect Even When She Has To Assert Her Authority
Aesha Uses Tough Love When It’s Needed
Aesha is one of the best Below Deck Chief Stews because of how she treats those around her. She has an open mind and heart when meeting new crew members, which she proved in Below Deck Med season 9. Aesha is very kind and positive, but she makes sure work gets taken care of. As the leader of the interior team, it’s her responsibility to watch over the stews and ensure they complete their jobs. Aesha noticed Bri and Ellie’s feud tainted the success of the interior team in Below Deck Med season 9 and made changes.
When navigating how they could move forward, she heard both stews out and didn’t take sides. Aesha grew frustrated with Bri and Ellie when their personal matters impeded their work performance. Instead of letting them slide by, she was stern with each of them and asked them to kindly put their differences aside and finish out the charter strongly. Aesha made sure they understood they’d handle the conflict after the charter, and when one of them attempted to talk about the drama mid-workday, she shut it down.
Aesha Stays Positive No Matter What
Aesha Is Sincere & Genuine
It’s no secret that Aesha is an incredibly positive person. Before she became Chief Stew, she was beloved by the Below Deck audience for her endearing personality. Some people join Below Deck in hopes of acquiring money and reality TV fame, but the same can’t be said about Aesha. She’s one of the most genuine people to appear on the Below Deck franchise and reality TV. Aesha doesn’t create a fake persona for the cameras because she’s already incredibly likable. Her positivity goes past being a good leader and says more about her character.
The Guests Always Have Nice Things To Say About Aesha
The Below Deck captains, crew, and guests have nothing but nice things to say about Aesha. As a seasoned Chief Stew, the guests are now likely ecstatic when they learn she’s going to be aboard their charter. Aesha takes time to get to know the charter guests while catering to their needs. Sure, it’s her job, but she goes the extra mile to ensure they’re well taken care of during their charter trips. Aesha undoubtedly excels in the hospitality aspect of her job, and you can tell she’s sincere.
Aesha is the best Chief Stew in the Below Deck franchise. After becoming a fan-favorite in Below Deck Med seasons 4 and 5, she was promoted to a leadership role on Below Deck Down Under. Aesha proved herself furthermore during Below Deck Med season 9, cementing herself as a Below Deck icon.
