In the high-stakes world of yachting, teamwork is essential, but Lara Rigby's behavior in Below Deck Down Under season 3 suggests she may not be cut out for the job. As Chief Steward, she has already made questionable decisions that undermine the crew's unity, from gossiping about colleagues to setting impossibly high standards. Her approach creates tension on board, making it difficult for the team to function effectively in a stressful environment.
Lara's lack of team spirit is evident in how she talks about others behind their backs, tries to appear flawless, and struggles emotionally under stress. Instead of fostering a ive work atmosphere, she isolates herself and criticizes those around her, which could lead to more significant issues down the line. Given these challenges, it's fair to question whether Lara is the right fit for such a demanding leadership role.
Lara Immediately Started Talking Poorly About Chef Tzarina
Lara & Tzarina's Feud Creates A Toxic Work Environment On BDDU
From the beginning of Below Deck Down Under season 3, Lara made it clear that she wasn't interested in forming a strong working relationship with Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph. In her confessional, Lara referred to Tzarina as "weird Barbie," a dismissive remark that set the stage for a tense relationship between the two. Instead of attempting to build a rapport with the chef, Lara's comment immediately painted her as someone quick to judge and unwilling to facilitate a positive team environment.
This kind of behind-the-back commentary not only disrespects Tzarina's position but also signals to the rest of the crew that Lara may not be a ive leader. In the yachting industry, where long hours and high-stress levels make teamwork more than necessary, any sign of division can create unnecessary drama and inefficiency. By making such an unprofessional remark early on, Lara risked alienating a key team member and setting a negative tone for the entire charter season.
Lara's dismissive attitude towards Chef Tzarina did not stop at the confessional. In a heated exchange, Lara accused Tzarina of being disorganized, to which Tzarina retorted by calling Lara inappropriate names, highlighting her frustrations with Lara's management style. This confrontation showcased the escalating tension between the two department heads and underscored Lara's unwillingness to engage in constructive communication.
Such public disputes can have a ripple effect on the rest of the crew, leading to a toxic work environment. Captain Jason Chambers had to intervene to mediate the conflict, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Lara's inability to maintain a professional relationship with Tzarina not only jeopardizes the efficiency of their respective departments but also risks the overall balance and success of the charter season.
Lara Tries To Act Too Perfect
Lara's Leadership Style Is Too Rigid For The BDDU Interior Team
Lara's perfectionist management style is clear in how she runs the interior team, often prioritizing flawless service over team morale. She frequently gives stern directives to her stews, focusing on immaculate cabins, perfectly polished cutlery, and pristine glassware. While high standards are crucial in the yachting industry, Lara's rigid expectations leave little room for human error, making it difficult for her team to work comfortably and efficiently.
Her inflexible approach increases stress and creates tension between her and the other stews. Instead of facilitating an encouraging work environment, Lara's critical nature could make her crew feel micromanaged and undervalued. A strong leader should balance discipline with , just as Captain Jason runs the boat, but Lara's relentless pursuit of perfection may be pushing her team to their breaking point rather than motivating them to excel.
This management style has already led to notable conflicts within the crew. In the season's trailer, Lara is heard giving stern demands to her stews, Brianna Duffield and Marina Marcondes de Barros, stressing the need for perfection in their tasks. Such interactions suggest that her uncompromising standards could lead to further conflict and inefficiency among the interior team.
Lara Might Crack Under The Pressure
Lara's Struggles With Stress Threaten Her Leadership Ability On BDDU
The pressures of working on a superyacht are persistent and uncompromising, requiring mental toughness and adaptability to keep operations running smoothly. Lara has already shown signs she may be struggling to handle the stress, as she was caught crying alone in her cabin. While everyone has difficult moments, a Chief Stew must set the tone for the team, and her visible distress could sabotage the crew's confidence and trust in her leadership.

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Beyond her private breakdowns, Lara's stress has also manifested in her interactions with the crew, where she appears tense and rigid rather than composed and solution-oriented. Instead of addressing conflicts head-on, she internalizes her frustrations, which could lead to emotional outbursts or disengagement from her duties. If she continues to buckle under pressure, it may affect not only her performance but also the overall effectiveness of the team, potentially jeopardizing guest satisfaction.
So far, Lara's actions and demeanor in Below Deck Down Under season 3 suggest she does not align with the collaborative spirit required in yachting. Her disparaging remarks about colleagues, rigid pursuit of perfection, and emotional fragility indicate that she may not be the team player the crew needs. For the sake of crew camaraderie and operational efficiency, it might be prudent for Captain Jason to consider her position with the team.
Below Deck Down Under airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on Bravo.
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