Kayley Smith, a stew on the latest season of Below Deck Mediterranean, expressed pride in her approach to managing conflict with co-star Genevieve Lillie. Smith stated that despite Lillie's negative comments, she maintained a professional demeanor.
"I am proud that I was never mean back," Smith said in an interview. "I just put my head down and got my job done."
Smith joined the yachting industry after her sisters encouraged her to pursue it. She found Captain Sandy Yawn's leadership style inspiring, noting Yawn's hands-on approach. "She led with grace," Smith recalled. "She was always there. She was very hands-on, and that was very new and inspiring to me."
Her connection with Chief Stew Aesha Scott was immediate, with Scott eventually promoting Smith to second stew. Smith acknowledged she wasn't initially fully prepared for the role but felt empowered by Scott's belief in her. "Aesha had so much belief in me that I believed in myself," Smith stated.
Regarding her relationship with Lillie, Smith admitted that while she regrets not setting clearer boundaries earlier, she stands by her decision not to engage in negative behavior. "I am proud that I was never mean back, but that’s not really my nature," she said. Smith noted that Lillie continued to speak negatively about her even after the season aired.
Smith also addressed her interactions with Lead Deckhand Joe Bradley. Despite an initial warning from Scott, Smith formed a connection with Bradley. She mentioned that Bradley's behavior of "testing" her during a night out was "male ego at its finest," but accepted his apology. "We moved on fairly quickly, but it was a bit of icky behavior," she admitted.
Looking ahead, Smith teased the upcoming appearance of Below Deck Med alum Hannah Ferrier on the show, noting that her arrival was a surprise to the crew and highlighting the special friendship between Ferrier and Scott.