Women In Travel: Why we still need female-only networking with Flight Centre’s Katrina Ryan
As global Flight Centre brand CFO at Flight Centre Travel Group, Katrina Ryan understands the financial position of the travel industry better than most.
Ahead of this year’s Women in Travel awards, she chats to Travel Weekly about her biggest career lessons to date, as well as why female-only networking events are still beneficial. Read the interview here:
How can we get more women into finance/why is it a good career?
My career in finance has been extremely rewarding both personally and professionally. Few professions offer such a diverse range of career options and growth opportunities. I was fortunate to establish my career before starting a family, then leverage my experience to take on roles that promoted a more flexible work-life balance while expanding my knowledge and building expertise across the business. Once my children were older, I was able to step back into more challenging roles that utilise all of my experiences.
You’ve worked at Flight Centre for 23 years, what are the benefits to staying with the same company?
The benefit for me is that, due to the large and diverse range of business models within Flight Centre, I have been able to have five careers with a company whose culture and philosophies I align with, and within teams that share those with me.
Where is the best place you’ve travelled for work?
It would have to be my most recent trip to South Africia with our executive leadership team.
What is your biggest career lesson to date?
I have two that resonate strongly, the importance of having the right team around you and owning your own lane.
Is there still a need for female-only events and groups?
Having both a male and female perspective is important for a balanced approach but speaking from my own experience, female-only networking groups can be beneficial as females often approach opportunities from a similar mindset or face similar challenges that can differ from those of males.
This interview is part of our Women in Travel series ahead of the 2024 Women in Travel Awards. The awards celebrate women who have achieved astronomic success in their professional arenas, celebrating their invaluable contribution to the industry through leadership, innovation and courage.
This year the theme is ‘Follow her lead’ and we’ll be championing the power of community and women in the industry working together to create the best experiences possible for Australian travellers.
Women from all levels of business are encouraged to enter the awards program, which features 20 categories covering every corner of the industry. That includes three new categories, Rail, Tech and Woman of Year.
What are you waiting for, ENTER NOW!
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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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