We chat with Ainslie Hunt, Executive Recruiter, TMS Asia Pacific on smashing the glass ceiling, working with a mentor and getting out of your comfort zone, in conjunction with the inaugural Women in Travel Awards in November.
The travel industry is full of energetic, outgoing and confident talent. A huge advantage for women is the fact that the travel industry has embraced the flexibility that females are looking for long term.
When I first started in recruitment in 2004 there certainly was a big glass ceiling, but in the past five years or so we have really seen some amazing women smashing through this. I do think that this will continue to develop with more women stepping up the ladder.
If you stick to your comfort zone, then you won’t grow as a person and your business will also not grow. During my time at TMS, I have held over seven different roles as I climbed the ladder and I learnt every step of the way. Was I ready for all of them at the time? Maybe not but I sure embraced it and you realise that you either sink or swim. I decided to swim.
In business, I love working with a mentor. It doesn’t matter how high you are on the ladder, if you can work with or alongside someone who inspires you and drives you, then you are very lucky.
As technology improves and we are contactable 24 hours a day, it becomes harder to switch off and put the devices down. There are always times when you are chasing your tail and life becomes too crazy, but you focus on keeping that balance in check and ensuring you book that annual holiday.
I believe there is such a huge opportunity within the travel industry and I do think it is important to be yourself. Stand by your values and cherish all of your relationships. Be confident and strive for the top.
Travel Weekly is proud to present the inaugural Women in Travel Awards in Sydney on 17 November.
Winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on 17 November in Sydney. Earlybird tickets are on sale.
Any questions, contact Daisy Melwani on 0401216294 or drop her a line here.
Read other Women in Travel interviews in this series:
Simla Sooboodoo, Hands On Journeys
Eliza Woodward, SmartFlyer Australia
Jennifer Vandekreeke, Carnival Cruise Line
