On International Women's Day, we honour and celebrate the many women who have shaped our journey.
Women are such important pillars of our company and TTC and we are proud that over 56% of our team are female and over 50% of our leadership roles are held by females today.
We have some exceptional female leaders in the Busabout team - keep reading to learn more about them and how they got to where they are today!
Sam Hollinshead - Head of Marketing
Can you tell us a bit about what you do and your pathway to getting here?
I am the Head of Marketing for Busabout, so I look after the brand strategy and marketing activity, globally, with the help of some of the most passionate and smartest people in the game!
How did I get here? I started as a designer for another Travel Corporation (TTC) brand, Trafalgar, in South Africa. Busabout was introduced to the South African market about 7 years ago, and I just fell in love. I knew I wanted to work within that brand specifically, at some point. So, for the next 2 years I did everything I could to gain as much experience as possible working on multiple TTC brands in the Johannesburg office. In 2015, I moved to Edinburgh to start my new role in the Busabout marketing team. I moved to London (where our head office is now based), shortly thereafter, and worked my way up to where I am now – my dream job!
Did you always want to work in marketing and travel?
Not necessarily. I’ve always known I wanted to work in a creative field. I guess I just wanted to find a job that I was passionate about and constantly challenged me, so I could learn and never get bored (which happens quite quickly). That’s always been my career goal though – doing something I loved.
Why is it important for us to celebrate International Women’s Day?
I think it’s important to take time to acknowledge the accomplishments that have been made for female empowerment thus far, and to recognise that in some instances we still have a way to go. I love hearing about and celebrating the successes of woman past and present – it’s super inspiring.
Is there a particular female figure who inspires you, and why?
This is such a tough question. My first thought is my mom, because I’m definitely biased. Haha. She’s just the absolute best for 5 million reasons. #shoutout
But the real answer, is most of the women I work with or interact with on a daily basis. That’s the truth. They all possess strength, intelligence and integrity – among other amazing qualities. I learn from them all every single day.
What career advice would you give to young females?
This isn’t just for the ladies, I think it applies to anyone and everyone. Find something you’re absolutely passionate about and give it your all. It makes work and the challenges that come along with it (because there will be challenges) a lot easier to handle. Also, leap at every opportunity given to you. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back.
Courtney Dailey - National Sales Manager (Australia)
Can you tell us a bit about what you do and your pathway to getting here?
I have been in my current position of National Sales Manager for just over 1.5 years and was a Sales Manager for 2 years prior to this. I was previously a Contiki tour guide in Asia for 1 year and Greece for 4 years. During the off season in Greece, Busabout was my chosen travel style. I became very familiar with the product, style and offerings. This was of course particularly useful during my role as a Busabout Sales Manager!
Did you always want to work in sales and travel?
Simple answer, yes. That “what will you be when you grow up question” in the school yearbook would state as such. I was fortunate enough to fall in love with travelling from a young age - with parents originally from the UK, we travelled back there often. A second passport was also a nudge toward this fantastic industry!
Why is it important for us to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It is important to celebrate International Women’s Day for three key reasons. One, to simply celebrate women. Finding connections with females across the globe and celebrating everything it means to be a woman. More importantly, to reflect on how far women have come when looking at equality and women’s rights - to truly acknowledge the struggles that women before us have faced. Lastly, to keep women at the forefront. That there are still many women today who are being silenced, disregarded, or who are not being given equal opportunities within their communities.
Is there a particular female figure who inspires you, and why?
Yes, my sister. Why? Because as a homosexual female, she is not only faced with gender equality, but also faces discrimination based on sexual orientation. She inspires me because despite the inequality she faces regularly, she is audacious and courageous in business. She’s a beyond superb mother who she is incredibly loving to her immediate family and her outer circle. She is a leader, she is strong, but equally warm and thoughtful to those around her and to those she meets, despite the social pressures she faces. There’s no holding her back from life or business, or social dealings, and that in itself is inspiring.
What career advice would you give to young females?
- Be open to new opportunities. Opportunities present growth, they present uncomfortable situations which in turn present satisfying accomplishments. At the very least, if you don’t succeed, you will learn.
- Failures happen, whether your fault or not - resilience is key.
- Find a mentor, even multiple mentors - someone in the position you foresee yourself going into one day. Ask for their advice, how did they get there, how can you put yourself in good stead to be considered if that role comes up.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Don’t be afraid to advocate yourself. Be confident in what you are offering to a business or organisation.
Jess Clarke - Head of Sales and Marketing (UK & Europe)
Can you tell us a bit about what you do and your pathway to getting here?
I am the Busabout Head of Sales and Marketing for UK & Europe and I am responsible for growing sales and business within the UK & Europe markets. I come from a television production and radio marketing background, so moving across into the travel industry was very much out of my comfort zone, but so worth it. I started as the Busabout Brand Manager in the Travel Corporation office based in Johannesburg in August 2016. When I started, Busabout was a relatively unknown brand yet a perfect fit for South Africans. It was a truly amazing feeling walking into work knowing that I had the opportunity to make peoples dreams come true. In March 2019, I moved to London where I now head up sales and marketing for the UK & Europe.
Did you always want to work in marketing/sales and travel?
I’ve always enjoyed working with people and getting to know more about them. It made perfect sense that one day I would combine my infatuation with travel and love for working with people and dynamic brands.
Why is it important for us to celebrate International Women’s Day?
I think celebrating International Women's Day is a great opportunity for us to acknowledge the incredible impact women have had and will continue to have in society. The more we support each other, the stronger we all become.
Is there a particular female figure who inspires you, and why?
There are so many incredible women that have done extraordinary things. But Mother Teresa was someone who inspired me the most. Out of all the things someone could be, she chose to be kind and for me, that's really admirable.
What career advice would you give to young females?
Waking up to a new day is one of lifes greatest gifts. Make the most of it. Set goals, know what you want and what you deserve, believe in yourself, be kind and be thankful.
