Leading The WAY

THE days of the travel industry being dominated by a ‘boy’s club’ are long gone. Women are on the rise right across the sector, from travel agents to suppliers and everywhere in between. Nathalie Craig spoke to five industry leaders about their journey to

BREAKING out of your comfort zone and being clear about your aspirations are two key pieces of advice CEO of the Qantas Loyalty Business, Lesley Grant gives young women. “Early on in my career the industry was very male dominated and in my early career I thought if I worked hard, kept my head down and delivered results someone would notice me,” she recalls. “Then I realised the important thing is to let other people know what it is you want to do in your career”.

Early on in my career the industry was very male dominated and in my early career I thought if I worked hard, kept my head down and delivered results me’ someone would notice

Grant champions approaching mentors both within your company and externally. She herself is a mentor and says she is “dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders” – especially female leaders in her company. “I’ve always made sure I’m active in mentoring and providing sponsorship,” she smiles. Grant’s enthusiasm for Qantas, and for the aviation industry is infectious, so it’s surprising to learn she started out in workforce as a business manager for a financial services company. “A relative in the airline industry actually convinced me a career there would be good for me,” she explains. Her initial foray into aviation was as a senior flight attendant for Air New Zealand. “My first five years in the industry provided such an amazing foundation for me because I was right out at the front line in a customer delivery role, leading teams and getting a good grounding in the operation of an airline,” she recalls. She flew for five years and then someone else convinced her to step into management. She was appointed senior vice president, customer service, at Ansett-air New Zealand Group and hasn’t looked back since. To Grant, the industry is addictive: “It’s dynamic, it’s competitive, it’s ever changing, it’s incredibly demanding, it’s complex and it just presents so many challenges,” she enthuses. She joined Qantas in 2002 as Group Executive, Customer and Marketing, moving into her present role in 2012. She says she finds her current position as CEO of the Qantas Loyalty Business where she drives the evolution and growth of Qantas Loyalty extremely fulfilling. “The role I’m in today for me just brings together all the things I’m passionate about and that excite me,” she says. A highlight within her time at Qantas has been seeing Alan Joyce appointed as CEO in 2008. She believes he is providing the right kind of climate for his staff to excel. “I love the fact that he champions diversity in all its forms. He’s very focused on gender diversity,” she says. Supporting women in the workplace is a matter Grant is passionate about. While her stepson is now an adult himself, she knows the competing pressures mums can feel. “I have always ensured I’ve been able to provide arrangements for them when they’re bringing up young families,” she said. “It’s always important to strike that work life balance and here at Qantas we’re focused on providing flexibility for everyone”.

First job

Business manager in a financial services company in New Zealand

Years of travel experience

38 years

Any key mentors?

Throughout my career there are any number of people who have been willing to help and support me to achieve my career goals.

Career highlight

My current role

Most memorable travel experience?

Ice driving in Lapland. Learning to rally drive on the ice was one of the most exhilarating experiences.