#WomensMonth: Making a mark on SA's travel industry

Vanya Lessing

How did you get started in the travel industry?

I didn’t start my career in the travel industry, but worked as a management consultant, helping struggling companies restructure their operations. In 1991, a travel company I helped get back on its feet asked me to stay on as a senior manager. I jumped at the opportunity because during the months I spent restructuring the company, I had come to know and love the travel industry and its people.

What was your most memorable experience during your travel industry career?

Working for Parliament during the time of Nelson Mandela’s Presidency. I managed the travel logistics for his inauguration and met some fascinating and interesting people.

You have made an impressive mark on the travel industry in South Africa over the past few years. What do you feel is the most important project you have undertaken?

I was CEO of ASATA in the early 2000s, which was a pivotal time for the travel industry. The business model of the travel industry changed considerably during that time as airlines moved from standard commission to zero commission. My role was to bring the industry together to negotiate the way forward with the airlines. This role was one of diplomatically moving everyone in the right direction.

Still today, in my current role as President of ASATA, together with my board, it’s important to lead the industry towards key goals that are set by ASATA for the benefit of the travel industry.

ASATA has been such an important part of your life. Will you miss this leadership role?

No, we need new talent in the industry. I’ll always be willing to be involved in ASATA projects, but now it’s time for other people to bring a new approach to ASATA, and to important industry matters.

Do you have any advice for young women wanting to make it to the top?

Choose a company that recognises talent and provides growth opportunities. I was very fortunate in my career to work for people who did that for me.

If you want to be recognised, you must be willing to step up and do more than is asked of you. Get involved in industry matters and continue to develop your business skills and knowledge. There is a lot of talent out there and if you want to be recognised, you need to be confident and know how to pitch yourself to be successful.

Do you feel it’s harder for women to make it in the travel industry?

For all the troubles we may have in South Africa, there are very positive aspects. We are very fortunate that gender equality is legislated, making it possible for women to achieve and contribute to business and society at the highest level, in both the public and private sectors.

I’ve never seen being a woman as inferior. I’ve never felt inferior. I’ve never considered myself to be inferior. If you have that kind of attitude and you are confident, there should be no boundaries.

What inspires you daily to achieve great things?

I live in a beautiful city. I wake up every morning and I’m inspired by nature all around me. As human beings, we have only a limited number of years on this planet, but the ocean will continue to break on the shores for centuries to come. Realising this, I feel very fortunate to have life and I try to enjoy not only the big moments but also the small, simple things in life.

You are a role model to many people. Who is your role model?

The ladies in my family are all strong women and together we have overcome many challenges in life. My late grandmother was a great female role model for me.

However, there are so many people all around me who inspire me. My role model could be just one person on any given day who tells me something powerful or inspiring. Recently, I walked down the road to work and one of the street ladies told me: you look lovely today. She had nothing but gave me that little gift and inspiration for the day.

So, who is my role model? I could give you any number of clichés, but the truth is it could be any ordinary person on any given day saying something that triggers thought and meaning.

Being in the travel industry, you have travelled quite a lot. What is your favourite travel destination?

I have travelled to so many places, it’s difficult to choose a favourite. Most recently, I travelled to Reunion Island. It is a fascinating destination, which I would recommend to anyone.

I’m also planning a trip to see the Northern Lights and to see Huskies in their natural environment. I have a menagerie of animals including a rescued Husky. These dogs are at risk because people choose them for their beauty, without understanding the specific needs and care this breed requires.

What is the one thing you would never travel without?

Travel insurance and make sure it’s comprehensive and not limited.

What does the future hold for you?

My future is in leadership. I would like to take the things I’ve learned not only in my career but in life to mentor and coach young people to live the best life they could live.

The secret to success and happiness is to think about your mantra for the day when you wake up in the morning. This can totally change the way you think and move forward. For me, a powerful mantra is: if there is something in your life that must change, take that first step today.