Copy Sue Biggs and the gender issue will disappear
July 3, 2007
A post from regular industry blogger Brian Hordon...
A postcript on "why are women not at the top with more travel companies?" (see my post of 29th January 2007). The departure of Sue Biggs from Kuoni will be discussed by the travel trade for some time, but my focus is on the achievements of this amazing lady.
She really does represent the perfect role model for aspiring female travel industry leaders.
I won't go into how long I have known Sue, suffice to say it was long before Kuoni days.
The subsequent years have seen this lady power her way up the commercial ladder (supposingly littered with male obstacles) displaying all the abilities needed to hold a very senior position.
She has creativity, determination, and the ability to recognise potential, whether in people, destinations, products or investments. In my opinion what stands out above all else is her "streetwise" character, which many people in travel have, but do not demonstrate.
Female or male, just copy Sue. If you deliver you will climb the ladder, and the gender issue will disappear - believe me! This wonderful industry of ours is full of remarkable talent and it is going to be needed in volume during the coming years.
Brian Hordon, director of training development, Silversea Cruises (UK)Ltd
Nathan Midgley
Martin Couzins
