Do you know anyone who is not only a strong performer at work, but is also so passionate about the industry they work in that they would join an industry association to network and give back?
If not, we have one Klooker who might just inspire you. Enter Ashleigh McEwen, Senior Business Development Manager based in Sydney. If you’ve been a follower of our Klook Careers blog, you might have come across or read about an (un)typical day in her life at Klook.
Ashleigh McEwen
Senior Manager, Business Development
In 2022, she was nominated for the 2022 Len Taylor Young ATEC Award for Leadership, which recognizes exemplary leadership demonstrated by a Young Australian Tourism Export Council member.
The Young ATEC helps to enhance the Australian Tourism export industry by facilitating the education and development of the industry’s future leaders, of which Ashleigh is Chair in the New South Wales committee.
Prior to joining Klook about three years ago, she was working with Online Travel Agencies (OTA’s). Currently, she’s working on the supply side, collaborating with travel and experience operators in Australia, making sure their products are onboarded, and optimizing for their campaigns and the inbound market.
In light of the 2023 theme of #EmbraceEquity for International Women’s Day, we sat down with Ashleigh to learn about the initiatives that she and her committee have rolled out for ATEC to ensure every member has the opportunity and resources to get to where they want to be.
Hi Ashleigh, congratulations on your nomination last year! Could you please share with us what the YATEC does in general?
Thank you! YATEC is a subdivision of the wider ATEC (Australian Tourism Export Council), a peak industry body that works closely with members to facilitate industry networking events as well as being the voice for tourism through advocating to the government on key issues that might be impacting the future growth of the tourism sector.
As the 'younger' side of ATEC (YATEC), our goal is to help members develop a network of industry connections across YATEC and ATEC and provide members with opportunities for professional development, learning and education. We're also looking at ways we can work closely with educational institutions to showcase tourism as a viable, long-term career for students and anyone looking to join the industry.
What do you do to keep them engaged?
As the industry has been coming out of Covid, we've maintained a focus on more relaxed social B2B industry events which have worked really well. As we move further through the year, we are now looking at ways we can start to introduce more educational events such as Breakfast with a CEO, panel discussions and behind-the-scenes sessions into various roles within the industry.
Ashleigh (left) at a YATEC/ATEC networking event celebrating the end of 2022 on Sydney Harbour
What inspired you to become its committee member?
For anyone looking to expand their network or simply looking to meet more like-minded people within the industry, getting involved in various organizations such as ATEC/YATEC is a great way to expand your network, build new business relationships and also build on your knowledge on what the industry has to offer.
Another reason for joining, for me, is about giving back. I’ve been quite fortunate in my journey within the tourism industry. I've had some great mentors and managers who have pushed me outside of my comfort zone to get involved in these different associations.
All of that has landed me where I am today. So I want to make sure there’s a clear path for those looking to join travel through education. Whether it's trying to secure their first job in the industry or learn a bit more about careers in travel, I'm doing all I can to give those opportunities to others.
What are some initiatives you and your committee members have launched to ensure equity in networking and learning opportunities for those keen to join the tourism industry?
Something quite key about this is it’s not one-size-fits-all. When we're putting on different events, we want to make sure there's a variety. Everyone learns differently. With that in mind, we put together an annual calendar with a variety of formal or informal occasions available for members to go to.
For instance, we have Drag Bingo for Sydney World Pride. This is when we have a drink together and do something fun. One time, we did a hotel viewing, followed by a networking event. A more formal setup is when we introduce members to a CEO of a business, during which we have breakfast together and hold a panel discussion.
At the moment, we also want to start putting together some mentorship programs, and networking opportunities, educational sessions with the students.
Ashleigh, along with other young tourism professionals, having a blast at their Drag Bingo networking party
Is there any misconception about tourism jobs in Australia? And if so, how does YATEC play a role in diminishing that?
For those that don't work within the tourism industry, I think the biggest misconception I see and hear is that if you work in the industry, you must be booking peoples' holidays - I think my own family even think this ha! Something that is really important to us is showcasing the variety of jobs that are available within the industry. We want to make sure there are resources available to those looking to enter the industry so they know what's on offer and that you really can do anything you want.
We're showing that there's something for everyone - whether it's marketing, sales or event working within Government roles for organizations like Destination NSW and Tourism Australia. There's just so much more in the industry that I think people should be aware of.
Other than being the Chair of a local tourism organization, you’re also a leader of an all-women team (coincidentally) at Klook. Do you have any tips for current and aspiring people managers?
Make sure your team members feel valued and heard as an employee. Not everyone works the same way, so check in with your team members to understand what makes each of them tick, what their growths are, and what they're interested in learning more about.
Ashleigh (bottom right) with the ANZ team at their 3-day-2-night offsite where they brainstormed strategies for the year ahead
My tip is to ask the right follow-up questions after learning about your members' needs - whether it's their work schedule, transition period, training, or anything conducive to how they perform in their jobs. Then work out a plan with your members together to see what works best for their needs and preferences.
So, how do you push boundaries at and outside of work?
Think you can nail the ‘push boundaries’ game with us?
Posted by Klook Careers
