kabarsula Princess Cruises’ Heather Pryde: ‘The opportunities that stretch us are the ones worth pursuing’ bandar SLOT INDONESIA

As national sales manager at Princess Cruises, Heather Pryde has built a career delivering results for some of the biggest brands in travel.

Ahead of this year’s Women in Travel Awards, she shares with Travel Weekly the lessons behind her success, from backing your ambition to trusting yourself when an opportunity feels just out of reach.

On-time entries for the 2026 Women in Travel Awards close Friday, 25 September, with late entries closing 2 October.

And if you want to be there on the night, you have until 3 November to lock in early bird pricing.

What does “Never Too Much” mean to you personally?

“Never Too Much” is about refusing to make yourself smaller to fit someone else’s expectations. It’s about backing your ambition, using your voice and challenging the status quo when you believe there’s a better way forward. As women, we’re often encouraged to soften our opinions or temper our aspirations. For me, it’s a reminder that our ideas, voices and ambitions deserve to be heard, unapologetically.

Who was the woman who showed you it was okay to take up space?

My mum. She taught me that taking up space isn’t about being the loudest person in the room. It’s about having the courage to stand behind your values and use your voice when it matters. She showed me that you can be both kind and strong, and that integrity and resilience will always take you further than seeking approval.

What’s the trip, role or moment that felt almost too big to reach for?

Stepping into a commercial leadership role. It was exciting, but also intimidating. I’ve learned that the opportunities that stretch us most are usually the ones worth pursuing. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to learn, adapt and keep moving forward, even when you’re uncomfortable.

What would you say to the woman who’s still convincing herself to ask for less?

Ask for the opportunity. Apply for the role. Share the idea. Put yourself forward. Women often wait until they feel completely ready, but growth happens long before certainty arrives. Don’t make yourself smaller to fit someone else’s expectations. Aim higher and trust yourself enough to take the chance. In my experience, when you consistently demonstrate capability and initiative, the opportunities tend to follow.

What do you tell yourself in the moment before you step up?

Trust your experience. Trust your preparation. Trust your instincts. Most growth happens when you’re slightly uncomfortable, so if I’m feeling nervous, it’s usually a sign I’m exactly where I need to be.

What’s the one travel item you can’t live without?

A travel pillow. After years of living out of a suitcase, I’ve learned that travel rarely goes 100% according to plan and comfort isn’t a luxury, it’s a strategy. Whether it’s a quick nap in an airport lounge or surviving a long-haul flight, it’s the one thing I never leave home without.

Key dates

Entries close (on-time): Friday 25 September
Entries close (late): Friday 2 October 
Early bird tickets close: Tuesday 3 November
Finalists announced: Wednesday 4 November
Awards night: Wednesday 2 December, The ivy, Sydney

Held at ivy Sydney, the December 2 ceremony will bring the industry together to celebrate the 2026 winners, unveil the Women in Travel Power List and crown the 2026 Woman of the Year. 

Entry criteria, nomination details and the full list of 2025 winners are available on the Women in Travel website. 

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