kabarsula Luxury Escapes’ Penny Cordner-Maas on why enthusiasm is never ‘too much’ bandar SLOT INDONESIA

For Penny Cordner-Maas, head of content marketing at Luxury Escapes, being ‘too much’ means bringing passion, excitement and joy to the things that matter.

As part of our Women in Travel Awards 2026 series, we spoke to Cordner-Maas about the woman who taught her to take up space, returning to leadership after maternity leave, reinventing her team for the age of AI and why women should never be afraid to ask for what they deserve.

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

Passion and excitement. I’m deeply invested in the things and people I care about, and I don’t believe it’s ever too much to show that joy to others. When we launched our rebrand last month, I was genuinely jumping with joy, sharing it with everyone and feeling so excited to see it finally come to life. That excitement was contagious, and I could see others sharing their own joy and pride in the work too.

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


Definitely my mum. When a teacher once scolded me for asking too many questions, Mum went into the school the next day and said, “Please don’t tell my daughter not to ask questions. If she has questions, probably others in the room do too.” She’s empowered me ever since to speak up, clarify, query and back myself.

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


Returning from my second mat leave with a nine-month-old and a three-and-a-half-year-old, into a studio team of more than 25 people and a world being reshaped by AI. I hadn’t touched a computer in nine months, so finding a way to reinvent us for the future felt incredibly overwhelming. I’m proud to say that nine months on, we’ve almost entirely reshaped the way we work, and the team is in the strongest position for success it’s ever been in.

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

Back yourself and be your number one cheerleader, but remember you don’t have to do it alone. Find safety and support in the people around you. I find that having a strong network of women who see your worth can help you step outside your own doubts and encourage you to ask for what you deserve.

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


You’re stronger and smarter than you think, and you can do this. I mirror this with my four-year-old daughter when she’s feeling nervous or afraid: we take a deep breath and say, “I know I can do this.”

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


My Kindle. There’s nothing I love more than escaping into a fantasy novel on holiday and devouring multiple books in one trip. I’d never be able to carry enough books with me otherwise.