kabarsula Carnival’s Liz Simbaqueba on WiT: ‘Confidence isn’t about knowing everything’ bandar SLOT INDONESIA

Carnival Cruise Line Trade Engagement Manager Liz Simbaqueba has built her career by saying yes to opportunities that scare her and learning to back herself along the way.

As part of Travel Weekly’s Women in Travel series, she shares why confidence doesn’t mean having all the answers, the woman who taught her to take up space and why self-doubt shouldn’t stop you taking the leap.

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

To me, “Never Too Much” means not shrinking yourself to fit other people’s expectations. It’s about bringing your full energy, ideas, passion and personality into every room you’re in.

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

My mum, without question. She’s a proud Colombian woman who spent her entire career as a nurse, caring for others while somehow also keeping our family in line. She leads with kindness, compassion and an incredible work ethic, but she’s never been afraid to speak her mind. She has strong opinions, stands by her values and can deliver a stern look that still stops me in my tracks!
Growing up, she showed me that you can be both caring and confident, and that taking up space means staying true to who you are.

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

I’d love to say I had some grand career plan, but the truth is I’ve said “yes” to opportunities that scared me a little. One that stands out was stepping into my first leadership role. It’s one thing to be responsible for your own work, but another to be responsible for supporting, developing and encouraging others. I remember wondering whether I was ready for that responsibility.
What I’ve learnt is that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being authentic, continuing to learn and creating an environment where others can thrive.

At Carnival, I’m fortunate to lead an Inside Sales team made up of two incredibly talented women. Watching them challenge themselves, back their abilities and succeed reminds me that confidence isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about being willing to take the leap. Often, when I’m encouraging them to believe in themselves, I realise I should be taking my own advice too.

Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t let self-doubt talk me out of the opportunity.

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

“You’ve got this. Just be yourself.” It sounds simple, but I don’t need to know everything or have the perfect answer. I just need to back myself and trust that I’m there for a reason.

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

A sense of curiosity. I love researching and having a plan when I’m travelling, but I’ve learned that sometimes the most memorable travel experiences often happen when you’re willing to take a different turn, say yes to something unexpected or spend a little longer somewhere you didn’t anticipate. My phone is a close second though. I’m all for getting lost in the moment, just not literally!

You have just four weeks to secure your early bird tickets for this year’s Women in Travel Awards. Pick up your tickets here. 

Key dates

Late Entries close: 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.

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