kabarsula Amanda Bruno: ‘Being a mother has made me more courageous in my career’ bandar SLOT INDONESIA

Wendy Wu’s head of marketing Amanda Bruno knows the pressure many women feel to choose between career and family. But she says motherhood has shown her that ambition and being present don’t have to be mutually exclusive – in fact, becoming a mum has made her more courageous in her career.

“For a long time, I think many women felt as though we had to choose between career and family, ambition and presence,” she says.

Bruno spoke to Travel Weekly ahead of this year’s Women in Travel Awards. Read her full interview below.

Think you or someone you know would be the perfect fit for the Women in Travel Awards? Enter here.

What does “never too much” mean to you personally?

When it comes to the things that really matter, such as caring, encouragement and the work we do, it can never be too much. Caring about the work you do, the people you work alongside and the experiences you create for others is something I don’t think you can ever have too much of.

I’ve been very fortunate throughout my career to work with people who have believed in me and encouraged me to back myself. I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with some amazing leaders, team members and partners, many of whom have championed and supported women. I’m particularly grateful for the team I have around me, as well as our SLT and Simon Bell, our managing director, who are truly one of a kind in the way they support each other. It makes such a difference to have that kind of environment and makes it feel like so much more than just a job.

In an industry like travel, I don’t think we can ever have too much of that. Supporting each other, sharing opportunities, celebrating each other’s successes and helping others grow is what makes the industry such a special one to be part of.

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

I’ve been very fortunate to work alongside one of travel’s pioneers, Wendy. And I intentionally say work alongside, because Wendy taught me that from very early on. I’ll always remember her introducing me as her colleague, rather than a staff member or employee. It may sound like a small thing, but it was a meaningful gesture and one I’ve always remembered. It made me feel valued and, importantly, that I had a place at the table and that my opinion was heard and mattered.

Wendy has built an incredible business and legacy, and I’m always inspired by the passion she brings to the job everyday, even after 30 years. She has never settled, and I think that’s been a big part of what has fuelled her success. She has always been willing to think bigger, back herself and keep moving forward, and that drive and passion are something I really admire.

Another incredibly important woman in my life was my grandmother, who I was very close with. After coming to Australia, she built a simple yet amazing and fulfilling life and was respected by everyone who knew her because of the kindness and humility she showed. She always reminded me to strive for what I wanted and never settle, but to do it with kindness and integrity. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and career. She taught me that success isn’t just about what you achieve, but about how you make people feel along the way.

I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by incredible women, both personally and professionally, who continue to inspire me, challenge me and encourage me to take up space in my own way.

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

The biggest reach has been believing that I can be ambitious in my career, while also being the mum I want to be. For a long time, I think many women felt as though we had to choose between career and family, ambition and presence.

I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, being a mother has actually made me more courageous in my career. It’s given me perspective, resilience and a much stronger sense of what really matters. It has also taught me to be incredibly organised and to make the most of the time I have.

I think there is still a perception that you have to sacrifice one part of your life to be successful in another, and I’ve come to realise that success can look different at different stages of your life. My hope is that my daughter grows up proud of her mum, even if, more often than I’d like to admit, I’m that mum arriving two minutes before her school performance!

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

Recognise your value and back yourself. It’s something I’m still learning to do myself, but I think we can invent barriers for ourselves sometimes. You don’t need to wait until you feel completely ready or have every answer before you put your hand up. Know what you bring to the table, be confident in your worth and don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve.

Just as importantly, surround yourself with people and create an environment that encourages you to back yourself, speak up and recognise your own potential. The right environment can make such a difference, particularly when you’re still building that confidence yourself.

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

“You’ve got this!” I remind myself that I’m here for a reason. I may not be the loudest person in the room or have all of the answers, but I work hard, I continue to learn from the people around me, and I draw on the experiences that have helped get me to where I am, as well as the people who have helped shape me and back me along the way.

I also try to focus on why I’m there in the first place, what can I contribute, what value can I bring and what can I learn? That helps take some of the pressure off and reminds me that I don’t have to have all the answers, I just need to be willing to contribute and keep learning.

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

Noise-cancelling headphones or a great wrap, both are incredibly versatile and, depending on the trip, equally essential!

Who’s the woman in travel who deserves her moment? Enter yourself or nominate someone making a difference in the industry for this year’s Women in Travel Awards.