Influential Woman · Travel Advisor
Donna McGeddy
CLIA, IATA
Travel Agent/Advisor, MakeUHappy Travel
St. Petersburg, FL
Her Story
About Donna
Donna McGeddy is a travel advisor and travel agent based in St. Petersburg, Florida. She launched her business, MakeYouHappy Travel, approximately two years ago upon retiring from the corporate world. With a background that includes a long career in human resources focused on leadership development, training, and coaching, as well as ten years in real estate, she draws on extensive professional experience to guide clients. Donna earned a degree in human resources from Florida Atlantic University and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. She is a member of the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) and IATA. An avid traveler herself, she builds her business primarily through referrals from family and friends, conducting thorough research to help clients create their ideal vacations while addressing concerns about travel safety and information overload.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Donna
01What do you attribute your success to?
My family and friends who have always believed in me! A positive can do attitude based in faith.
Understanding my clients needs, providing caring customer service, attention to detail, going above and beyond and ensuring my clients have the best experience.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Treat others as they want to be treated...listen with empathy.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Network with others to learn the ropes. Be patient with clients and yourself. There is a lot of information to weed through and it can be overwhelming. You can't do it all... Don't over commit and under deliver. Learn how to prioritize. Know that you are going to have to do a lot of research to get the right information (not rely on AI) to ensure your clients are getting the most reliable information. It's a 7-day a week job; you have to know when your clients are travelling and be available to support them along the way...jump into action if needed. It's a great line of work and can be fun if you enjoy travel, love doing research, are patient and enjoy making people happy! It's your own business!
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
People don't understand that using a travel advisor/agent doesn't cost them anything.
We get paid by the vendors. It's to their advantage to use a travel agent.
There is a lot of information out on the internet to weed through. Clients relying on social media for information.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
People being happy
Loyalty
Faith
Positive "can do" attitude
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