Her Story
About joanna
I've been in the travel industry for more than two decades, starting my career in Michigan where I lived for over 20 years before moving to Los Angeles. As Director of Sales for Asia Market at Skybird Travel and Tours, one of the largest consolidators nationwide, my main job is to ensure I generate enough revenue for the company, acquire new clients, and train business development managers on the proper approach to getting new clients. My most notable professional achievement was building a call center in Manila, Philippines, literally brick by brick, with the help of Skybird Travel and Tours. That sense of accomplishment is something I feel deeply when I talk about it. We started with just 3 employees and have grown to over 30, and that call center has become one of our key departments in servicing new clients and retaining old clients as well. I'm passionate about traditional travel services because I sincerely believe that travel agencies working in a traditional way can still provide the best service, no matter what. It's different when you're talking to a chatbox or someone in chat rather than talking to someone real, and you're confident that no matter what happens, there's always a person from that particular company who can assist and provide help. When you talk to someone and they start sharing their experience on that particular destination, that personal touch makes all the difference. I connect with the Department of Tourism to build my professional network and stay engaged with the Asian markets I serve.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with joanna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think I wouldn't be able to be where I am right now if not for the support of the higher management, or the owner of Skybird Travel and Tours. And then secondly, without the help and support of my teammates. And, of course, it's just like what I said earlier, it's my passion about this profession. And the last but not the least, of course, every day I would always ask for God's guidance on what I should do, especially when I'm faced with challenges and, you know, all the struggles in the travel company.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always believe in yourself. And whenever you fall, it doesn't matter, as long as you know how to stand up and get back on track.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Remember who you are. Pursue your dreams. And don't believe what other people say in a negative way, just believe in yourself.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The challenges, I think, is, you know, whatever is going on around the world right now, you know, especially with the Middle East. I know I do handle Asia market, doesn't have to do with the Middle East, but unfortunately, you know, with all the social media sometimes exaggerating things, and that kind of affects people's decision to travel even to Asia. And of course, it's getting competitive.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is very important. I mean, if you're honest and you're transparent, not only you're gonna feel good about yourself, but the clients, the agents that I'm working with, they see that. I'm very happy and blessed to belong to a very transparent company such as Skybird.
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