The Remarkable Women Driving Change at ETG: Work, Life, and Everything In Between

In a recent article, we looked at how ETG is advancing women in the corporate world. Now, we’ve gone a step further by speaking directly with four women who are leading that change. They opened up about their journeys, challenges, and proudest moments, giving us a closer look at what leadership really means at ETG.

• Simone (Head of Direct Supply),
• Amal (Country Manager, UAE), 
• Danielle (Head of Business Development, Oceania)
• Olesya (Chief Human Capital and Transformation Officer)

We asked what drives them, where they’re headed, and what’s shaped them along the way.

What got us here and what we’re most proud of

Every career has a story behind it. Here’s what sparked the journeys of these remarkable four women and the moments that still make them smile.

Q: What inspired you to pursue your current role, and what has been your most significant achievement so far?

Simone, Head of Direct Supply

Simone: I’ve always been driven by the challenge of building and optimizing high-performing teams in a fast-paced industry like travel tech. Direct Supply is at the core of this — securing strong hotel partnerships, ensuring seamless distribution, and delivering results.

My biggest achievement, so far, has been leading a team of over 100 people while driving hundreds of millions in revenue. More recently, I’ve been focused on growing our reach by developing a dedicated Chains Department and expanding into new areas that will strengthen our long-term strategy.

Amal, Country Manager, UAE

Amal: I wouldn’t call them challenges — more like guilty pleasures in disguise. At the beginning of my career as a woman, I would say I had to make a point to break through gender biases to prove my expertise.I believe it was my persistence to grow, develop, and lead that made my voice louder. I never missed an opportunity for growth or overtime.

Danielle, Head of Business Development, Oceania

Danielle: I’m energized by blending strategy with genuine connection, and business development is where it thrives. I love growing markets and creating lasting impact, so joining ETG to lead with that passion was an easy decision, and I’ve been all in from day one!

My proudest moment? Leading the launch of our platform across Australia and the Pacific. It was a tough challenge, but I crafted a clear path that exceeded our goals. Beyond the results, I’m thrilled to have built a foundation of clarity and momentum that keeps driving success. It’s been such a rewarding journey!

Olesya, Chief Human Capital and Transformation Officer

Olesya: My most significant achievement so far is the team. I truly believe that the ETG team is the most driven when it comes to embracing new challenges and pushing boundaries to achieve our company’s goals.

Facing challenges as women in the corporate world and how to handled them

Being a woman in business isn’t always easy. These stories show the hurdles they’ve overcome and how they kept going.

Q: What challenges have you faced as a woman in your career, and how have you overcome them?

Simone: For much of my career, I worked in a market where professional networks and promotions were often influenced by personal connections rather than merit. I’ve seen situations where men were placed into roles I was equally or even better suited for, simply because they had the right connections. Overcoming that required persistence, results, and making sure my work spoke for itself.

It also takes a certain kind of leader — one who values strength and competence over familiarity — to recognize and champion talented women in leadership. I’ve been fortunate to work with some of those managers along the way, and their support has been instrumental in my career progression.

Ultimately, my approach has always been to focus on impact. When you deliver real results, you earn respect, no matter the environment.

Danielle: Early in my career, I noticed women’s voices, including mine, were often judged more harshly when pitching bold ideas or pushing for change. Feeling underestimated could sting, but it fueled my drive to grow stronger and more resilient.

I’ve overcome this by being intentional in showcasing my value, delivering clear, consistent results, and aligning with colleagues who value outcomes over ego. At ETG, the supportive culture, rooted in trust and openness, has amplified my voice, which is a game-changer.

I advocate for myself by seeking feedback, connecting with mentors, and lifting up other women. It feels great to pay it forward and help others shine.

Danielle: “At ETG, the supportive culture, rooted in trust and openness, has amplified my voice, which is a game-changer.”

Olesya: To be honest, I’ve never faced gender-related challenges at work — both ETG and my previous employers have always supported equal opportunities. However, I have to admit that women often have more responsibilities outside of work. And we deal with all of it every single day.

The best way to manage this is by delegating as many tasks as possible to your partner or paid help, so you have enough time for yourself and the work you love.

Moments that made us feel proud and powerful

Sometimes it’s the little wins, sometimes the big ones. Here’s when these leaders felt truly proud of their work.

Q: Can you share a moment when you felt especially empowered or proud of your work?

Simone: Rather than a single moment, I feel proud every day when I see the impact of the work we do. I’m incredibly proud of my team — their drive, their achievements, and the way they continuously push boundaries. Seeing people I’ve mentored, especially women, grow into leadership roles and make their mark in the industry is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I feel empowered every day knowing that I can support and drive my team towards their goals, helping them develop and succeed.

Danielle: One moment I’ll always cherish was presenting a multi-year strategy for Oceania’s growth to senior leadership. As Head of Business Development, I spent months crafting a clear roadmap to boost our impact and partnerships. Sharing the plan and seeing leaders engage with it was so empowering. It wasn’t just the approval. It was more about knowing I’d clarified a complex challenge and set a strong foundation for success. That showed me what preparation can do, and I’m proud of the path I built for our team.

Olesya: Every time I talk to colleagues and share how things are set up in our company — the technologies we use, the processes we implement — I feel an incredible sense of pride. But nothing compares to what I feel when I hear or read what our employees say about the company.

How support and trust help growing

Support doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. These women share what made the biggest difference for them.

Q: How has the company supported your growth and success, both professionally and personally?

Simone: Having the autonomy to build and execute strategic initiatives has been crucial. With 30 years in the industry, I’ve built strong relationships, gained deep expertise, and learned what it takes to drive growth. The company recognizes and trusts that experience. Without that trust, none of it would work.

At the same time, leadership is about more than driving strategy — it’s about empowering my team. I make sure they have the information, support, and autonomy necessary to make decisions and own their work. Creating an environment where people can grow, take risks, and deliver results is just as important as executing my own vision. A culture of transparency and open communication makes all the difference.

Danielle: ETG has transformed my growth, both professionally and personally, through its Love, Trust, and Do values. The company’s vision inspires me to embrace freedom in my role, encouraging creative problem-solving and learning from mistakes.

ETG’s trust-driven culture lets me share ideas openly in a “Say it like it is“ environment, which has really built my confidence. This transparency fosters a strong sense of belonging.

The “Do” values fuel my development — the “Be your own CEO“ mindset empowers me to own projects, while ongoing mentorship and training support my growth. Feeling valued here makes me want to give my best, and knowing my success lifts the team makes it even more meaningful.

Olesya: First and foremost, it’s the transparency of information — I’ve always had access to the context I need to make decisions and move projects forward.

Then there’s the trust. I’ve always had the freedom to take on new challenges, even when I had no prior experience in that area. That’s exactly how you grow — by diving into the unknown.

On a personal level, I know I can count on my manager no matter the issue. I’m seen, first and foremost, as a human being with my own needs and individuality. I try to offer that same support and understanding to my team.

Values and initiatives that stand out at ETG

What makes a workplace feel genuinely supportive? These women highlight the principles and freedoms that help ETG stand apart.

Q: Could you name some principles, activities, or initiatives that the company supports?

Danielle: ETG’s culture thrives on principles and initiatives that empower us every day. I love the freedom to make decisions and bring bold ideas to life. Open, honest cross-team communication, grounded in trust, keeps us connected and inspired. Activities like transparent all-hands presentations spark collaboration, while educational programs, from leadership workshops to skill-building courses, fuel our growth. Initiatives like remote work and flexible hours support my work-life balance. These practices make ETG a place where I feel valued and motivated to excel.

Danielle: “ETG’s culture thrives on principles and initiatives that empower us every day. I love the freedom to make decisions and bring bold ideas to life.”

Olesya: The company supports the freedom to work from anywhere in the world, which perfectly reflects our core passion — a love for travel. I know for sure that our people truly value this opportunity, and we strive to structure our entire work process in a way that allows us to preserve this flexibility for the long term.

Advice for the next generation

No matter where you’re starting from, the right mindset can take you far, and these women have learned a lot along the way.

Q: What advice would you give to other women aspiring to build strong careers in our industry?

Simone:

• Prepare your elevator pitch – Be clear on what you bring to the table and how you add value. You never know when an opportunity will arise.
• Build your network – Relationships matter. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you.
• Be resilient – Not every door will open easily, but persistence is key. Keep pushing forward.
• Be confident – Believe in your abilities. If you don’t back yourself, why should anyone else?
• Back what you say with numbers – Data speaks louder than opinions. Always have the facts to support your ideas.

Amal: My advice, not only to women but to every professional, is to do what you love, find a job you enjoy and are passionate about, and success will follow. Always say yes to opportunities to learn, grow, and experiment — that’s how we learn and make a difference.

Amal: “….do what you love, find a job you enjoy and are passionate about, and success will follow. Always say yes to opportunities to learn, grow, and experiment — that’s how we learn and make a difference.”

Danielle: To women aiming for strong careers in tourism, my advice is simple: own your voice and back it with action. This industry thrives on connection, so build authentic relationships with colleagues and clients, and trust opens doors.

Don’t shy away from bold ideas; preparation turns vision into impact. Seek mentors who challenge you to grow, and lift up others as you rise—it’s how we all succeed.

At ETG, I’ve learned persistence pays off, so embrace setbacks as fuel. Stay passionate about creating experiences that inspire travel, and let that drive your success.

Olesya: My advice to young women? Just go for it. Don’t overthink it. Don’t be afraid because the most important thing is to take the first step. You don’t need to strive for perfection or try to be better or stronger than someone else. The only person worth comparing yourself to is you.

Staying grounded, staying driven

Balancing career ambition and personal well-being isn’t easy, but these women share how they make it work.

Q: How do you balance professional ambitions with personal life, and what strategies help you stay motivated?

Simone: Balance is about setting priorities and knowing when to push and when to recharge. I’ve learned that switching off when needed isn’t a luxury — it’s necessary for long-term success.

What keeps me motivated is seeing the tangible impact of my work, knowing that we’re building something that drives real value for the business.

Simone: “My impact isn’t just about driving numbers — it’s about leading the transformation of direct supply, pushing boundaries, and ensuring that the work we do sets new industry standards. That’s what I’m focused on next.”

Danielle: I’m a workaholic, but I make time for my personal life to balance my tourism career. Flexible hours let me fit in a quick walk or a Pilates class to recharge, keeping me sharp.

I set clear boundaries, like unplugging for family dinners or catching up with friends, to enjoy quality moments together. My goals for my family fuel my professional drive, and success at work supports them too. Connecting with passionate colleagues also keeps me energized. By prioritizing these personal connections, I thrive both in my career and with the people I cherish most.

Amal: I’m genuinely passionate about my job and hospitality in general. When you’re passionate about what you do, it becomes part of your personal life, and it fuels your happiness and sense of achievement because you’re doing what you love. To stay motivated, I travel often, which helps me recharge even though my laptop always comes along. I enjoy staying connected.

Olesya: I’ve chosen the path of work-life harmony, and it has proven to be a successful one. I work whenever I feel inspired. I don’t limit myself with strict boundaries like weekends or holidays.

At the same time, I make sure to leave space for self-care and always remember that to work effectively and with joy, I need proper rest and recovery. That’s why I treat my sleep, workout routine, and vacations with great care.

Eyes on the future

From expanding platforms to inspiring teams, these women share the kind of impact they’re aiming to make.

Q: Looking ahead, what impact do you hope to make in your field, and what are your next big goals?

Simone: I want to drive ETG to be an industry leader through our direct supply strategy, setting the benchmark for how OTAs and hoteliers collaborate for maximum profitability. We are in a prime position to reshape travel distribution by leveraging smarter connectivity, stronger partnerships, and a data-driven approach to unlock new opportunities. That means not just growing but innovating.

Beyond the business, I want to share my expertise on a larger stage — mentoring the next generation of leaders and speaking at industry events to shape the future of hotel distribution on optimising Hotel Connectivity for profitability, or How to build a winning direct supply strategy.

My impact isn’t just about driving numbers — it’s about leading the transformation of direct supply, pushing boundaries, and ensuring that the work we do sets new industry standards. That’s what I’m focused on next.

Danielle: I love specializing in travel technology and want to make tourism seamless by championing ETG’s platform and API integrations. My goal is to connect more businesses and travelers with these tools, creating effortless journeys from booking to arrival.

I hope to grow our industry’s reliance on smart tech for transformative travel. Next, I’m focused on expanding our reach into New Zealand and the Pacific, forging partnerships to boost our impact. Driving these external connections excites me! It’s about empowering people to explore with ease, making travel more accessible.

Olesya: My biggest goal is to make sure that when people come to work at ETG, they experience the most meaningful and inspiring professional journey of their lives. And I have the best team by my side — together, I’m confident we’ll achieve this goal!

Olesya (on the right): “My biggest goal is to make sure that when people come to work at ETG, they experience the most meaningful and inspiring professional journey of their lives.”

These outstanding ladies aren’t just leading teams. They’re reshaping what leadership means for women in the corporate world. They speak up, support their people, continuously look for new ideas and solutions, and stay grounded while doing it.

It’s not enough to merely chase titles or tick boxes, as these are surface-level expectations. It’s rather about showing what’s possible when women lead with clarity, care, poise, and conviction, and bring others with them.

At ETG, that’s how progress and success happen. Not through slogans or shortcuts, but through people who show up, do the work, and keep building.

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