Women in Travel: Lisa Ronson
We talk to the chief marketing officer of Tourism Australia about her two dogs, major partnerships and not sweating the small stuff.
Can you tell us a little about your career progression? How did you get your start in the travel industry?
I have always been in the marketing industry because it’s my passion. I started my marketing career at Foster’s Brewing Group, and have subsequently held a succession of marketing roles at Visa International, Telstra, David Jones and Westpac Banking Group.
I didn’t start in the travel industry until I joined Tourism Australia, in February of this year. I did work very closely with, but not quite in, the travel industry when I was at Visa as T&E was a big focus. Back then one of Visa’s bigger partnerships was actually with Tourism Australia’s forerunner, The Australian Tourist Commission.
Those who watch the marketing media closely will be aware that we’ve recently signed a major new partnership with Visa, and I’m very much looking forward to resurrecting what was then and will be again a great marketing relationship.
What would you say is your defining career achievement or the thing you are most proud of?
I have been fortunate to work on some great brands and produce some great work over the years that has really resonated with customers and, importantly, driven results.
From a campaign perspective, the work we did on the $100 million in perpetuity education grant at Westpac was a highlight.
However, when looking at defining career achievements, I am most proud of leading and developing some truly great individuals and teams to achieve fantastic outcomes from both a commercial and community perspective.
What have been the biggest challenges to success you’ve encountered professionally?
Early in my career being a young female working in a very male dominated industry provided many and frequent challenges. However, it also taught me a lot about dealing with a very broad variety of stakeholders, and how to be direct in my communications.
I’ve always been an optimistic person so I’ve tended to look at challenges as opportunities, and early on I think my naivety also helped not to overthink people and situations.
With the benefit of wisdom, what advice would you give your 21 y/o self when you were starting out in your career?
Be confident and back yourself. Trust your instinct and you’ll figure it out.
How would you describe your business/management style? What sorts of things are most important to you professionally?
My leadership style is very open, honest and direct. It has always been very important to me to treat people with kindness in life, and work is no exception to that.
I’m also fiercely loyal and expect the same from my teams. I provide feedback to help the team continually improve performance, and find new and innovative ways of working. I like to get to know my teams personally and what matters to them, and have some fun.
Who are the people you admire most professionally or in any field/walk of life?
I admire people that overcome adversity to achieve their dreams and goals, and those that inspire others to achieve things that they never thought possible. I have, and continue to be fortunate enough to consistently work with some outstanding leaders.
I admire leaders that see the big picture and give back to the community, particularly to help those less fortunate.
What do you do to unwind when you aren’t working? What is most important to you outside the office?
My family is the most important part of my life. I unwind by spending time with my husband, son, my mum and my extended family, and my close friends. I also love food and wine and I love to cook. We have some of the best food and wine in Australia and I like to make the most of it.
For you, what’s the best aspect of working in the travel industry?
It’s a positive, growing and dynamic industry that is such an important sector of the Australian economy. We have some of the best tourism product in the world here in Australia, which we should be justifiably proud of.
Our team at Tourism Australia is outstanding, a really talented group of people. I’m loving working with them. I feel very privileged to spend my days helping to make Australia the most desirable and memorable country on the planet.
What one thing gets you through a stressful day?
I love starting my day with a run with our two dogs. It puts me in the right frame of mind for whatever the day holds. I just need to up the frequency.
Coffee also helps. But really, for me it’s all about perspective and the bigger picture. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
You can see the other ladies from our exclusive Women in Travel series here:
- Kim Portrate
- Ann Sherry
- Olivia Wirth
- Kaylene Shuttlewood
- Melanie Waters-Ryan
- Katrina Barry
- Lalie Ngozi
- Donna Meads-Barlow
- Rachel Argaman
- Judith Crompton
- Sandra Chipchase
- Mona Tannous
- Margy Osmond
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
lisa ronson tourism australia women in travelLatest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.