Women in Travel: Kim Wethmar
We chat to Traveledge chief executive Kim about being inspired, choosing the road less travelled and making a difference.
Can you tell us a little about your career progression? How did you get your start in the travel industry?
Truth is that I chose travel and tourism at university because it was the only course which meant I could study away from home. What I soon discovered when calculating HIP’s and NUC’s was that it was way more complex than I’d imagined.
But the thrill of taking my first client call as a domestic junior consultant for someone to fly to Sophia… I remember vividly placing the caller on hold and asking the girls in the office… ‘Where is Sophia?? And how does one get there from JNB??’
After working in operations for a few years, I realised that I was seeking a new challenge, and moved into the account management side of travel.
When I left South Africa and moved to Australia in 2008, I said to myself that I never wanted to work in travel again. Well, 10 years on and I’m still in the travel industry loving every minute of every day!
I joined a dynamic company called Travelogic as Head of Account Management, and after a few years, Travelogic merged with CTM. After a few years, I was given the great opportunity to be the general manager NSW. I loved it! I was with CTM for nearly 10 years, before being approached about TravelEdge, where I jumped in with both feet and have been chief executive for just on 12 months.
What would you say is your defining career achievement or the thing you are most proud of?
My current role – I love every day! It’s no longer a job for me. Seeing how people grow and develop, and start believing in themselves once they’re given some direction, is the most inspiring thing to be part of.
With the benefit of wisdom, what advice would you give your 21 y/o self when you were starting out in your career?
Don’t be too hard on yourself. You can’t control every situation all the time. Relax into certain outcomes.
How would you describe your business/management style? What sorts of things are most important to you professionally?
Leading by example. To me, being on time, honest and determined are very important factors.
Who are the people you admire most professionally or in any field/walk of life?
People who stand up for what’s right no matter the consequences. People who choose the road less travelled, not the popular one.
What do you do to unwind when you aren’t working? What is most important to you outside the office?
Spending time with my family and friends. I love weekends with my nieces creating wonderful memories. Reading, holidays, food – all the good things in life!
For you, what’s the best aspect of working in the travel industry?
The people we get to meet, and work with. Also making a difference.
What one thing gets you through a stressful day?
The knowledge that “this too shall pass”.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Kim Wethmar Traveledge women in travelLatest News
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