Beyond the Role, How James Kavanagh Defines Leadership, Impact & What’s Next
Meet James Kavanagh, Global CEO Leisure Travel, for Flight Centre Travel Group, and Keynote Speaker for a force for good hub 2026 event.
Resilience, a growth mindset and perspective matter… and so does the humility to know our time is temporary. We’re custodians of our roles (a nod to the book Legacy). Having one eye on the now and one eye on what’s next is essential. Leadership is often about choices - including difficult ones - which leads me to my mantra “choice, not chance, will change your future”
Stacey Hill on Courage, Connection & Becoming a Leader
Meet Stacey Hill, Business Development Manager VIC/SA/TAS for Regent Seven Seas and Speaker on The Emerging Young Leaders Panel for 2026.
Throughout my 19year career in this wonderful industry, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly generous leaders who shaped not only my path, but also my belief in what’s possible. From my early days as a travel agent in Adelaide to discovering the world of luxury hospitality in Canada, I was continually supported, encouraged, and pushed to grow. What began as a simple two year working holiday visa turned into eight years of growing in leadership at one of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels, the Fairmont Banff Springs. An opportunity I would never have imagined for myself without the mentors who believed in me.
Built from Nothing, Fuelled by Vision, Courage, and the Women Who Lifted Me
Meet Ashlea Blake, Business Manager for Blake Travel and Speaker on The Emerging Young Leaders Panel for 2026
Starting from scratch was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
I started my business during covid. Everyone thought I was insane, the biggest challenges weren’t just financial — they were emotional. I had to back myself before anyone else did. There were moments when the phone was quiet, the workload was overwhelming, and the pressure of building something from nothing felt heavy. I was wearing every hat: sales, admin, marketing, finance — all while trying to create a brand people could trust.
Young Leaders Who Are Changing the World
Meet Sasha Buch – Sustainability Manager, Aurora Expeditions
When Sasha Buch walks into a room, you feel it. Her energy hums, her warmth radiates, and within moments, you’re leaning in, drawn to her natural enthusiasm. “I’ve always been a big people person,” she says with a grin, “and I’ve always believed we each have a role to play in making things better.”
It’s no surprise that Sasha found herself in the travel industry – a space that speaks to her love of people, cultures, and the planet. Today, she’s the Sustainability Manager at Aurora Expeditions, and her mission is as adventurous as it is urgent: help transform travel into a force for long-term, positive change.