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… James will be sharing powerful insights on leadership, growth, and what the future of travel demands from bold leaders.
James Kavanagh with Family In the Greek island of Milos on the boat. “We love the Greek Islands”.
Leadership with Purpose
You’ve led through enormous industry change and challenge. What do you think defines true leadership today, and how has your own definition evolved over time?
“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”
Balance and Belief
As someone who has built an extraordinary career in a demanding industry, how have you learned to find balance – between ambition, purpose, and personal wellbeing?
“Balance used to feel like something I had to achieve, and for some can feel like an injustice. Now it feels more like something I choose. When you love what you do, the scales of life tend to merge — but only if you’re intentional about where your energy goes.
I fiercely protect moments that matter. In a busy life, you can’t get to everything. So you choose.
I also advocate for ‘forced isolation’ - to reset, reflect, plan or run.
Balance isn’t binary - it’s a conscious flow”
James with Family On the Amalfi Coast, “doing what we love best, eating.”
Best piece of advice
What is the best advice that you have received that you have never forgotten?
“There are so many! I have been fortunate to gain inspiration and advice from everywhere. One that stuck with me is - ‘No one lies to you, more than you’.
Most of the limits are ones I quietly placed on myself. I see it in others the world over. The moment you stop believing your own excuses, everything opens.”
Legacy and Impact
When you look back at your journey –to industry leader – what impact do you most hope you’ve made on the people around you, especially the next generation in travel and what legacy do you hope to leave?
“Early in my career, impact meant helping people master the craft — the technical side of travel. From lecturing Travel & Tourism to teaching on the job. Over time, my definition changed. What stays with me now isn’t the skills we build, but the people we help grow, stretch, and become more than they believed they could. If my legacy is that I played even a small role in advancing someone’s journey, that’s enough.”
Looking Ahead
What are you most looking forward to about this year’s A Force for Good event — especially when it comes to connecting with people and being part of the shared energy in the room?
“Firstly, being there! (after missing it last year due to cyclone Alfred), and, learning from others, being inspired where I least expect it, and hoping to contribute to a great event. “
