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When I sat down with Maya Patel, the founder of a boutique adventure tour company in Patagonia, she confessed she still feels like a fraud despite her $2.3 million revenue last year — a classic case of imposter syndrome gripping women in travel leadership.
Imposter syndrome is the persistent belief that you don’t belong, that any success is a fluke, and that you’ll be exposed as a pretender.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
First described in the 1970s, the phenomenon hits high‑achieving professionals across sectors, but research from Harvard Business Review shows women report it 30 % more often than men.
Because travel is a fast‑moving, customer‑obsessed industry, the pressure to deliver flawless experiences can amplify self‑doubt.
And the stakes feel higher when you’re the only female voice in board meetings.
“I spend nights replaying every client call, wondering if I’m just lucky,” Maya said, her eyes steady.
That feeling isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a signal that you’re pushing boundaries.
Why It Hits Women Travel Leaders
Travel companies often value bold risk‑taking, a trait stereotypically assigned to men, so women feel forced to over‑prove.
But data from the International Air Transport Association reveals that women occupy only 22 % of senior roles in airlines worldwide.
So every promotion feels like walking a tightrope.
In my experience, mentorship programs that pair emerging female leaders with seasoned executives cut the anxiety in half.
Because hearing “I’ve been there” from someone who’s survived the same doubts rewires the brain.
And when you see other women at the helm—like the new CEO of Air Europa who doubled routes to Europe in 2023—you start believing it’s possible.
Not worth the hype. That’s a line I hear from skeptics, but the numbers don’t lie.
For example, a $450 round‑trip flight to Paris booked through Expedia last summer opened doors for a junior manager who later led a European expansion.
Absolute paradise. That trip turned a timid analyst into a confident regional director.
Travel‑related stress can also trigger imposter feelings; a delayed flight— which is typical for this airport — but the views from the window made up for it.
To combat the mental grind, consider these actionable steps.
The Bottom Line
- Join a women‑in‑travel network like MENA Cities Fashion Inspiration for peer support.
- Set measurable goals and celebrate each milestone, no matter how small.
- Seek a mentor who’s navigated similar doubts.
- Prioritize self‑care: a weekend retreat in Nashville’s new restaurants scene can reset your mindset (see menu highlights).
- Read external resources on confidence‑building, such as Lonely Planet’s guide.
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