At the age of 29, Asta Lassesen was already one of the youngest CFOs in the cruise industry — but she was not done there. A few years later, she became the first female CEO of Hurtigruten Expeditions, one of the oldest companies in the travel industry.  

In this episode, sponsored by Hurtigruten Expeditions, Kenneth Shapiro (Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of TravelAge West) steps in for Emma Weissmann to chat with Lassesen about her experience working as a young female chief executive for a company with a long history. Listeners will also hear about Lassesen’s childhood in Norway, where she grew up as a member of a fishing family. (Hint: She started working at age 7.)  

Lassesen will also highlight Hurtigruten’s current cruise offerings and the company’s plans for the future, which include sailing to amazing destinations far beyond its core polar itineraries. She also discusses what’s behind Hurtigruten’s strong push for sustainable cruising, and what she would like to see from her cruise industry peers.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Hurtigruten Expeditions: www.hurtigruten.com

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Digital Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print and online magazine for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human. 

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