In this episode, Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, shares her inspiring journey from a small town in the Northwest to leading a significant luxury travel company. She reflects on her early experiences at Club Med and Travel Impressions, providing valuable insights into the role of wholesale companies in the travel industry. Melissa emphasizes the significance of embracing new challenges, particularly the importance of managing a P&L, as a key to career growth. With a focus on leadership, she discusses the value of resourcefulness, curiosity, and making meaningful contributions to her team. Melissa also touches on the importance of work-life integration, the power of relationships in business, and the need for young professionals to lead with a work ethic, seek feedback, and take risks in pursuit of their dreams. This episode is packed with practical advice and personal stories highlighting the essentials of leadership and success in the luxury travel industry.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction and Excitement to Learn
• 00:49 Early Life and Upbringing
• 05:26 Deciding on College and Career Path
• 08:10 Embracing Hard Work and Challenging Expectations
• 11:14 Entering the Travel Industry
• 13:17 Wholesale Companies and Their Success
• 21:13 Transition to Classic Vacations
• 25:33 Career Growth and Opportunities
• 30:21 Taking on New Responsibilities and Running a P&L
• 32:35 The Power of Resourcefulness and Curiosity in Leadership
• 34:11 Work-Life Integration: Balancing Career and Personal Life
• 35:03 Leading with Work Ethic and Seeking Feedback for Growth
• 36:26 Articulating Dreams and Taking Risks for Success

Takeaways

• Melissa Krueger grew up in a small town in the Northwest and had a simple and easy childhood.
• She developed a passion for learning and observing other families while attending school.
• Melissa started her career in the travel industry at Club Med and later joined Travel Impressions, a wholesale company that packages and markets hotels to travel advisors.
• She transitioned to Classic Vacations and experienced career growth within the company.
• Melissa emphasizes the importance of being nimble, curious, and creating a demand internally to support the success of others.
• She values loyalty and believes in asking for opportunities to grow and contribute.
• Melissa's career path demonstrates that there is not one linear path to success and that unconventional experiences can lead to valuable skills and insights. Taking on new responsibilities and running a P&L can provide valuable experience and open doors for career advancement.
• Resourcefulness, curiosity, and making things meaningful for others are important traits in leadership.
• Work-life integration allows for a more fulfilling and balanced life.
• Showing up, leading with work ethic, and asking for feedback are key to personal and professional growth.
• Articulating one's dreams and taking risks can lead to success and opportunities.