Flightie Spotlight Blog

Flightie Spotlight: meet Ankita Parmar

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 02:00:00 +0000

How did your journey begin?

I joined FCM Travel India in March 2019, taking on a role in Strategic Alliances and Brand Strategy. Prior to this, I gained diverse experience across Corporate Sales, Project Management Office (PMO), Marketing, building a well-rounded understanding of business and brand growth. I hold an MBA degree in Marketing from the University of Mumbai, and my varied background has enabled me to drive strategic partnerships, and business growth effectively.

What roles have you held?

I started my journey at FCM Travel India managing strategic alliances for our leisure brand. After building some successful partnerships in the first few months, I was given the opportunity to manage the brand strategy for Travel Money Group our forex brand. While overseeing that, I also took on responsibility for FCM Meetings & Events (then known as FCM MICE). Eventually, I transitioned into leading the brand strategy for our corporate travel businesses.

What does your role look like today?

Today, I lead Marketing for FCM India (FCM & FCM M&E), driving brand strategy, market positioning, demand generation, strategic partnerships, and customer engagement to deliver business growth and impact.

I am also part of the India SWOT leadership team, contributing to strategic business initiatives. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey over the past 7+ years at FCM.

What keeps you inspired?

The people and culture, without a doubt. The relationships we have built over the years make coming to work enjoyable every day. Also, I genuinely love what I do, and that excitement motivates me every day.

Who are you outside the office?

I love travelling whether it's discovering exotic destinations, unwinding with a book and coffee by the hills, or exploring new cafés and restaurants around the city to satisfy my love for food. I also love music; it energizes me, calms me and you'll often find me dancing whenever there's a good beat.

What's your favourite destination & why?

Himachal Pradesh – Being from the hills, I'll always have a special connection with the mountains. The landscapes, and sense of home make it my favourite destination in India.

Turkey – A destination that has it all for me: stunning architecture, beautiful coastlines, rich culture and incredible food.

Thanks for sharing your story Ankita!

Navigate your Career. Explore the World.

Flightie Spotlight: Meet Discova BDM Quynh Dinh

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 02:00:00 +0000

How did your journey begin?

I started as an intern at Discova Hanoi, Vietnam, in November 2013. Back then, I was simply a countryside girl whose dream was to have a stable office job and a modest, secure life. I never imagined how far that first step would take me. That journey soon expanded beyond anything I thought possible. I spent over six months in Bangkok and more than four months in Bali, supporting the rollout of new reservation systems and service processes. With each move, each challenge, and each new environment, my world grew bigger - and so did my belief in what I could achieve. That small beginning opened doors to a global career and opportunities I didn’t even know existed for someone like me.

What roles have you held?

Online Sales Intern, Project Executive, Interim Project Team Leader, UK Sales Executive, UK Business Development Assistant, Asia Business Development Manager, UK Business Development Manager.

What does your role look like today?
Today, I am a Business Development Manager for the UK market. Across Asia, Discova works with incredible communities, guides, artisans, and local enterprises. My role is to connect these voices with the right UK travel partners, so together we can create journeys with genuine meaning. Whether it’s sharing a meal with a local family, hearing a guide tell their personal story, or supporting a community project, these are the experiences that make travel truly transformative.

What keeps you inspired?

FCTG’s Brightness of Future (BOF). When I reflect on my journey—from a countryside girl with simple dreams to a BDM working in the UK, it still gives me goosebumps. I didn’t know this life was possible for me. And honestly, without Discova, I don’t think my journey would have gone this far.

Who are you outside the office?

I’m also a mum to an 8-month-old baby. I love singing to her and spending time together. Being a new mum can be challenging, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.

I’m passionate about creating safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. That’s why I joined AWTE (Association of Women Travel Executives) as a board member—to help build a community that supports not only women’s careers but also their personal growth. It’s a space where women are valued not just for their titles, but for who they are as their whole selves.

What's your favourite destination, and why?

Vietnam. It’s where my roots are. From the vibrant chaos of Hanoi to the peaceful beauty of Halong Bay, to the energy of Danang’s coastline—Vietnam offers something for every traveller.

What an inspiring career journey. See where a career at FCTG could take you!

Flightie Spotlight: Meet dynamo Suzi Borgelt

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 02:00:00 +0000

How did your journey begin?

In 2002 I was at a friend's place when I noticed her impressive collection of wine bottles. She explained they were Flight Centre Buzz Night awards - monthly achievement recognition. I was working in media, interested in transitioning to sales, but the business didn't internally promote. My friend's enthusiasm was infectious: "We always promote from within at Flight Centre," she told me. Sold! My background made it a natural fit - travel was in my blood. Growing up in an Air Force family, I'd lived in Malaysia, Australia and Ireland. In my 20s I taught English (and worked in a karaoke bar) in Japan. The prospect of a role where I'd be rewarded for my effort and achievements with the added bonus of travel benefits was irresistible.

What roles have you held?

I started as a Travel Consultant at Ashgrove Flight Centre. My first customer said "We want to go to Machu Picchu. I'll take the train, but my husband will trek." It was 2002 - no Google, no idea where Machu Picchu even was! After a few support roles I ended up working in E-Commerce. We used basic systems and manual processes but over 12years transformed into a digital-first operation. I progressed through recruitment, training, and Sales Area Leader roles, plus managed Risk Management & Customer Relations teams.

What does your role look like today?

After a career break during COVID I became Foundation Leader. This past year I worked with the Intrepid Travel Foundation to develop 𝐅𝐂𝐓𝐆 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 - our new global fundraising platform that recently launched! It's a holistic giving model extending fundraising opportunities beyond our team to the wider public.

What keeps you inspired?

No matter what challenges arise, I know that at FCTG everyone has a voice. I can share my opinions, challenge decisions, and advocate for change. There's no such thing as a career-limiting conversation here, and that openness keeps me energised.

Who are you outside the office?

At home I'm Mum to my 28-year-old son, Nana to my 3-year-old granddaughter and newborn grandson, and wife to my travel-enabling husband. I'm a passionate traveller - every spare dollar goes toward the next adventure!

What's your favourite destination and why?

This is difficult! I love Japan, and I feel most at home in Asia. I recently returned from a women's expedition in Nepal with Intrepid Travel and I think it might be my new favourite destination. Nepal caught me off guard. There's something humbling about the Himalayas - sharing that experience with a group of fearless women made it feel less like a trip and more like a turning point.

What an inspiring career journey. See where a career at FCTG could take you!