One of the most senior and respected leaders in the Australian leadership team, O’Connell has been with FCTG for over 30 years and juggles her full-time role with the added responsibility of being a Womenwise Committee Member.
O’Connell started as a travel consultant at Flight Centre Wintergarden in the 1980s and since then has worked across many other parts of the company including leisure (as the Australian EGM), Ticket Centre, Product and Infinity.
O’Connell’s appointment follows that of Kelly Spencer to the role of Flight Centre Brand Sales Leader. Together, the two highly respected women will take charge of FCTG’s flagship brand with O’Connell overseeing the goal to significantly grow TTV and market share through various initiatives including growth of bricks and mortar shops, consultant expertise and the development of more specialised travel teams.
Work out who your support network is and have them help you achieve your career goals
As an inspiring female leader, mum and wife, O’Connell credits her mother for leading by example. She also says having a support network will help you reach your goals.
“Work out who your support network is and have them help you achieve your career goals,” she suggests.
“My mother was a professional working woman who modelled for me how to manage a home, family and a career,” she says.
When asked what she’d like to see changed in corporate Australia and wider society, O’Connell refers to the unique qualities associated with women that are often overlooked or viewed with negativity in the business world.
“Often we say the unique skills women bring to the table are ‘soft skills’ but knowing how to connect, nurture and engage people is not soft at all. It’s what makes successful businesses and families,” she says.
O’Connell will assume the role of Brand Leader in late February 2019.
