IWTA speaks with Bonnie Leung, Operations Leader – FCM Hong Kong

We are delighted to introduce you to Bonnie Leung, Operations Leader for FCM Hong Kong in our latest interview series from TDs Inspiring Women in Travel Asia (TDIWTA).

Bonnie Leung is a passionately enthusiastic young woman from Hong Kong who studied linguistics at university, yet ended up in the travel industry after being bitten by the travel bug during her exchange student days in Germany.

Bonnie joined FCM Hong Kong 10 years ago, first as a Travel Consultant (Leisure) and gradually working her way up to the role she now holds as Operations Leader, FCM Hong Kong.

As is the case with so many families, particularly in Asia, Bonnie’s parents expected her to be a good student, go to a good university and get a good job as a teacher, or speech therapist or similar, but also gave her the freedom to make the final choices herself.  Speech Therapist was her original goal, but as that required further studies, Bonnie decided to find a job first.  A job in the travel industry was not particularly on her mind, but after applying for numerous jobs in Hong Kong, the questions posed in an advertisement by Flight Centre resonated strongly with her, and shortly after, Bonnie joined the company as a Travel Consultant in the Leisure side of the business.

Bonnie has made the most of her work in the travel industry, travelling as often as possible, to as many new countries as possible.  She is also passionate about learning and challenging herself, and recently completed a data analytics course, taking her way out of her comfort zone and building on her knowledge base to help support the growth of the business.

Benefitting from supportive leadership and coaching throughout her time with FCM, she has embraced the corporate culture that encourages everyone to be themselves.  Inclusive, welcoming and open minded, Bonnie has learned from her mentors to stay curious, listen to learn rather than to judge, and to overcome challenges by staying positive and looking to the future.

Her advice to the next generation?  Be brave.  Welcome new experiences with open arms and an open mind.  Take time to understand yourself and accept that where you are now is where you need to be, that everything takes time to grow and develop and to get the most out of your journey.

When asked what the future holds, the depth of her desire to experience new challenges emerged. Sharing how she recently applied to join the 2023/24 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as an amateur sailor, hoping to join the 37-day ocean race across the Pacific Ocean, Bonnie’s motto is simply to Take that First Step & worry about how it might turn out later!  When we spoke, she had not yet been invited to interview for the race, but already sounded enthusiastic and positive about the outcome.  We certainly wish her well and look forward to hearing all about it!

Listen to Bonnie Leung discussing her journey thus far, and hear the passion and enthusiasm for life, and for her chosen career in the travel industry in her voice.  Inspirational.

Listen to this Interview on your favourite RSS Platform

If you know of any female leaders or up and coming superstars in the Travel and Hospitality industry you would like to nominate, please visit our page and complete a nomination form!