CTM Career Pathways: Michelle Ryan

The true essence of leadership

In the world of management, it’s not about personal glory, but about empowering your team to thrive. There’s a remarkable strength in prioritizing the success of others. If you relish the opportunity to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, skill sets, and knowledge bases, and if you find fulfillment in guiding and supporting their achievements, then a career toward a management role could be your calling. Meet Michelle, a shining example of a Manager who embraces and uplifts her team.

Michelle’s CTM Career Pathway – Snapshot

• 2011 – Senior Consultant
• 2012 – Supervisor
• 2018 –  Senior Consultant
• 2021 – Team Manager

What attracted you to working in the travel industry?

I was fortunate to be raised in a family where my parents made sure that we always had at least one holiday a year and were exposed to many different countries and places. I found travel so fascinating and was a great way to learn about different cultures and how the other half live. It opens your eyes outside of the bubble you live in. There was no question for me that when it came to joining the workforce what industry I would like to work in.

You have had a long tenure at CTM. What was it about the business that made you hit “apply”?

I had been working in the corporate travel industry in Coventry when I moved to London as that is where my partner was based. I enjoyed working in corporate travel and knew I wanted to keep within this sector of the travel industry and that is when an opportunity with CTM arose. I had the opportunity for an interview, and it just felt like the right decision for me.

What has been your most valuable learning experience at CTM and why?

As a manager, one of the key skills you must develop is the ability to effectively collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, with unique skill sets, and varying experience levels. It is the mixture of these capabilities that truly makes the team I have the privilege of managing at CTM exceptional. Witnessing the personal and professional growth of my team members brings me a lot of joy in my role as I believe that being a great manager entails nurturing and fostering their development.

What has been your career highlight at CTM?

Outside of managing a fabulous team, I would say winning a CTM All Star Award. I was thrilled to receive the title of “Performer Of The Year,” a peer-nominated award. This recognition not only bolstered my confidence in my role but also reaffirmed that my dedicated efforts were acknowledged and appreciated.

Have you been given any opportunities that significantly impacted your career progression at CTM?

Attending a management skills course proved to be a pivotal experience that changed my perspective on how I approach tasks and responsibilities. The invaluable insights gained during this course made me examine my methods from a fresh angle, encouraging me to embrace innovative approaches.

What do you enjoy most about the CTM culture and why?

It is very supportive and flexible. For example, when my son started school, I wanted to be present for him by being home more – and for me, that meant I was willing to walk away from my role, however, CTM supported me with an opportunity to work remotely from home within the VIP team as a Senior Consultant (2018) full-time. I was blown away by their support during that period of my career and it really showed me how valued I was as a CTM employee.

What advice would you give to others considering joining CTM, or considering a change of career direction?

Just go for it! No two days are ever the same which is what makes it so interesting and exciting.

What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead at work? 

As a winner of a CTM All Star Award I will be heading to Duabi with all my other fellow CTM winners from around the globe. It is going to be an amazing experience to connect with everyone and celebrate our achievements.

In no more than 5 words, how would you describe your CTM employee experience?

Challenging, fast-moving, rewarding, fulfilling, and eventful