In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women in Travel Risk Management Month, we are shining a spotlight on some of the incredible female leaders at World Travel Protection.
These inspiring women, with their diverse expertise and leadership across key areas, play a pivotal role in driving innovation, shaping strategic direction and embodying our mission to empower travellers to journey safely and confidently.
We spoke with World Travel Protection’s Alerah Turner (Chief Operating Officer), Julie Saunders (General Manager – Medical Assistance), Claire Johnson (Marketing Director), and Jennifer Marsland (Regional Business Development Director). Through their stories, we explore the defining moments in their careers, the challenges they’ve overcome and the insights they share for aspiring leaders in the travel risk management industry.
Q: In your career journey, what has been the most pivotal moment that helped shape your path to leadership? How did you navigate any challenges to reach where you are today?
Alerah Turner: One of the most pivotal moments in my career was stepping into a leadership role for the first time. Transitioning from being an individual contributor to leading a team required a shift in mindset. I had to move beyond excelling in my own role to enabling others to succeed. My focus shifted from individual output to fostering a strong, resilient, engaged team and ensuring we had the right strategies in place to be effective and contribute to the overarching strategic goals of the organisation.
Navigating this transition required me to balance strategic decision-making with empowering my team, whilst maintaining trust and credibility. I learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about creating an environment where people feel supported, trusted, and equipped to make decisions confidently.
Jenn Marsland: A pivotal moment in my career was when I had the opportunity to work under a wonderful boss who believed in me, recognised my potential and encouraged me to apply for a director role. As an individual contributor, I was extremely successful, consistently demonstrating leadership skills by working with colleagues across the globe, managing expectations, and navigating cultural differences. This experience allowed me to build strong relationships and gain a deep understanding of diverse perspectives.
My boss’s support and belief in my abilities were instrumental in my transition to a leadership role. Additionally, my core leadership values of positivity and adaptability have been crucial in overcoming obstacles and driving growth in my role as Head of Sales for North America at World Travel Protection. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the travel industry came to a halt, I pivoted to a Silicon Valley startup specialising in identity verification technology. This shift forced me to stretch beyond my usual expertise and reinforced the importance of taking risks and being open to change.
Claire Johnson: The concept “what got you here, won’t get you there” was something I learned early in my leadership journey. It gave me permission to ask for help and motivation to build a new skillset that helped me transition into the role.
The jump to leadership from the oftentimes solo act as a writer was a challenge for me. I was lucky enough to surround myself with a good mentor who shared frameworks, a good reading list, colleagues willing to invest in giving me feedback, and a patient team who helped me navigate the shift to delegation and collaboration.
Julie Saunders: A pivotal moment in my leadership journey was transitioning from a health background with specialised knowledge to a very different corporate environment. Understanding that both sectors complimented each other, allowed me to continue to build on my leadership approach and broaden my perspective. I had to lean into the feeling of uncertainty and change but of course, this is where you learn the most about yourself and leadership style. I have been fortunate in my career to have had some great mentors who have not only supported my journey but challenged me; and it is these diverse, constructive perspectives that have often helped me refine my approach or at times stay true to my leadership style.
Q: What advice would you give to women who are starting their careers in your field and/or in the travel risk management industry?
Alerah Turner: For women starting their careers into the Travel Risk Management industry or stepping into an executive role, my biggest advice is to be confident in your capabilities and actively seek opportunities for growth. Don’t hesitate to voice your ideas, ask questions, and take on new challenges, even if they push you outside your comfort zone, this is ultimately where you develop.
It’s also essential to surround yourself with a strong network of mentors and colleagues who can support and inspire you. Travel risk management is an evolving industry, and there is room for more women to step into leadership roles. The global landscape of travel risks are always shifting, and being open to change, embracing new opportunities, and continuously learning will help you stay ahead. By embracing challenges and staying confident in your capabilities, you can build a rewarding and impactful career.
Jenn Marsland: My advice to women starting their careers in travel risk management or any career is to embrace positivity and adaptability. Believe that things happen for a reason and that challenges will eventually work out. Be open to change and willing to take risks. No one will tap you on the shoulder and promote you; you have to apply, ask, and put yourself out there. Additionally, seek mentorship and learn from others in the industry. I mentor through GBTA’s WINiT program, helping mentees explore their career paths and develop their leadership skills. Surround yourself with diverse perspectives and strengths, and don’t hesitate to ask for what you want or go after opportunities.
Claire Johnson: You’re qualified. And you don’t have to job justify. When you’re in a meeting, you were invited because you have something to add – don’t feel like you have to prove why you’re there.
I’ve been on both sides of the coin. There’ve been meetings where I spoke too much or not enough because I second-guessed myself. Over time you’ll find the right balance of speaking up while being more focused on listening to learn than listening to find a spot for you to jump in and justify your invite.
And for bonus points – keep space for humility. As your experience grows and you build confidence in your abilities, stay humble and open to improvement.
Julie Saunders: My advice would be to embrace the demands of a constantly evolving industry. Travel Risk Management is an industry that needs a number of different disciplines in the evolution of addressing the new challenges and the diverse risk that travellers face today. There have been huge advancements in how travellers and industries connect and integrate technology to better protect travellers. This is fertile ground to grow a career and invest in yourself and skills.
Consider building a network of peers and leaders who both support and challenge you. Recognise that, as a woman and a professional, you bring a unique perspective to the industry. Travel risk management is an industry full of unique moments so be sure to embrace the opportunities that come along as this will help develop your skills and experience.
Q: How has your experience working at World Travel Protection shaped your perspective on security and risk management?
Alerah Turner: Working at World Travel Protection has reinforced the importance of proactive risk management and strengthened my understanding of the critical role proactive risk management plays in keeping travellers safe. Medical, security and travel assistance services are not just about reacting to incidents-they’re about anticipating challenges, preparing for them, and ensuring that people have the right support when they need it most.
It has also deepened my appreciation for the human side of travel risk management, understanding that behind every case is a person, a family, or an organisation relying on us for support and guidance. This perspective drives the way I approach decision-making, emphasising both operational effectiveness and empathy. At its core, effective risk management isn’t just about policies and protocols; it’s about protecting people and enabling them to navigate the world with confidence.
Ultimately, my time at World Travel Protection has reinforced my passion for this industry. The work we do makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and that’s what drives me every day to ensure that no matter where people are in the world, they feel supported and protected.
Jenn Marsland: Working at World Travel Protection has profoundly shaped my perspective on security and risk management. Our work is not just about selling services; it’s about saving lives and helping business travellers navigate risks, from securing safe accommodations to managing major crises like medical emergencies, political unrest, or natural disasters.
I landed in Paris in 2015 during the terror attacks where multiple venues were attacked at the same time. This experience solidified my understanding of the real need for travel risk management and deeply influenced my commitment to this field.
This role has highlighted the importance of being prepared and proactive in addressing potential threats. It has also reinforced the need for a strong, supportive team and leadership structure to effectively manage and mitigate risks. The flexibility and support I receive at World Travel Protection allow me to balance my professional responsibilities with my personal life, further enhancing my commitment to our mission.
Claire Johnson: Seeing the work that goes into enabling safe travel has given me a deeper appreciation for just how many risks can be avoided with proactive safety measures. Prior to joining the industry, I unintentionally relied on luck to keep me safe. I spent all my time planning activities and where to eat without ever thinking about what to do if something went wrong.
Now I take a more holistic approach to vacation planning. Utilising World Travel Protection’s foreseeability of risk model, I now consider risks factors based on the individual (me and anyone I’m travelling with), the destination, and what activities we’re going to do. While there’s still plenty of time spent building an itinerary, I also make sure to look up emergency numbers, take out travel insurance, and have copies of important documents just in case.
Julie Saunders: Working at World Travel Protection has greatly expanded my understanding of the intersection of a traveller’s personal experience and the umbrella of security and travel risk management, which is: a powerful combination of human expertise, technology, proactive planning, and real time responsiveness.
Every day, I witness the support our teams provide travellers and it certainly reinforces the need to ensure that you have access to a team of highly skilled individuals whether you are travelling for work or leisure. I certainly take a more proactive approach to travel now and cringe looking back at some of the risks I took as a young traveller.
