Member Spotlight: Rebecca Brett, Managing Director – Retail Distribution, HBX Group

This week we're featuring Rebecca Brett, Managing Director – Retail Distribution at HBX Group. From the leadership lessons that have shaped her career to the values that guide her decision-making, Rebecca shares her perspective on resilience, mentoring the next generation and what continues to inspire her in the travel industry.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

One book that has stayed with me recently is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. It focuses on leadership, resilience and the importance of staying curious. I'm drawn to books that challenge how we think—particularly around people, change and performance—because those themes are so relevant to leading in today's travel industry.

What do you love most about the industry?

I love that travel is ultimately about people and relationships. Behind every booking is a moment that matters: a holiday, a business trip, a reunion or a new experience. It's a fast-moving, competitive industry, but it also has real purpose. We help connect people with the world, and that never stops being exciting.

What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?

People may be surprised to learn that I progressed through the industry from the ground up. I've worked across different levels of retail travel, and I still believe strongly in staying close to the detail. I'm very hands-on when needed because I think credibility as a leader comes from understanding the reality of the work.

What’s the toughest part of being in charge?

The toughest part is balancing empathy with accountability. As a leader, you care about your people and want to support them, but you also have to make decisions, drive performance and sometimes have difficult conversations. The key is to be honest, fair and clear while never losing sight of the human impact.

What are your nonnegotiables when it comes to work-life balance?

My nonnegotiable is being present where it matters most. There will always be busy periods, especially in leadership, but I believe in protecting time for family, health and perspective. You can't lead well if you're permanently running on empty. My children's birthdays are definitely something I don't miss.

What woman inspires you right now and why?

I'm inspired by women who lead with both strength and openness. The women who impress me most are those who deliver results, support others coming through and are honest about the realities of leadership. That combination of ambition, generosity, and authenticity is very powerful. I'm lucky to work with some amazing role models at HBX Group, so it would be hard to pick just one.

What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?

I'm closely tracking the role of AI and automation in travel distribution. Used well, AI can remove friction, improve productivity and create better experiences for customers and partners. The opportunity isn't to replace the human touch, but to make teams smarter, faster and more focused on where they add the most value.

What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?

I look for attitude as much as experience. Skills can be developed, but curiosity, accountability and a genuine willingness to learn are harder to teach. I want people who are commercially sharp, team-oriented and comfortable looking for solutions rather than only identifying problems.

What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?

It's been a rough year personally but an amazing year professionally. I've learned that I'm more resilient than I sometimes give myself credit for. The past year has reinforced that I can manage pressure, adapt quickly and still stay true to my values. It has also reminded me that asking for input and listening well are signs of strength, not weakness.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I've received is to be honest, even when the message is difficult. People may not always agree with you, but they will respect clarity and consistency. In leadership, trust is built when your words and actions match.

What values are most important to you as a leader?

Integrity, accountability and empathy are the values I come back to most. I believe in being clear about expectations, honest when something needs to improve, and fair in how we make decisions. I also think leaders have a responsibility to create confidence in their teams—not by having all the answers, but by listening well, making decisions and backing people to succeed.

What’s the most important thing people should know about you?

I care deeply about doing things properly and bringing people with me. I'm results-driven and competitive, but I believe the best results come when people understand the purpose, feel respected and know they're part of the solution. I'm approachable, hands-on and always willing to help where I can. I genuinely believe that when the door is held open for you, it's your responsibility to hold it open for others.

What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?

Be intentional. Hybrid working only works well when expectations are clear, communication is consistent and time together has real purpose. I try to make sure teams understand priorities, have regular touchpoints and feel trusted to deliver, while also creating space for collaboration, coaching and connection.

Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?

It's difficult to choose just one place because travel has given me so many memorable experiences. The places that stay with me most are those where the culture, people and atmosphere come together in a way that feels completely different from everyday life. I was lucky to take my family to Malaysia and Japan last year, and that was exactly that kind of trip for us. For me, the best travel moments are the ones that broaden your perspective and remind you why this industry matters.

What is the top item on your bucket list?

I'd love to take more time to experience destinations in a deeper way, not just visit them briefly. Travel can become very operational when you work in the industry, so one of my bucket list goals is to take a trip that is slower, more immersive and focused on truly experiencing the place, its people and its culture. I have my eye on Alaska next year.

What do you do to recharge?

I recharge by spending time with my family, walking my three dogs and stepping away from the noise of work when I can. I also find that simple things help: fresh air, time to think and moments where I'm not moving from one decision to the next. It gives me perspective and helps me come back with more energy and clarity.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Professionally, I'm proud of progressing through the industry from the ground up to a Managing Director role. That journey matters to me because it reflects resilience, hard work and the support of many people along the way.

I'm also proud when I see people I've worked with or mentored grow in confidence, take on bigger roles, and achieve more than they thought possible.

Personally, I'm very proud of how my daughter talks about me to others—and my son, too. But I do feel it's especially important for my daughter to see women playing leading roles and having a seat at the table.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Don't wait until you feel completely ready—or until you're invited to the party. Put yourself forward, ask questions, build your network and be clear about what you want. You can be ambitious and empathetic at the same time. You can be strong without losing your warmth. And you don't have to lead exactly like anyone else to be effective. If anyone underestimates you, that's on them, not you.

What gets you up in the morning?

The opportunity to make a difference. I enjoy solving problems, building better ways of working and helping teams and partners succeed. I'm motivated by progress, by seeing ideas turn into action and by knowing that the work we do can create real value for customers, colleagues and the business.

What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel?

What I value most is the sense of connection and shared learning. It's powerful to be part of a community where women can exchange experiences, support one another and have honest conversations about leadership, opportunity and change in our industry. Those networks matter—not only for individual growth, but for making the industry stronger and more inclusive.

Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn to learn more.