Time’s up. A new era. The great reckoning. Whatever you call it, or whichever hashtags you put on it, it’s today. The time right now is about women. Here in conversation with T3FS Magazine, Jyoti Mayal, Director, New Airways Travel share about her three decades of experience being women in the travel industry.
“A Woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture & transform” – Jyoti Mayal
Q. More than a decade of dynamic professionalism…….a longer journey to imbibe success and fame. To begin with, I would like you to enlighten us with your vocational trail that is truly archetypal for the world to look into.
Education & upbringing in my mind has a great impact on your growing up & plays a very important role in life but it’s not always about schools & colleges. Informal education & life is the greatest educator. I was a successful Interior & Furniture Designer before I joined the travel industry & my husband, Balbir Mayal at New Airways Travels. I have also done my B.ED. & Graduation from Delhi University & and Diploma in Travel & Tourism from Bombay. I joined my husband in a flourishing travel business & thus did not face any big challenges & was welcomed by the industry, it’s now nearly 3 decades but learning is constant.
Q. What transitioning taught you about womanhood?
I am proud to be a woman. I was the most pampered child in my family, thoroughly spoilt & could get away with anything. I was brought up in a close-knit highly educated family with lots of cousins of both genders all around & though I did my schooling from a convent, the gender difference was never a thought. Transition into womanhood was adapted very easily as I grew.
Q. Life is a now a global competition to face on. How do you deal with the conditions you feel to be entangled in to?
Life is beautiful & certainly has its challenges but there here are no drawbacks to being a woman, as a matter of fact being a woman you can get away with a lot. It is certainly beautiful to be a Woman. Woman for sure is a better organizer, better worker and can handle situations more effectively. We are used to multi-tasking & are thus better at any job we take up. I believe in having courage, integrity, humility and focus along with the ability to plan strategically and love to catalyze cooperation amongst my team, whom I always respect. I take up challenging tasks & am a persistent worker. My downside is I am a straight forward person & vocal about the same.
Q. Give some closing comment by advising and reflecting yourself to inspire other women’s.
I now have a vast experience of over 3 decades in Travel Tourism, Hospitality & the MICE Industry. I currently hold the position of Hon. Secretary-General of the Travel Agents Association of India. I have great relationships in place with my members for me they are my extended family. I would do anything in my capacity to support them whenever needed. I have tried to educate our members & bring opportunities on the forefront for them. I have tried to make our connect & communication with the airlines, consulates, embassies & government stronger. I sincerely believe in giving back to the industry & society both from which I have gained so much. I also represent on various boards including the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, Government of India & other Travel, Tourism & Hospitality bodies for different aspects of Travel, Tourism & Skill Development. Three years back I started Redhat Communications for events & exhibitions. I love meeting people & making new friends. Life is too short & we should be accumulating happiness.
I also strongly believe in supporting Woman & Girl Child which is my tag line for children's expo Jack & Jill I hold every year under Redhat Communications.
I personally have not had any bad experience in life I have been loved & respected by the industry. Life has given me many good friends, well-wishers & acquaintances.
An important aspect of being a woman – we need to be inspired by each other & our selves. We make ourselves go weak; we show our weaknesses & at times also hide behind them. Inspiration comes in many forms, in many ways… when we least expect it and when we do. I think inspiration is all around us, we just have to be ready for it and see it when it’s in front of us. We have to be open to being inspired and that comes back to our attitude, our level of gratitude and our belief in hope for ourselves and for those around us.
One point which I have always been emphasizing about is that more and more women should join the travel industry which in turn would make tourism and our country a safer place to move around in. We should encourage more women drivers, guides, police & in other hospitality & travel jobs. We should empower woman & let them make their own decisions
My most sincere advice to the young women who steps into the working atmosphere would be, Do not be intimidated or patronized by your superiors. No one is superior to you. You are answerable to yourself. Lead your life boldly with your head held high. Do not give in to any wrong demands. Have the courage to say NO and respect yourself & also teach yourself to walk out of any situation you do not want to be in. One door closes many more open.
SLICE OF LIFE
1. You believe in taking risk or plan beforehand. – Some of both
2. Your high points. My love of life …laughter & happiness
3. Your low points. My straightforwardness
4. Favorite industry leader - My Husband – Balbir Mayal (Worked selflessly for TAAI & the Industry)
5. Novel you are inspired with. - Ayn Rand – The Fountainhead
6. A movie that motivates you. – Gone with the Wind
7. How you spend your day on day off. – Enjoying my husband & children’s company ( Balbir, Jahnavi & Montek) Reading & listening to music.