Hermione Joye, Sector Lead - Travel & Vertical Search APAC, Google

As we prepare for our first-ever Women Leading Travel event in Asia, taking place in Bangkok this April, we’re inviting select leaders from the report to participate in a Women Leading Travel Spotlight — a way to share their stories, perspectives and leadership journeys with a global network of women shaping the future of travel.

This Spotlight features Hermione Joye, sector lead for Google's Travel, APAC Vertical Search, and SEA Sales Associate Program. As a leader shaping travel across the Asia-Pacific region, Hermione brings a global mindset and a deeply human approach to leadership.

What motivates you on difficult days?

My kids. Being a mom to three is the ultimate reality check and my greatest motivator. They remind me that leadership is about the legacy I’m building and the example of resilience I set. Their perspective keeps me grounded and focused on the long-term impact of my work.

What leadership skill has been most critical to your growth?

The ability to orchestrate collective ambition. My impact comes from protecting the space for “blue-sky” thinking while ensuring the team has the shared discipline to execute. I am intentional about building teams with complementary strengths. I don’t need to be the expert in every lane to be the catalyst for the team’s success.

What’s one challenge women leaders face in your region that deserves more attention?

The courage to be direct about our value. There is a socialized tendency to wait for permission or for our results to “speak for themselves.” We need to normalize clear self-advocacy. It isn’t an act of ego — it is a professional necessity to ensure that the best ideas and leaders receive the resources they deserve.

What does community mean to you as a leader?

Shared accountability. It’s about moving beyond a top-down hierarchy to build a culture where everyone is genuinely invested in the same mission. A real community is one where people are empowered to dream big because they know the collective grit of the group will make it a reality.

What advice would you give women building careers across borders?

Master the “why” before the “what.” When navigating new cultures and organizations, your greatest asset is disciplined curiosity. Don’t feel pressured to have every answer immediately. Build deep relationships and understand the underlying cultural drivers first; the strategy will be much more effective once you have the context.

Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to — and why?

Luang Prabang, Laos. It is a place of incredible sacredness, where the history and culture feel untouched. It was a defining trip for me because it allowed me to take my children into a completely different world — one defined by nature and human experience rather than technology. Bhutan is next on my list.

What would you want other women in travel to know about you?

That authenticity is a competitive advantage. You don’t need to shrink yourself into a traditional corporate archetype to lead at a high level. I value intuition and heart as much as data. After 14 years in this industry, I know that success comes from the humility to keep learning and the confidence to lead as exactly who you are.

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

I’m currently on a reading binge and have loved "The Nightingale," "The Paper Palace," "The Heart’s Invisible Furies" and "The Women" by Kristin Hannah.