As Head of Supply for Stage and Screen, Linh is no stranger to making big decisions. But an unexpected diagnosis in 2020 left her facing life changing choices of her own.
You get back what you put in
In just seven years, Wonitta Atkins has progressed her career, starting as a Travel Relationship Manager to National Operations Leader at Stage and Screen. Wonitta is passionate about mentoring and developing the leaders of the future.
Tell us a bit about your path into a leadership role.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be leading our operations team at Stage and Screen. Our company has a Brightness of Future philosophy, which is about developing people and providing them with opportunities, and it's something that we really live and breathe. It’s such a supportive environment, with lots of learning and development including structured training, mentoring and on the job opportunities. I was told very early on in my career at Stage and Screen that you can have 11 different careers or roles within Flight Centre Travel Group, and I’ve had four already, so it’s definitely possible!
Is there a secret to your success in leadership?
It’s all about people and relationships. If you invest in your people, bring them on the journey, give and receive feedback, and be really clear about what you are trying to achieve together, I believe it drives a culture of ownership, empowerment and success. Everything flows from that. I value the feeling of family and that’s what I try to create in my team. We all have a common goal and work hard, but have a good time as well. I’m also a big believer in celebrating success. I consider myself very lucky to have this role and be a leader in an industry I’m so passionate about.
Your daughters are 13 and 14; why is it important that they see you as a working mum?
My girls can see that I work hard and I’m really passionate about it. I love what I do and they see and feel that energy, and now can appreciate that when you put a lot into something, you get a lot out of it. I want to be an example to them in terms of work ethic, how I treat people, and I want them to see that you can be successful with values of kindness and humility. They can see that if you want to be successful, you need to put the work in – nothing is handed to you. At the same time, I know it’s important to be present when I am home with them. This is something I have had to work on and continue to do, to maintain the balance of work and home. Just like at work I want to ensure that my girls have a strong community, a place that they want to bring their friends to and are proud of themselves and the people around them.
