What did it mean to you to win a 2025 Business Travel People Award?
I was entered for Mentor of the Year and wasn’t a winner in that category. When the brief appeared on screen for the person that had won, I was thrilled to read what a great job he was doing. He (Anam Hussain, Internova Group) was a really deserving winner, and as long as someone out there is advocating for young people then I am happy.
When the end of the night rolled around and the Chair’s award was announced, it was the last thing I was expecting. It meant a great deal to me that the Chair thought our work warranted such an accolade. Sometimes you feel like such a small voice and winning this award has most definitely elevated what we do.
How did you feel when your name was called?
Incredibly overwhelmed, shellshocked and very emotional, but overall I was just delighted that what we do here at Blue Cube has been recognised.
What was the reaction of your family, friends and colleagues when you won the award?
I spend every day telling people just how proud I am of them, whether it’s people within our own organisation or at home with my own children. It was an odd feeling being on the receiving end of that very same comment. Everyone said just how proud they were of me and that it was well deserved. The warmth and genuine kind wishes I received from everyone was just as overwhelming as receiving the award on the night.
How do you think winning the award will impact your profile in the wider industry?
I hope a lot of people see and understand what we do at Blue Cube already and that was maybe the reason for being chosen for the Chair’s award. That said, having your name up in lights is never a bad thing!
What advice would you give to anyone considering entering the awards?
I’m a huge advocate of the awards, which is why we always bring a cohort of our younger team members every year. I believe it gives them something to aspire to outside of the Blue Cube walls. The sense of pride and achievement when your name is called is like nothing else, even for the most humble amongst us!
Where do you keep your award?
Currently it’s sitting pride of place in our office, along with one or two others we’ve won along the way.
