Introduction: The Moodie Davitt Report presents a new episode of ‘Redefining the Flightpath: Women in travel retail and aviation speak’, a podcast series celebrating the women shaping the future of global travel retail and aviation.
Hosted by Brands Director Hannah Tan, the series features candid conversations with female founders, changemakers and senior leaders, exploring the pivotal moments, challenges and lessons that have defined their careers.
In this episode, Paul & Shark Chief Commercial Officer Silvia Popescu, Head of Global Travel Retail Chiara Di Matteo and Global Travel Retail Area Manager Eleonora Forte discuss mentorship, women supporting women and strengthening fashion’s position in the channel.
For Paul & Shark’s travel retail leadership team, supporting women’s career development begins with creating opportunities for others to succeed.
That principle is central to Popescu’s approach to mentorship. Having first taken responsibility for travel retail while working at Bally, she has since helped both Di Matteo and Forte develop their careers in the channel.
“I measure my success through their success,” Popescu says. “They need their own spotlight. They need to be able to answer questions, face challenges, express themselves and remain true to themselves.”
Her colleagues’ nomination of Popescu as an inspiring woman for Voices of Impact, The Moodie Davitt Report’s International Women’s Day celebrations, reflects the support within the team. For Forte, that support has been instrumental in her professional growth.
“I’ve been fortunate to have Silvia and Chiara mentoring and supporting me, and I’ve grown thanks to them,” she says. “I couldn’t have done it without their support.”
Forte believes mentorship and management that leads by example can help the industry achieve greater gender balance. She calls for more opportunities for people entering the business, including internships that provide an initial route into the channel.
The team highlight the role of Women in Travel Retail and industry events in building connections and increasing female visibility. Popescu encourages active participation, while Di Matteo stresses the importance of maintaining dialogue in a challenging business environment.
“This industry needs to talk more, share ideas and meet face to face to discuss what’s working, what isn’t and what we can do,” Di Matteo adds. “Encouraging communication is fundamental.”
Championing fashion in travel retail
The discussion also explores how closer collaboration between airports, retailers and brands could strengthen fashion’s role in the channel.
Popescu highlights the importance of fashion representation on the TFWA board, alongside the need for airport and operator support in securing appropriate visibility and positioning.
“Fashion brands need particular attention because consumers move through airports so quickly,” she says. “We need support from operators and airports to give fashion brands visibility and good positioning.”
Forte says the same openness should extend beyond individual teams to relationships between brands and other industry stakeholders. She also calls for a broader fashion presence at the exhibition.
“From a fashion perspective, I would like to see the exhibition include more fashion brands and expand the category’s presence,” she says.
Di Matteo acknowledges the complexity of operating fashion and luxury businesses in an environment where travellers often have limited shopping time. “Fashion requires space and very good service, which is essential when people are shopping while travelling and have limited time,” she says.
She emphasises the need for experienced management willing to champion the category and help deliver the conditions it requires.
Finding a mentor – and enjoying the ride
Asked what advice they would give their younger selves, the three women return to the importance of personal motivation, supportive relationships and perspective.
For Forte, the starting point is understanding what matters amid the competing messages of social media and other platforms. “Listen to what matters to you” she says. “That’s what will help guide you in the future.”
Di Matteo urges those entering the industry to pursue work they love, develop resilience and seek guidance from someone who can help them realise their ambitions.
“Do something you love. If you love your job, remain resilient and find motivation within yourself, half the job is done,” she says. “The other half is finding a good mentor.”
Popescu’s advice is to recognise the rewards of the journey while resisting excessive self-imposed pressure. “The advice I would give myself is to enjoy the ride. It’s a fantastic journey with some wonderful views along the way, and there’s always time to learn.
“Take it step by step and don’t put too much pressure on yourself,” she adds. “It might sound relaxing when I describe it this way, but it’s a speed race. Even so, enjoy the ride.” ✈
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