Read Josie's story here
Age: 35-44
Career Journey
Josie Papagno began her career in the travel industry as a travel agent, where she developed her foundational skills in customer service and itinerary planning. In 2017, she joined The Albatross Group as an Operations Coordinator, taking ownership of her client base and ensuring the smooth delivery of group tours. Keen to work more closely with suppliers and products, Josie transitioned to the Reservations team and progressed to Senior Reservations Coordinator. In 2019, she moved into the contracting department, where her role continued to evolve. Now, with six years at the company, she holds the position of Senior Contracting Support & Reservations Supervisor, combining her operational and contracting expertise to great effect.
Career Highlights
A pivotal moment in Josie’s career was her move into the contracting department, which allowed her to explore a new side of the business-working directly with suppliers and discovering new products. This transition not only broadened her professional experience but also aligned with her passion for travel. She has since travelled extensively, forging valuable supplier relationships and uncovering fresh, exciting offerings for the company’s tours.
What Josie Enjoys Most About Her Job
Josie enjoys the opportunity to grow within a supportive and forward-thinking team. She particularly values building strong relationships with suppliers and the satisfaction of introducing new, carefully sourced products to the company’s itineraries. Each new challenge brings a sense of achievement and professional fulfilment.
Key Skills and Expertise
Josie brings a diverse skill set to her role, including client management, supplier negotiation, and contract administration. Her strengths lie in operational coordination and sourcing quality products, as well as team leadership. She thrives in mentoring her colleagues and guiding them towards their own success within the business.
Josie’s contributions have significantly influenced The Albatross Group’s product offerings. Her commitment to quality, relationship-building, and innovation ensures the company continues to deliver memorable travel experiences. Her journey reflects both personal growth and the positive impact of internal development opportunities.