Interview with Sam Rykers

What’s your industry background and current role?

I started with Flight Centre as a retail travel consultant over 12 years ago. After a number of different roles, management recognised my passion for finding more efficient ways of doing things and I moved into an implementation and business improvement role in 2011. In 2018 I was appointed as Head of Technology and Implementations, where I’m involved in rolling out new tech within our own business, on boarding clients and deploying newly released products. I’m also currently on the FCM Australia Executive Team, Global Implementation Executive Team and Corporate Technology Executive Team.

What do you think makes a great leader?

Someone who leads with kindness. They have high expectations of their people, but they also create a highly supportive environment to help bring out the best in others.

What benefits do women bring to the table?

I have found that women in senior roles have a great ability to multitask, they also embody empathy and care which allows them to think of people first in the decisions they make.

Who has been your greatest influence?

There are three incredibly influential people who come to mind.

My dad - who taught me about problem solving, staying level-headed in various circumstances and professionalism.

My husband - who encouraged me to find a balance, or as he likes to call it work-life-integration. He also taught me to recognise my worthiness when deciding to take the next step in my career and to reach for the stars and continuously move forward.

The wonderful Melissa Elf, FCM General Manager Australia - who is the epitome of a leader who successfully leads with kindness, honesty, genuine care and supportiveness.

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learnt?

That you aren’t always right! As a leader you need to listen to other opinions and to other people in all areas across the business, before making a decision. It’s also essential to own up and admit when you have made a bad decision.

What’s the best decision you have ever made?

Having my son, who is now three years old.

What’s the worst decision you’ve made?

Putting work first and working ridiculous hours, seven days a week. But now that I have learnt to prioritise my family and health, I am a better leader and better operator.

What’s the biggest barrier for women in progressing their career?

Ourselves! So many women have ‘imposter syndrome’ where they doubt their abilities. We often think that if we can’t do something 100%, all the time, that we shouldn’t put our hands up for a new role. 

What do you think deters some women from aspiring to top leadership roles?

I have spoken to many women who assume that to be at the top of their field they need to be super strong, married to their job, lead like a man and that they will never have any job flexibility. However leadership is about genuineness and if you choose your employer carefully they will recognise the need for all leaders to manage both work and family commitments. When more companies recognise the need for a family friendly culture, as FCM does, more women will be encouraged to take on senior roles.

What advice would you give to any woman considering the next step in their career?

I’d say you DO deserve a spot at the table! So talk to someone who has been in the role that you want to move into to get their insights. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Then if it’s right for you – go for it!

Would you like to see more women in technology roles?

Definitely. There’s a perception that senior technology roles are male dominated, but that’s not the case anymore. In fact, three of our five Brand Heads of Tech are women and the rest of the department is evenly balanced across genders.

‘Each for Equal’ is the theme for IWD 2020 - what does equality mean to you?

For me it means ensuring that women not only have access to the same opportunities as men but also the support to overcome circumstances which might hinder their progression. For example women may need back-to-work training opportunities when returning from maternity leave. Things change very quickly, especially in the tech space, so support to get back up to speed helps both the employee and the business.