“Don't be scared to say yes”:
Saima Hamidi shares secrets to massive career pivots
In the latest episode of Inspiring Women in Travel Asia, hosted by Sumi Soorian, Advisor to the Phuket Hotels Association, Saima Hamidi, Regional Director of Supply Relations at Flight Centre Travel Group Asia, shared a compelling career journey that highlights resilience, adaptability and the power of embracing the unknown.
Originally trained as a mechanical engineer, Hamidi began her career in India’s manufacturing and defence sectors before making an unconventional leap into travel. What started as an MBA internship with Abacus (now part of Sabre) introduced her to the complexity and scale of the travel ecosystem, sparking a career that has now spanned more than 13 years.
Growing up in Bihar, one of India’s least-developed states, Hamidi credits generations of strong women in her family for encouraging her to challenge traditional expectations. As one of only six women in her mechanical engineering cohort, she learned early how to navigate male-dominated environments by building trust, demonstrating value and remaining open to learning from others.
Today, as part of Flight Centre Travel Group Asia’s leadership team, Hamidi is passionate about visibility and mentorship. She believes representation matters and actively supports emerging professionals by creating inclusive environments where every voice is heard. Her leadership philosophy centres on accessibility, continuous learning and empowering others through small but meaningful actions.
Reflecting on the transitions that have defined her career—from designing missile launchers to managing strategic supplier relationships across the travel industry—Hamidi emphasised the importance of stepping outside comfort zones. One of her boldest decisions was leaving a role without another opportunity secured, trusting that growth often comes from uncertainty.
Her advice to future leaders and industry professionals is simple yet powerful: “Don’t be scared to say yes.” For Hamidi, embracing unfamiliar opportunities, even when they seem daunting, is often the key to personal and professional growth.
