Emerging at 62: Why Leadership Doesn't Have an Expiration Date

I recently came across an award recognizing emerging leaders in the travel industry. I was interested enough to consider nominating myself.

Now, that's something I probably wouldn't have considered doing a few years ago. But I've learned that there's nothing wrong with recognizing what you've worked hard to accomplish.

Then I noticed one of the eligibility requirements.

Applicants must be 45 or younger.

Well, that certainly ruled me out! I'm 62.

At first, I shrugged it off. I understand wanting to encourage the next generation of travel professionals. That's important, and I wholeheartedly support it.

But the more I thought about it, the more that age requirement bothered me.

Not because I believe I'm entitled to an award. And certainly not because I want to take recognition away from someone younger.

It bothered me because I started thinking about all the experienced professionals who are doing something remarkable right now.

We're emerging, too.

Think About How Much We've Already Learned to Adapt To

When I entered the workforce, we didn't have the technology we take for granted today.

We did so much by hand. Paper records, handwritten notes, filing cabinets, and telephone calls were simply how business was conducted.

Then came computers.

Then the internet.

Then email, websites, online booking systems, smartphones, social media, and an entirely different way of doing business.

And every time something changed, we learned.

Some of us learned because we had to. Others learned because we were curious. Most of us probably experienced a little of both.

And here we are again, facing another enormous change: artificial intelligence.

But here's what I find so interesting.

We're not all standing on the sidelines wondering what happened to the world. Many of us are right in the middle of learning how to use these new tools.

I'm 62, and I'm Building Something New

I spent years owning and operating a catering business before building my career as a travel advisor.

Today, I'm an independent travel advisor specializing in cruises, hosted group travel, and helping people experience destinations they've dreamed about visiting.

I've hosted large groups, earned industry certifications, and received recognition for my travel business.

And I'm still learning.

In fact, some of the most exciting things I'm doing in my business today weren't even on my radar a year ago.

I'm learning how artificial intelligence can help me work more efficiently, share my travel knowledge, and better serve my clients.

I'm building a travel companion application.

I'm developing a library of articles based on my experiences and the questions travelers ask.

I'm learning about search visibility, digital publishing, and technologies that are changing how people discover and work with travel advisors.

Do I know everything? Goodness, no!

But I'm willing to learn. I'm willing to try. I'm willing to make mistakes, figure out what went wrong, and try again.

And I don't think that willingness has an expiration date.

I'm Not the Only One

One of the things that has encouraged me most is meeting other travel professionals through AI training sessions and industry education.

Many of the advisors I've encountered are in their 50s and 60s, and some are older.

These are experienced professionals who could easily decide they've learned enough.

Instead, they're showing up.

They're asking questions, exploring new tools, building new systems, and finding creative ways to improve their businesses.

They're investing their time and energy in the future.

And I think that's worth recognizing.

We sometimes talk about innovation as though it belongs primarily to younger generations.

But innovation isn't reserved for a particular age group.

Sometimes innovation comes from someone who has spent decades doing something one way and has the experience to recognize when there's a better way.

Experience and Innovation Belong Together

I believe younger professionals bring tremendous value to our industry. They offer fresh perspectives, new ideas, and energy that we need.

But experienced professionals bring something valuable, too.

We've navigated economic changes, technological revolutions, personal challenges, and career transitions.

We've learned how to build relationships, solve problems, recover from setbacks, and keep going when things don't turn out as planned.

And when we combine that experience with a willingness to embrace new technology?

That's a powerful combination.

The future of the travel industry shouldn't be about one generation replacing another.

It should be about generations learning from one another.

So What Exactly Is an Emerging Leader?

I understand that some leadership programs are designed specifically to encourage younger professionals. There's a place for that.

But I also think we should be careful about defining emerging solely by age.

What about the woman who starts her own business at 55?

What about the advisor who completely reinvents a successful business at 60?

What about the experienced professional who embraces artificial intelligence, develops new tools, mentors others, and helps move an industry forward?

Are those individuals not emerging into new leadership roles?

Are their contributions somehow less innovative because they've celebrated more birthdays?

I don't believe so.

Maybe we need to expand the conversation about what emerging leadership really means.

Not eliminate opportunities for younger professionals, but create room to recognize people who are continuing to grow and lead at every stage of their careers.

I'm Not Finished Becoming Who I'm Going to Be

At 62, I have no intention of sitting back and deciding I've learned enough.

There are places I still want to visit, people I want to help, experiences I want to share, and skills I haven't even discovered yet.

I want to keep building my business, learning new technology, and finding better ways to serve the travelers who trust me with their vacations.

And I know there are plenty of other professionals who feel exactly the same way.

We're not afraid of change.

We're embracing it.

So perhaps the next time we talk about emerging leaders, we should remember that leadership doesn't begin or end at a particular age.

Sometimes an emerging leader is 28.

Sometimes they're 42.

And sometimes they're 62, sitting at a computer, learning something completely new, and wondering what exciting opportunity might come next.

Because there's no age limit on curiosity, growth, or the willingness to lead.

Gina Renée

Independent Travel Advisor | Travel With Gina Renée

Where Every Trip Becomes a Story.