'Everyone had a black luggage': How Away shook up the travel industry

This week, Away CEO Jessica Schinazi takes us behind one of the most recognizable names in travel — and what it takes to keep building when the market moves faster than ever. In this conversation, we dive into:

00:00: Introduction

02:04: From Brazil and France to building a life in New York

02:41: How family dynamics shaped Jessica’s leadership style

03:16: Leadership lessons from Dyson, Amazon and LVMH

06:09: Away’s brand strategy and competitive advantage

08:48: Joining Away at a pivotal moment

11:11: How Away navigated previous leadership challenges and COVID

14:18: Jessica’s approach to fostering a positive company culture

16:17: First priorities as CEO: Why Jessica spent her first year visiting every Away store and factory before putting her strategy in place

19:07 Ad

20:06: Where Away sees opportunity in the market

21:05: Away’s social media and lifestyle marketing strategy

23:32: How brands can navigate copycats and dupes

26:09 Ad

27:31: How Away navigates challenges in a volatile business landscape

29:08: How Away, a poster child of the DTC boom, is expanding into retail and wholesale

32:22: Finding the balance between DTC and wholesale

33:58: Away’s brand partnership strategy

36:48: How Away is rethinking its products around different travelers' pain points — including with a new so-called “closet on wheels”

38:13: Away’s expansion into softside luggage and new categories

41:33: Away’s international growth and localization strategy

45:05: How Away is approaching AI for business and travel

47:28: How Jessica balances daily priorities for sustainable growth

49:30: Jessica's response to potential IPO plans

50:08: Jessica’s 10-year vision for Away

52:17: Audience question

53:46: Rapid-fire round

This episode is brought to you by our show sponsors:

• QUO: Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.quo.com/BTB • MasterClass: Get at least 15% off any annual membership at https://www.masterclass.com/BTB

🚀 Season 2 of Behind the Business is here, featuring the leaders of brands including Airbnb, Rivian, NYSE, Canva, Samsung, Poppi, Peloton, Revolve, Lucid Motors, PHLUR, The Points Guy and Away. New episodes Thursdays.

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🎙️ About Behind the Business

Behind the Business is a Webby Award-winning, thoughtfully produced video podcast grounded in the belief that business is in fact personal. This is not a fawning interview show. We pair deep research with thorough interviews — asking the real questions and avoiding fluff, while keeping it fun! What’s the toughest day you’ve ever had at work? How did you get started when you practically had no money? Or how do you mentally prep for a big event? In each episode, guests get into it all. Each episode also connects guests with young founders who send in a question. New episodes Thursdays.

About Michelle Toh Michelle is an award-winning international journalist, most recently a longtime reporter at CNN. She's covered top stories in global business, including the chip and trade wars, world-leading IPOs, the corporate response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Europe's energy crisis and China's property problems. Previously, she was with FORTUNE. She has reported for The New York Times, TIME and South China Morning Post.

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