Kirsty Gordon, the visionary force behind Anywhere in Africa Safaris, where adventure meets unparalleled luxury. As the owner and CEO, Kirsty has cemented her place as a prominent figure in the travel industry, bringing her decades of expertise and passion for Africa to every aspect of her work. Kirsty’s journey in the industry began with a spark of curiosity and a love for travel. After completing her studies in Travel and Tourism, she swiftly found herself immersed in the bustling world of corporate travel in Cape Town.
Under the mentorship of industry icon Sally Omolony, Kirsty honed her skills in attention to detail, logistics, and the art of crafting unforgettable incentive travel experiences. Kirsty Gordon, the visionary force behind Anywhere in Africa Safaris, where adventure meets unparalleled luxury. As the owner and CEO, Kirsty has cemented her place as a prominent figure in the travel industry, bringing her decades of expertise and passion for Africa to every aspect of her work. Kirsty’s journey in the industry began with a spark of curiosity and a love for travel. After completing her studies in Travel and Tourism, she swiftly found herself immersed in the bustling world of corporate travel in Cape Town. Under the mentorship of industry icon Sally Omolony, Kirsty honed her skills in attention to detail, logistics, and the art of crafting unforgettable incentive travel experiences. We at EliteX, are proud to introduce Kirsty Gordon as one of the 10 Elite Women in Business 2024.
Driven by a relentless passion for Africa and its people, Kirsty’s career trajectory took her to new heights. She ventured into creating extraordinary events for corporate entities with Chameleon Indabas, a subsidiary of the Felix Unite Group. Yet, her entrepreneurial spirit beckoned, leading her to establish her own ventures, including WebTour Africa and Heading South Africa.
However, life’s journey often takes unexpected turns. A brief hiatus to pursue equestrian dreams in the UK offered Kirsty a moment of reflection. Despite the challenges she faced, her unwavering love for Africa and travel beckoned her back to the industry she cherished.
“As Kirsty Gordon navigates the ever-changing landscape of the travel industry, her resilience and innovation stand as a beacon of hope, inspiring women to redefine success on their own terms.”
With a wealth of experience under her belt, Kirsty embarked on a new chapter by founding Anywhere in Africa Safaris. Combining her expertise with a network cultivated over 32 years, Kirsty crafted a company dedicated to delivering unparalleled safari experiences across the continent. Kirsty’s motivation stems from a lifelong love affair with travel. From crewing on a catamaran in the Caribbean to serendipitously finding her path in travel and tourism, her journey embodies the essence of adventure and discovery.
Maintaining a high-profile position while nurturing a fulfilling personal life is no easy feat. Yet, for Kirsty, her passion seamlessly intertwines with her work, blurring the lines between profession and personal fulfillment. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kirsty’s unwavering dedication kept Anywhere in Africa Safaris afloat, proving that passion truly conquers all. In 2021, Kirsty made a conscious decision to prioritize her well-being by delineating clear boundaries between work and personal life. While challenges may arise, her commitment to maintaining this balance remains steadfast.
In the dynamic realm of business, few voices resonate as strongly as Kirsty Gordon’s, the luminary figure steering the course of Anywhere in Africa Safaris. With her unwavering determination and boundless passion for travel, Kirsty has shattered barriers and redefined standards, establishing herself as a beacon of leadership and inspiration for women entrepreneurs worldwide. While the travel industry boasts a strong female presence, Kirsty’s journey hasn’t been without its obstacles. Amidst the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, she encountered criticism for her relentless dedication to sustaining her business. Yet, Kirsty’s resilience prevailed as she realized that such remarks stemmed from individuals grappling with their own uncertainties. Reframing her perspective, she reclaimed her narrative, reaffirming her commitment to Anywhere in Africa Safaris with unwavering resolve.
Reflecting on pivotal moments, Kirsty highlights the decision to reinvent Anywhere in Africa Safaris in 2015 as a game-changer. This bold step propelled her towards unprecedented growth and success, solidifying her position as an industry trailblazer. At the heart of Kirsty’s leadership lies a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Through open communication, fairness, and trust, she cultivates an environment where every voice is heard and valued. By mentoring her team, clients, and suppliers alike, Kirsty fosters a culture of collaboration and unity, ensuring that Anywhere in Africa Safaris remains synonymous with excellence and inclusivity.
“Passion fuels perseverance, and perseverance leads to success. Kirsty Gordon’s journey exemplifies this truth, inspiring women to chase their dreams relentlessly.”
For aspiring women in business, Kirsty emphasizes the importance of listening, approachability, and kindness. By harnessing empathy and compassion, women can cultivate trust and loyalty, laying the foundation for sustainable success. In a rapidly evolving industry, Kirsty remains at the forefront of innovation by staying abreast of industry trends and enhancing her skills. From attending high-profile events like We Are Africa to embarking on immersive site visits, Kirsty’s dedication to excellence knows no bounds.
When confronted with challenges, Kirsty approaches decision-making with a steadfast resolve, likening it to building a house on secure foundations. By trusting her instincts and surrounding herself with a loyal, capable team, Kirsty navigates the complexities of the business landscape with confidence and clarity. To aspiring entrepreneurs, Kirsty offers invaluable advice: trust your instincts, surround yourself with a trustworthy team, and remain open-minded to new ideas and possibilities. By embracing these principles, women can chart their course towards entrepreneurial success with unwavering conviction.
Looking ahead, Kirsty is energized by upcoming initiatives, particularly her focus on enhancing Anywhere in Africa Safaris’ social media presence and venturing into podcasting. With her innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence, Kirsty continues to redefine the boundaries of success in the travel industry. In the ever-evolving landscape of business, Kirsty Gordon continues to chart new territories and inspire others with her unwavering resilience and visionary leadership. As the founder of Anywhere in Africa Safaris, Kirsty embodies the essence of empowerment, fostering a culture of positivity and camaraderie within her team while navigating through setbacks with grace and determination.
For Kirsty, the cornerstone of Anywhere in Africa Safaris lies in open communication, active listening, and a shared sense of purpose. Through regular Zoom meetings and in-person gatherings at picturesque venues, Kirsty ensures that her team remains connected and engaged, fostering a supportive environment where every voice is heard and valued.
Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic presented unforeseen challenges for Kirsty and her team. Yet, rather than succumbing to despair, Kirsty seized the opportunity to innovate and adapt. By shifting the focus towards social media and digital marketing, Anywhere in Africa Safaris remained a beacon of hope amidst uncertainty, emerging stronger and more resilient than ever before. Looking ahead, Kirsty envisions a future where women continue to rise and thrive in the world of business. With their innate leadership qualities and empathetic nature, women have the power to shape inclusive and supportive work environments, fostering loyalty and trust among staff, suppliers, and clients alike. Kirsty advocates for recognition and empowerment for women in all spheres of life, urging them to stand firm in their beliefs and aspirations.
In addition to her invaluable insights, Kirsty shares her recommended books for fellow women in business:
- The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
As Kirsty’s journey unfolds, her commitment to empowerment, resilience, and innovation continues to inspire women entrepreneurs around the globe. Through Anywhere in Africa Safaris, Kirsty invites travelers to embark on transformative journeys, forging unforgettable memories amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Africa.
Kirsty Gordon’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and visionary leadership. Through Anywhere in Africa Safaris, she not only redefines the safari experience but also inspires women worldwide to dream big, defy expectations, and carve their path towards lasting success in the dynamic world of business.
“In the realm of business, visionary leadership is the catalyst for transformation. Kirsty Gordon’s unwavering commitment to excellence sets a remarkable standard for entrepreneurs worldwide.”