Laura Carden-Lovell is head of operations at Transfer Travel, based in Manchester.
Dubbed the ‘eBay for holidays’, Transfer Travel was founded in 2016 and provides flexible solutions for buyers and sellers across the globe. Laura joined the business in 2023 following senior roles at the likes of The Jacksonheim Property Group.
From career inspirations to job challenges, she shares her career journey and words of advice…
How did you first get into your industry?
I studied Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, but everything changed during my final year when COVID hit. Like a lot of people, I had no idea what was next. While volunteering at the mental health charity Mind, I decided to continue my studies with a master’s in Clinical Psychology.
During my master’s, I took a job at a start-up property management company, initially managing their social media. When the world started to open up again, I transitioned into an operational role. The business grew rapidly during my time there – from initially managing just two properties to over 35. Eventually, I found myself heading up a team of 15.
After three years, I got the call about an interview for the head of operations role at Transfer Travel – and the rest is history.
What do you love about your job?
Every day is different, and I’m constantly learning something new. I love having the autonomy to make big decisions and seeing the real impact they have.
Staying ahead of tech trends and upskilling across different areas is another highlight for me. Being invited to industry events, like travel and data roundtables, is such a great way to connect with likeminded professionals, hear their stories, and gain new insights.
I’ve always been passionate about travel and finding new ways to streamline operations. While I didn’t have much experience with tech platforms when I started, I picked it up quickly—and that’s one of the things I love most about working in a start-up. It’s fast-paced, and if you don’t know something, you figure it out. The travel tech industry was valued at $9.4 billion in 2022 and projected to reach $21 billion by 2032, it’s always evolving, which makes it so exciting.
Who – or what – has inspired you in your career?
It’s so hard to pinpoint just one source of inspiration because so many people and experiences have shaped the way I work and think. I’d say it’s a mix of mentors, colleagues, and the challenges I’ve faced throughout my career. Each has taught me something valuable and left a lasting impression.
I’m also an advocate of continuous learning and development. Inspiration often comes from unexpected places – whether it’s industry events, webinars, or simply listening to others share their experiences. You never know what you’ll learn or how it might influence and inspire your future growth.
What are the biggest challenges about your job?
Any start-up comes with its fair share of challenges, and Transfer Travel is no exception. Balancing risk management and trust-building in a peer-to-peer marketplace can be challenging. As the business scales, maintaining operational consistency while prioritising innovation can be a tricky balancing act. This is especially true when it comes to ensuring customer security – protecting personal information and safeguarding online payments requires constant attention.
Thankfully, we have a strong team and a robust tech stack behind us. While these challenges can never be overlooked, we have all the resources in place to tackle potential issues quickly and effectively.
What skills have been the most crucial to you succeeding in your career so far?
A mix of adaptability and people skills has been essential. I’m driven, curious, and love solving problems. I truly believe that hard work beats natural talent – if I put in the time and effort, I know I can learn whatever I need to move forward.
I’ve also learned to embrace being outside my comfort zone. As someone who’s naturally quite shy, pushing myself to take on opportunities I didn’t think I was ready for has been a game-changer for my career progression. My advice? Just go for it – you’ll figure it out along the way.
What was your first salary and what could someone getting into the industry expect to earn nowadays?
My first salary was £21,000. Nowadays, someone starting out in operations management can expect to earn between anywhere £25,000 and £35,000, depending on the company and location.
When you’re just starting out, it’s important not to focus too much on the money but instead on the skills and knowledge you’ll gain from it. That said, always make sure you research the salary bands for your role so you can make an informed decision.
What education or training would be most useful for someone looking to follow your career path?
My psychology degree was incredibly valuable – it taught me how to understand people, analyse behaviour, and think critically, all of which are transferable skills. However, times have changed, and the typical university route isn’t always necessary. There are so many ways to learn – TED talks, podcasts, and even TikTok has really informative content.
What matters most is being proactive and hard-working. Stay curious, keep learning, and gain real-life experience. Networking and hands-on work can take you further than you think.
What advice would you have for someone looking to follow your path?
Stay adaptable, open to the unexpected and talk to everyone. Some of my best opportunities have come from chance conversations in lifts or on the train. You never know who you might meet or where a quick chat could lead. Networking is powerful and can connect you to the right people at the right time. I’d also say to take risks, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re often the best way to learn.