In the world of luxury travel, Mandy McKaskle stands out, blending her passion for discovery with a commitment to creating transformative experiences. As the founder of Creosote Journeys, she has crafted a career rooted in connection, authenticity, and resilience. Levering her 18-year tenure in sales as a luxury hotelier, she has grown thriving business that helps clients design personalized travel stories filled with meaning and adventure.
Mandy’s path to leadership wasn’t linear. Like many entrepreneurs, she encountered challenges early in her career, including an unexpected layoff that forced her to reimagine her professional future. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, she reframed them as opportunities to learn and grow. This mindset shaped her philosophy on leadership: the importance of embracing mistakes, trusting instincts, and maintaining authenticity. Mandy believes these principles are especially important for women striving for leadership roles, encouraging them to find mentors, ask questions, and be unapologetically themselves.
Her work at Creosote Journeys reflects her belief in the transformative power of travel. For Mandy, each trip she plans is an opportunity to connect people not only to new destinations but also to deeper parts of themselves. By designing tailored experiences, she creates moments that foster connections between travelers and their loved ones, as well as the cultures and communities they encounter. From wildlife safaris in Botswana to culinary adventures in Croatia, her passion for crafting unique travel stories shines through in every detail.
Mandy’s commitment to sustainability and inclusion extends far beyond her business. She is a strong advocate for responsible travel practices, working with partners and organizations that prioritize preserving natural landscapes and uplifting local communities. She believes that tourism can be a force for good when clients are educated about the impact of their choices and encouraged to support local businesses, women-owned ventures, and sustainable initiatives. Her collaborations with organizations like Singita, which focuses on conserving African ecosystems while empowering nearby communities, exemplify this approach.
While the travel industry is predominantly female, historically, women were not always represented in executive leadership. Mandy has witnessed progress in advancing women into top roles, though she acknowledges there is still work to be done. She draws inspiration from other women who have broken barriers, and she strives to mentor those just beginning their journeys. For her, true leadership is rooted in connection, vulnerability, and a willingness to share the lessons learned along the way.
Mandy’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability, purpose, and human connection. Her work reminds us that meaningful relationships—whether built through travel or business—can inspire growth, innovation, and lasting impact. Mandy exemplifies how resilience, authenticity, and a focus on impact can turn challenges into opportunities. Her leadership inspires not just the travel industry but all who strive to make a difference in their communities and beyond.