May 5, 2022
3 min read
Naomi Walkland - VP of Marketing at Bumble
Naomi Walkland is someone who really makes us wish we had more hours in the day. As VP of EMEA marketing for global dating app
Bumble, she's always on the go, but still finds time for causes close to her heart — namely, female empowerment. She launched her panel and dinner series The Power of Quitting in 2017, with the aim of bringing together female executives from around the world (including Forbes 30 under 30 Insider,
Babba Rivera). She's also an advisor at
Ok Mentor, supporting women looking to break into creative industries.
Given all of the above (we could easily go on!), Naomi's work travel hacks, airport style and skill for finding a place to chill while on the road, are second to none.
Name your three favorite hotels?
Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire
. I got married there and it’s mine and my husband’s go-to romantic spot
Royal Senchi, Ghana
. It’s where my family spends Christmas every other year. It’s so serene and in the midst of nature, overlooking the Volta River.
Chateau Carbonneau
. We booked this three years ago for a wedding trip, and fell in love with it. We've been back every year since. It’s a chic B&B in a 19th-century castle with charming rooms and it’s own vineyard. They produce amazing wines!
What are your favorite "offices" while traveling?
Soho House
is always my go-to “office” while traveling.
Where would you go for a digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?
North Yorkshire. My husband is from there and it’s the place where we both switch off and enjoy the beautiful scenery, long walks and in the winter, evenings by the fire. It also helps that I have limited or no signal at my in-law's home.
You travel a lot for work, was this something you were seeking in a career? And how do you make it as relaxing and fun as possible?
At Bumble, I travel a lot as I oversee a number of markets. I feel incredibly lucky that my job allows me to visit beautiful cities. Every time I travel, I always allow myself an hour to walk around the city, grab a coffee, and pop into a few shops first. This ensures that I have some “relaxation” time.
What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?
Bose noise-canceling headphones
, whatever book I’m reading (currently
My Sister, the Serial Killer
by Oyinkan Braithwaite), and a portable charger.
Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jet lag?
- Drink lots of water ahead of the flight and during the flight.
- Do a workout as soon as you land whether at the hotel, local studio (I always go toSoul Cycle), run around the neighborhood, or an exercise routine in your hotel room.
- Aim to go to bed as late as you can when you land so you can adjust to the local time.
- Stick to the local time throughout. It is very easy to keep looking at the local time and your time back at home, but this makes it harder to adjust.
What's your go-to outfit for getting through security quickly, and still looking good?
ADAY throw and roll leggings
, grey cashmere jumper, and Superga trainers.
Beach, city or mountains?
Beach.
Early check-in or late check-out?
Early check-in.
Yoga or hotel gym?
Hotel gym.
