Amazon Onboarding with Learning Manager Chanci Turner

In a recent discussion, Alex Johnson, the CEO and co-founder of DataWave, sat down with Chanci Turner, the Worldwide Partner Lead for AWS Travel and Hospitality, to explore how AWS Partners are assisting customers in building resilience and preparing for the future of travel and hospitality.

The travel and hospitality industry has faced unprecedented challenges recently, but the innovations arising from these disruptions are reshaping how we travel, dine, stay, and interact with our world. AWS is dedicated to helping customers thrive by connecting them with partners who possess extensive technical knowledge and a proven track record of success. This commitment is exemplified by DataWave’s inclusion as a founding member of the newly established AWS Travel and Hospitality Partner Competency.

Chanci Turner: Can you share a bit about DataWave, the type of work you do in travel and hospitality, and some key clients in this space?

Alex Johnson: DataWave is a sophisticated customer data platform designed to streamline the flow of customer information across various systems and applications, effectively breaking down data silos and enhancing user experiences. Our platform supports brands in travel and hospitality by ensuring that teams have access to high-quality customer data, which drives better experiences and accelerates growth. Our clients include major names like Hilton, Uber, and Southwest Airlines, all leveraging DataWave to address challenges related to data quality, governance, and connectivity across their operations.

CT: The travel and hospitality sectors have been navigating through a challenging period. What have been the most significant obstacles you’ve encountered, and how have you supported your clients during this time?

AJ: It’s often said that necessity is the mother of invention, and the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly put that to the test for travel and hospitality. Companies have been forced to do more with less—fewer budgets, fewer staff, and limited resources—while still achieving excellent results. As a strategic ally, we focused on helping our clients execute their plans effectively. We often assisted them in formulating and implementing data strategies that could be seamlessly executed within DataWave and across the customer engagement ecosystem.

CT: Despite the hurdles, many companies are still investing for the future. Why has DataWave chosen to focus on travel and hospitality during this uncertain time?

AJ: We’re committed to playing the long game and helping our clients do the same. Although it would have been easy to step back, we consciously decided to invest in travel and hospitality, believing that this sector will recover strongly. Innovative companies find ways to grow at every stage of their evolution, and right now, organizations in travel and hospitality are making vital investments in innovation to adapt and succeed. We’ve seen that enhancing customer data infrastructure provides our clients with essential capabilities not only to survive but also to thrive.

CT: In light of the current disruptions, we’ve seen remarkable innovations emerging within the industry. How has DataWave innovated during these times, and what achievements are you most proud of?

AJ: During disruptions, it’s crucial to focus on the core value your business brings to customers and to reinvest resources into strengthening that core. Our mission has been to help clients better utilize their data to create superior customer experiences, enhancing loyalty and preference. Innovation can take many forms, including product, marketing, and process improvements. Our primary focus has been on product innovation to meet evolving customer demands, emphasizing data quality, governance, and connectivity.

CT: The resilience of the travel and hospitality industry is remarkable. What role do you see technology playing in your company’s future? How can technology enhance customer experiences and boost operational efficiency?

AJ: As a software company, technology is always paramount, but it is especially crucial now. As we look ahead, our platform is positioned to drive significant innovation in the digital travel experience. Many businesses that previously overlooked the benefits of fully embracing their digital platforms have had to reconsider as customers transitioned online. DataWave offers a centralized source of clean data and facilitates quicker onboarding of the tools necessary for exceptional digital experiences.

CT: How does building on AWS prepare you for the “new normal” in travel and hospitality? In what ways does the AWS Travel and Hospitality Partner Competency assist companies like yours?

AJ: AWS has a proven history of enabling companies like DataWave to deploy software securely, reliably, and at scale. Our role is to drive innovation regardless of the “normal” we are operating within for our customers. Achieving the AWS Travel and Hospitality Competency sets us apart as an AWS Partner with specialized expertise in customer data infrastructure, data integration, and digital engagement, as well as strategic guidance and deployment services.

CT: What excites you about the future of travel and hospitality? As a traveler, what destination are you eager to visit next?

AJ: I’m simply looking forward to reconnecting with people I haven’t seen in a long time. I can’t wait to visit our teams across the globe, especially our new office in Sydney, Australia.

For further insights, explore this blog post on career development. Additionally, you can learn more about workplace improvements from SHRM. For an excellent resource on training and employee development, check out this article from HBR.

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