Cole Banks is the Founder of Sisters Traveling Solo where she helps drive the travel culture for sisters with unmatched global travel experiences. Her passion for traveling, solo experiences, and wanting to help other sisters led to the creation of Sisters Traveling Solo. The idea was sparked after Cole read an online post discouraging black women from traveling solo. As a woman of color, the post disturbed Cole who frequently travels the world solo–and she knew she was not alone. The Sisters Traveling Solo Facebook page is a community of over 70,000 women from all over the world, and there, they get to share experiences, travelling tips, and enjoy diverse thoughts and engagements.

In 2018, Cole left her corporate job at the Coca-Cola company to focus on Sisters Travelling Solo full time. Now her office can be anywhere she wants as she continues connecting, empowering, inspiring, and supporting sisters.

In this episode…

In many life situations, it is common practice to seek advice from others before taking up any activity, whether personal or professional. There are people with more skills, expertise, or experience than you and their advice can help propel you forward and guarantee the success of whatever it is that you want to engage in.

But there are certain instances in life where it’s totally okay to go out on your own without seeking other people's opinions. Cole Banks advises fellow women not to wait too long to take the necessary steps when it comes to doing something that they’re truly passionate about. The perfect timing to travel or start a business is never later–it’s right now.

Tune in to this week's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as Andrea Heuston talks with Sisters Traveling Solo Founder and CEO, Cole Banks, about why women should travel solo and the value of having a support community. Cole explains why she founded Sisters Traveling Solo, what it’s been like to see her company and community grow, how the travel industry has evolved to accommodate women and solo travelers, and how she encourages women to put themselves out there through her brand.