50 Leading Women: Tammy McSwain

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, Tammy McSwain, President of ARTA Travel. ARTA Travel is a family business founded in 1980 by her Tammy’s mother, Karen Flannery. Tammy joined the staff of ARTA Travel in 1989, was joined by her husband, Steve, in 1991, and the two purchased the company in 2002. A certified National Women’s Business Enterprise, ARTA Travel has received honors including Travel Agency – Reader’s Choice by Plano Star Courier and McKinney Courier Gazette, as well as recognition from Dallas Business Journal in their Top 20 Women-owned businesses in DFW and Top 10 Travel Agencies in DFW lists. Tammy and Steve were recognized by the Plano Chamber as Small Business Persons of the Year in 2010. Tammy’s leadership, mentorship, business acumen,  and commitment to the community was also recognized by the Plano Chamber as she was named the 2015 ATHENA Award recipient,

Tammy is a founding member of the Collin County Business Alliance and served as the 2012 Chairman of the Board for the Plano Chamber of Commerce. Her community involvement also includes service with United Way, Plano ISD’s Destination Graduation committee, Collin College Foundation Board, Texas Health Plano’s Chairman’s Council, and the Library Advisory Board for the City of Plano, where she served as Chairman.

Tammy has been married for 25 years to her high school sweetheart, Steve and they have two children, Lauren and Grant.

1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.

Lead by example. It’s definitely a collaborative approach. There is no “I” in team.

2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

Listen, observe, be thoughtful and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?

Hiring. Our staff is what makes us successful & they are our best asset. We’ve been fortunate because of our incredible staff we’re able to give back to the community by volunteering and serving on boards. If we didn’t have such a remarkable team that wouldn’t be possible.

 4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?

Nothing gives us greater joy to be out and about and have someone rave about a trip someone in our office helped plan. There’s someone magical about helping to create lifelong memories for others while they’re traveling.

5. What has been your greatest career disappointment? What did you learn from it?

CVODI & Travel were not friends. Having to furlough our staff was by far the hardest thing we’ve ever done. We’ve realized that you’re only as strong as your weakest link and sometimes you don’t even realize they’re weak until they’re not on the team anymore. If you can’t change people, change people.

6. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?

Fortunately, the travel & hospitality space is very diverse by nature. We really don’t have to promote inclusion.

7. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

The most powerful word in any language is No & it’s ok to use it. You & your family should always come first. What’s on your desk at 530pm will still be there when you arrive tomorrow at 830am. You’ll be fresher and have a better attitude towards it in the morning.

8. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?

The opportunity is there for you if you want it. It’s ok to speak up & go after what you want. Learn how to delegate.

9. Who inspired you and why?

My Mom, Karen Flannery, started the agency over 42 years ago when my brother & I were in middle school, and she wanted something to do. She thrived and made work seem fun. When she asked me to come work at ARTA, I told her I didn’t want to mess up our family dynamic. We vowed to always leave work at work and it’s one of the most important family lessons I’ve learned. Steve and I try to keep our work life balance in check. Travel is exciting and we’re fortunate to go many places together.

10. What do you want to be remembered for? 

Hopefully people will think I was humble and kind & that we raised two incredible children that are awe inspiring adults.