The Author’s Story
Chicke Fitzgerald possesses over 30 years of M&A experience in the travel, transportation and telecommunications sectors, with a focus on technology, distribution and business models.
She spent the 1st half of her career working for industry leading travel distribution tech and telecom companies. If you have ever made a travel booking online or checked in for a flight, chances are Chicke worked for or consulted to one of the companies that pioneered that technology.
The second half has been spent turning trip tech and travel storytelling on its head. In her role as CEO of Solutionz, she is the chief rainmaker and inventor and she clears the way for her team to get real work done. She also operates a business incubator, known as Solutionz Enterprises and she has been hosting a podcast on the Game Changer Network, which she founded, for over 15 years. Chicke is committed to liberating greatness in her team, her partners and her clients.
- A cocky, connected sales expert whose entire life has been on the fast track to success…
- An aging bachelor who’s lived his entire life for business and is just starting to wonder what it was all for…
- A frustrated mother who has clawed her way to Vice President despite long odds and heavy cynicism…
- And a once-innovative founder who’s starting to buckle under the pressure of keeping the lights on and his team nurtured…
When things seemed to be at their darkest, an outside investment seemed to have The Company poised for a breakthrough… but now things are breaking in all the wrong ways.
Around the office, they’re aptly called The Firm – and their overwhelming focus on quarterly profits and endless budget exercises is destroying the long-term innovation that made working for The Company a joy.
Jealousy, frustration, and a truly disastrous session with the Firm’s previous facilitator has led each them to the razor’s edge, willing to go to any lengths to preserve their Company, and their sanity.
They’ve each found insights that they believe in – but when these ideas have to enter the real world, the battle for the Company’s soul demands things of them they never thought possible. Will they reforge their friendship and remember what really matters? Or will they find that they’re better off changing the game on their own?
Do you want to stand out from your peers in a cutthroat business environment and build a culture of joy for your staff, customers, and investors?
Do you want to stay ahead of the game and keep your sanity when dealing with difficult co-workers?
You need to read the Game Changer – as soon as possible! In this book you’ll learn to use a number of proven, simple, actionable “micro-techniques” from some of the most trusted business leaders on the planet to built trust with your peers, build fanatical customers, and keep your entrepreneurial spirit in any environment. It’s PACKED with advice you can start using right away.
What are some of the pragmatic and actionable tactics you’ll learn?
- Bob Burg and John David Mann present “The Law of Value” and how racing to the bottom makes sales – and everything else in life – that much harder.
- Karen Hough shares how can sales professionals be customer focused without giving up their edge?
- Joan O’Sullivan Wright shares how women can achieve the power, pride, and joy needed to be a persuasive leader in the workplace.
- Think Like Zuck: Ekaterina Walker shares the five core principles that Zappos, Tom’s Shoes, and Southwest are using to succeed.
- How can managers cope with sudden changes in company priorities that theaten to leave them in the cold? “The Freaks Shall Inherit The Earth” author Chris Brogan explains it with crystal clarity.
- There’s no one like a former Undersecretary of State to explain surviving – and defying – expectations in a male dominated workplace, and Charlotte Beers delivers in a big way.
- Dare, Dream, Do: How Whitney Johnson inspires one of the Firm’s top guns to change her thinking, adjust her environment, and become a change agent in the Company they’ve invested in.
Also, the following insights:
- Joy, Inc – How intrapreneurs of all stripes can fight “shiny object syndrome” and create a culture of joy in their workplace without having absolute authority.
- How big clients can leave you distracted, drain your energy, and sink your business: Rebel Brown shares a couple of massive highlights from “Defy Gravity”.
- Everyone talks about customer service… but what happens when we expand our definition of what a “customer” is? Peter Shankman teaches us exactly how “Zombie Loyalists” are created.
- How can the principles of improv comedy help you plant seeds of joy and innovation – even in a workplace where you have to fight to be heard? Karen Hough spills all.
Featuring cameo appearances from singer-songwriter Jace Everett and the comic stylings of “The Marketoonist” Tom Fishburne, the Game Changer is a book for almost anyone looking to improve their business lives.
The Travel Distribution Library – a 3-book series
Chicke literally “wrote the book” on Global Travel Distribution.
E-Commerce Pioneers
Her first book, titled Ecommerce Pioneers was published in 1999. Following is the outline, laying out the trailblazing path of the Global Distribution System companies.
Introduction: A Visionary’s Path
- Overview of Chicke Fitzgerald’s journey as a trailblazer in travel technology and ecommerce.
- Introduction to the challenges and opportunities in building a travel technology company.
Chapter 1: The Early Days of Ecommerce
- Exploring the foundational years of ecommerce and its adoption in the travel industry.
- How Chicke identified untapped opportunities in global travel distribution.
Chapter 2: Disrupting the Travel Ecosystem
- Development of innovative travel technologies and solutions.
- How these solutions empowered travelers and travel businesses alike.
Chapter 3: Building Solutionz Group
- Founding and growth of Solutionz Group, an LLC with a focus on profitable, well-funded operations.
- Incorporation of values like serving from the heart and delivering the best customer experiences.
Chapter 4: Challenges of Leadership
- Navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship and leadership in a competitive market.
- Lessons learned from setbacks and how they shaped the future of the company.
Chapter 5: The Intersection of Technology and Travel
- How technology has revolutionized global travel and transformed the way people plan and book trips.
- Chicke’s contributions to this evolution through innovations like lowest price guarantees and consumer-centric programs.
Chapter 6: Giving Back Through TravelingToGive
- Development of the TravelingToGive platform and its impact on charitable giving through travel.
- The philosophy of blending profit with purpose and fostering community support.
Chapter 7: Inspiring Future Generations
- Ambassador programs and initiatives to encourage affiliate partnerships with influencers, travelers, and bloggers.
- Insights into mentoring and inspiring a new generation of travel technology pioneers.
Chapter 8: Lessons for Ecommerce Success
- Key takeaways from Chicke’s journey for aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Building sustainable, value-driven businesses in a fast-paced, ever-evolving marketplace.
Epilogue: The Road Ahead
- The future of travel technology, ecommerce, and philanthropy.
- Chicke’s vision for continued innovation and growth.
Multi-Channel Distribution
“Multi-Channel Distribution: The Essential Guide” is a comprehensive resource authored by Chicke Fitzgerald and Kathy Misunas, published in 2002 as part of the Travel Distribution Library series (Book 3).
The book delves into the complexities of distributing products and services through multiple channels, offering insights into strategies that integrate both online and offline pathways to reach a broader audience.
Chicke Fitzgerald is recognized for her expertise in travel distribution and technology, while Kathy Misunas has held significant roles in the travel and technology sectors, including serving as CEO of SABRE and CIO of American Airlines.
The guide addresses common misconceptions in distribution strategies, such as the belief that consumers will purchase solely through preferred channels or that direct distribution is always the most cost-effective approach.
These insights were highlighted in a 2010 article by Chicke Fitzgerald, referencing the original publication.
While the book was published in 2002, its exploration of multi-channel distribution remains relevant, especially considering the evolution of consumer behavior and technological advancements in the travel industry.
For those interested in obtaining a copy, it may be available through specialized libraries or second-hand bookstores, given its publication date.
Here is a summary of the story.