Introducing a Transformational UX Leader: An Interview with GetYourGuide’s VP of UX, Amber Cartwright

In this blog, we’ll explore the career journey, insights, and goals of our Vice President of User Experience. Hailing from North Carolina, Amber joins us at our Berlin office in February 2025 to help take GetYourGuide’s Product teams forward with her innovative approach and creative vision. 

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Can you tell us a little about your background?

“My most recent background is ten years of experience as a design leader at Airbnb and Netflix. At Airbnb, I learned the power of storytelling and the value of being a craftsman. At Netflix, I honed the art of getting results, aligning the user experience with consumer value and business goals, as well as being an effective global leader.

I grew up in a very remote area of North Carolina. It’s 4-wheel-drive territory, and wild horses inhabit the island. Growing up in the South, my values are treating others as you would treat yourself, humility, and hard work leads to growth. I’m a writer and currently 150 pages into a book. I love the outdoors and am extremely active. My pup and I are constant explorers in nature.”

What was your most recent travel experience?

“My most recent travel experience was to Provence, where a couple of friends and I came together to laugh, love, and hike around the beautiful Luberon. We also got together for a purpose. My friends and I are working on day-long workshops for women in transition, helping them to think of creative new ways of working and living. We plan to host them on the weekends in Berlin and Marseilles. I’m really looking forward to getting to know Berlin. I fell in love with the city when I visited because of its progressiveness, global food culture, and openness to people from all walks of life.”

What drew you to join GetYourGuide?

“GetYourGuide has a strong mission that helps people around the world. I think of it as we are in the dreams business, helping travel entrepreneurs make a living out of what they love, and helping travelers to connect through remarkable experiences in the real world.  I’m motivated by a sense of purpose, and similar to my time at Airbnb, helping and combatting the trend of global loneliness through meaningful connection resonates with me.

I also have a long-term goal of living in Europe. I have a home in Provence where I produce olive oil; that’s where I’m headed after my professional life in tech. Berlin immediately gave me the “I could live here vibes,” and I’m attracted to the progressive green city and the abundance of art.”

What are some of the first steps you plan to take after joining?

“First, I plan to absorb as much information as possible and listen. It’s important that I gain context from the UX team, cross-functional team, and my peers to understand business and UX opportunities. 

I will also be investing in people and relationships. With my peers, I want to build trust as a thought leader and advocate for the consumer. With my team, I want to understand them as humans, as well as be an advocate for their professional goals and needs. With my team and their XFN partners to create an excellent user experience that accounts for many perspectives. 

Recruiting will also be a large part of my job as I start to understand the design organization and where we need support to be more effective.”

What inspires you most about Berlin?

“Berlin is going to be a new city for me. In my personal life, I find personal growth in a creative culture infused with art and the opportunity to get out in nature. Berlin seems to have a good blend of both. The people also inspire me. There seems to be a mashup of many cultures and perspectives. I’m excited to start new adventures in the city and greater Germany.”

Finally, which of our Guiding Principles do you connect with the most?

“‘We build bridges, not islands’ drew me in from the start. I believe that no good ideas are made in siloes—it takes the perspective of a variety of functional experts to discuss and debate the benefits and risks of a solution. A team is stronger, and the results are more effective when actively listening to the right partners. No one person can build a ship; it takes a collective of skilled craftsmen to build a seaworthy vessel that doesn’t take on water.”

Thanks for your insights, Amber! We’re thrilled to have you on board. Curious about how we’re redefining the future of travel experiences? Find our open roles here.

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