Hello Local Guides,
I’m thrilled to shine the “She Leads” spotlight on @MerlinThomas , an accomplished IT professional with 8 years of experience. Hailing from Kerala, Merlin pursued her studies in Bhopal and currently resides in Pune, India. Alongside her tech career, she is a passionate writer with three novels published on Amazon, including “Eyes Scream - Arin’s Mystery,” which earned the prestigious Grand Master title from the Asia Book of Records and recognition from the India Book of Records. A travel enthusiast and Local Guide Level 8, Merlin loves exploring new places, experiencing local cuisines, and sharing her adventures through YouTube shorts. She is also a proud winner of the competition held by the Ministry of External Affairs (India) for the title of the nationally successful outreach program SAMEEP.
When and how did you become a Local Guide?
It has been 5 years since I started contributing as a Local Guide. My love for traveling, discovering new places, and trying out local cuisine led me to start adding places that weren’t listed on the map and writing reviews to help others. I believe in the power of honest opinions and that everyone’s insights matter.
What inspires you to contribute to Local Guides Connect?
Being a Local Guide allows me to share experiences and recommendations that reflect my unique perspective it inspires me. I contribute to Local Guides Connect because I believe in the value of community and knowledge sharing. Helping others find hidden gems, whether it’s a nice café or a picturesque overlook, empowers both locals and travellers alike.
What is your favourite type of contribution? Why?
My favourite contribution is writing reviews and providing ratings of places. Since I travel frequently, I often rely on reviews to decide where to go, and I feel it’s essential to share my honest opinions. Helping others navigate new places with useful, accurate information is what keeps me engaged.
How do you define leadership, and what does it mean to you?
Leadership is to inspire change, foster inclusivity, create opportunities for others, collaboration, and adaptability, so that workplaces and communities can become more dynamic and innovative. For me, leadership is about capability, not gender, age, or other biases. Being assertive yet compassionate, decisive yet understanding is what makes leadership effective.
In what ways do you lead or make an impact outside of Local Guides Connect?
I run the MerlinThomasOfficial YouTube channel, where I share food, travel, and cultural experiences. I also encourage my friends and family to support local businesses and women entrepreneurs. I believe in being a catalyst for change by leading through example and helping others in both my personal and professional life.
What keeps you motivated to lead and contribute?
I am motivated by the thought that “small ripples make big waves.” Even a small effort can have a significant impact. I am driven by my passion for helping others, whether it’s reviewing a new restaurant, adding a hidden spot to the map, or giving people new perspectives on their travel or dining experiences.
Who inspires you the most, and why?
Among the people I look up to most, Grace Hopper is the one who inspires me the most because she played a crucial role in the development of modern computing, and her work paved the way for software development as we know it today. Women’s roles evolved in the tech industry due to her pioneering work.
How do you think we can inspire more women to be a part of our community?
To inspire more women in our community, we must first ensure that they feel accepted, appreciated, and heard. Encourage women to take on leadership responsibilities. Inspirational women’s testimonials and accomplishments are provided to inspire new members. Provide women with shoutouts, awards, and appreciation messages for their accomplishments.
Have you faced any challenges? How did you overcome them?
I was first apprehensive to attend the local guides meetup because I didn’t know anyone and there were no women local guides to interact with. However, after a few meetups, I felt at ease because everyone seemed kind. The hardest part is taking the first step, after that everything else is simple.
What barriers do you face to contribute in community as a women and how do you overcome them?
Balancing responsibilities at home, work, and community activities can be challenging. I overcome by making it my passion, and I enjoy being a part of this community, so I set aside time for it. Traveling to in-person meet-ups might be difficult, so I bring my partner to meetups so he be acquainted with our community.
What message would you like to share with women around the world?
To all the incredible Women Local Guides, I dedicate this poetry as a message for you -
Women Local guides, wander free,
Across the land, beyond the sea.
They’ll say, stay safe, don’t roam too far,
But your soul was born to pursue the star.
Take a step, it will shape the way,
The world is yours, seize the day.
Break the chains of uncertainty for the ride,
Embark on your desired journey with pride.
Believe me, you’re bold and bright,
The road is yours, go claim your light!
Merlin’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we share our passions with the world. Her contributions as a Local Guide and author inspire us all to lead with purpose and creativity. Let’s continue to make a difference, one experience at a time.
#Women@LocalGuides #Leadership #EmpowerThroughMaps
. Highly appreciate it - wow!
