Sunu Mathew: Turning Setbacks Into Purpose and Leadership
“True success lies not just in what we build for ourselves, but in how we lift others along the way and leave behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and purpose.”
At 52, Sunu Mathew, CEO of C World Holidays and C World Weddings, has spent three decades reshaping the travel and tourism industry while championing empowerment for women, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities. Her journey is proof that when life rewrites the plan, you can still take control of the story.
Finding Direction After a Dream Was Grounded
As a young woman, Sunu dreamed of flying high—literally. She aspired to become a pilot, but a paragliding accident forced her to abandon that goal. “I had to face the reality that my dream was no longer possible,” she recalls. “But I also knew I wasn’t ready to give up.”
Determined to stay connected to aviation, she joined East West Airlines, India’s first private airline. That step unexpectedly introduced her to a new passion: tourism. “I discovered that travel isn’t just about planes or destinations—it’s about people, stories, and connections,” she says. This realization set her on the path that would define her career.
From Entrepreneur to Industry Leader
In 2003, Sunu founded C World Holidays, becoming one of the first women entrepreneurs from Kerala to enter a male-dominated industry. Later, she expanded into C World Weddings, crafting destination celebrations worldwide.
The early years were far from easy. “Being taken seriously was a challenge,” she admits. “I had to work twice as hard to prove I could lead.” Balancing her professional ambitions with her responsibilities as a mother, wife, and daughter-in-law meant long days, personal sacrifice, and moments of doubt. But persistence paid off.
Today, C World Holidays and C World Weddings are recognized internationally for excellence and personalized service. Sunu’s leadership has earned accolades including Luxury Travel Agency of the Year 2024 (Corporate LiveWire Global Awards), Best Full-Service Luxury Travel Company 2024 (LUXlife Magazine), and Global 100 Women in Leadership 2024 (EMG Publications).
Guided by Values, Grounded in Faith
Despite her success, Sunu’s compass has always pointed toward service and integrity. Inspired by Mother Teresa, she believes leadership is about giving, not just achieving. “Humility, compassion, and respect for elders are non-negotiable values for me,” she says.
Her faith in God gives her strength during setbacks and keeps her grounded in moments of triumph. “Everything happens for a reason,” she explains. “This belief helps me navigate both success and failure with perspective.”
Breaking Barriers and Building Others Up
Sunu’s impact extends beyond business. She serves as Chairperson of Women’s Cricket at the Kerala Cricket Association, creating opportunities for young female athletes, and as Director of Ability Aid International, supporting individuals with disabilities.
She is also deeply committed to mentoring her own team. “I encourage my employees to think like entrepreneurs,” she says. “Some of them have gone on to start their own ventures, and that makes me incredibly proud.”
This focus on empowerment has become a hallmark of her leadership style. “When you lift others, you rise higher yourself,” Sunu explains. “It’s about creating sustainable change, not just personal success.”
A Global Platform for Tourism and Peace
One of Sunu’s proudest moments was being invited to speak at the 14th World Leaders Summit at the University of Oxford, where she shared insights on tourism as a bridge for peace and cultural understanding. “Travel connects people, dissolves barriers, and reminds us of our shared humanity,” she says.
Looking ahead, she dreams of building a global peace initiative through tourism, using her platform to foster dialogue between communities and cultures. “Tourism can be more than an industry—it can be a movement for understanding and unity,” she says.
What Keeps Her Moving Forward
Sunu credits her strength to faith, purpose, and the people around her. “My family, friends, clients, and team members have been my anchor,” she says. “Their belief in me kept me going even when I doubted myself.”
Her motivation comes from seeing the impact of her work—whether it’s creating unforgettable travel experiences, mentoring young women, or improving lives through community initiatives. “Success feels real when it’s shared,” she explains.
Balancing Career and Family with Grace
Sunu refuses to see family and career as opposing forces. “Balance doesn’t mean giving equal time to everything every day—it means being fully present in each role when it matters most,” she says.
With strong organizational skills, unwavering priorities, and support from loved ones, she has managed to excel at work while nurturing her family life. “Being a mother, wife, and leader are all important roles,” she adds. “You don’t need to sacrifice one to succeed in the other.”
Advice to Young Women: Be Fearless, Stay Grounded
Sunu encourages young women to pursue their dreams with courage and persistence.
“Believe in yourself—even when others don’t. You don’t have to be perfect, just persistent. Take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. That’s how leaders are born.”
She also urges them to lift others as they rise: “Surround yourself with people who uplift you, and when you succeed, make sure you do the same for someone else.”
A Legacy of Empowerment and Purpose
Sunu Mathew’s life has been a story of reinvention—turning personal setbacks into opportunities to serve, lead, and inspire. Whether she’s building a luxury travel empire, mentoring women in sports, or championing social causes, her focus remains the same: to leave behind more than success—a legacy of compassion, courage, and transformation.
