At Expedia Group, we believe growth often begins with a bold step—and for Sam Cullimore, Program Performance Manager, that step meant leaving her hometown of San Diego to explore new opportunities in Austin, Texas. After 3.5 years in San Diego and now 4 years in Austin, Sam’s 7.5-year journey with EG has been shaped by her willingness to embrace change, expand her skills, and follow her curiosity—both personally and professionally.

Sam L. Cullimore | Program Performance Manager, Insights, TPA | Austin, TX

A New Chapter in a New City

“San Diego is my hometown,” Sam shares. “I’d been on the local market management team for over three years and knew I wanted to push myself to explore a different part of the company and expand my skill set.”

The timing aligned with the COVID-19 pandemic, when many were rethinking their environments. For Sam, the idea of an adventure in a new city felt like the perfect fit.

Preparing for Change

Sam’s preparation was both strategic and intentional. She began exploring open roles in states she was open to relocating to and reached out to connections across Expedia Group to learn more about different departments and locations. These conversations helped shape her next move—and ultimately led her to Vrbo Account Management in Austin.

Transitioning and Thriving

While Sam remained within Expedia Group, moving from hotel market management to Vrbo Account Management came with its own learning curve. “The teams use different tools and have different operating structures,” she explains. “It was something I had to relearn.”

Fortunately, the Vrbo team was welcoming and curious about her hotel-side experience, creating space for knowledge-sharing and collaboration. “Onboarding helped me learn the technical side of Vrbo, and I was pleased to see that the overall EG culture was still very much the same.”

Unlocking New Opportunities

Relocating and branching into a new department opened doors Sam hadn’t anticipated. She took on additional responsibilities as a product pillar (formerly known as a subject matter expert) and built relationships with program and product stakeholders for VR Insights tools like MarketMaker and Rate Automation.

“This topic was extremely interesting to me,” Sam says. “I invested time in understanding these teams, and when a role opened up, I was able to step into my current position. I truly believe if I hadn’t made the move in 2021, I wouldn’t be where I am today—and I love what I do.”

Support Every Step of the Way

Sam’s transition was made smoother by the support of both her San Diego and Austin teams. “My San Diego team was incredibly supportive—they knew I was ready for the next stage of my life and cheered me on,” she says.

The Vrbo leadership team also showed flexibility, allowing Sam to work remotely during the pandemic and giving him time to relocate to Texas.

Finding Community in Austin

One of the highlights of Sam’s new location? The Austin office. “I’d be remiss not to mention the beautiful office we have here,” she says. “Working in a hub location has great benefits—there’s always something going on to help you make connections with peers.”

Advice for Future Movers

Sam encourages anyone considering a relocation to take the leap. “I’ve learned so much about myself—my resilience and capabilities—beyond what I thought I could do had I stayed in my hometown.”

A Move That Mattered

For Sam, relocating wasn’t just about changing cities—it was about deepening her connection to Expedia Group, discovering new passions, and growing into a role that truly fits. “This move gave me the opportunity to build a deeper connection to EG and gain insight into different departments,” she says. “Most importantly, I’ve gained a stronger sense of self, along with the confidence and courage to trust my instincts.”

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