What do sketchbooks, carry-on luggage, and a 1970s school principal have in common?

They’re all part of the incredible story of Mary Charleson—marketing strategist, travel writer, speaker, and this week’s guest on Hello Moxie.

In this soulful episode, Mary shares how she’s woven together two seemingly different careers—marketing and travel writing—into a life of purpose, play, and powerful storytelling. We talk about her deep love of curiosity, her intentional approach to content creation, and the quiet leadership lessons passed down from her trailblazing mother and mentor, Tess.

Whether you’re a marketer, creator, traveler, or simply someone trying to slow down and live more fully—this episode will leave you inspired.

Two Brands, One Vision

Mary has spent over 25 years working as a marketing strategist under her brand Five Minute Marketing. But in 2018, her lifelong love of travel and storytelling led her to launch Carry On Queen—a site dedicated to travel insights and destination writing.

Initially, she kept the two brands separate. “I didn’t even list Carry On Queen on my LinkedIn profile,” she admitted. But the pandemic changed everything. As travel marketing underwent massive shifts, Mary realized she had a unique perspective: she could bridge the gap between strategy and story, helping destinations (DMOs) speak to new audiences while continuing to explore and write with authenticity.

Now, she stands at the powerful intersection of marketing and travel—a place that allows her to bring her full self to her work.

When Sketching Becomes a Conversation

One of the most beautiful threads in our conversation was Mary’s rediscovery of sketching while traveling.

“I started sketching at locations—and it forced me to notice the small details I’d otherwise miss.” – Mary Charleson

While in Croatia, her quiet act of sketching caught the attention of two young women doing a playful “Mamma Mia” photoshoot. What started as a passing comment turned into a heartfelt connection—a moment of serendipity Mary may never have experienced had she simply taken a photo and walked away.

It’s a powerful reminder that slowing down allows us to see more, connect more, and truly be where we are.

Travel as a Gateway to Curiosity

Mary believes that travel opens the door to curiosity, empathy, and serendipity. From ice skating on Lake Louise to fishing in Belize and cycling through Corsica, her travel stories are as varied as they are intentional.

But one detour stood out.

While navigating Croatia, she and her husband found themselves overwhelmed by the crowds in Split. So they scrapped their plans and headed to a quieter island—booking a guesthouse on a whim.

“That unplanned moment became the most memorable part of our trip.” – Mary Charleson

They spent their time immersed in conversation with locals, learning the history of the region and forming connections that were richer than any pre-planned itinerary could’ve delivered.

Presence Over Performance

As a digital marketer, Mary understands the pressure to constantly post. But she’s found a new rhythm—one rooted in intentional presence.

“I can do a much better job—with thoughtful reflection—than I can on the fly just for the sake of saying I was here.” – Mary Charleson

She shared how she now often waits until after her travels to reflect, write, and share. The result? More meaningful content, deeper engagement, and a whole lot less stress.

The Women Who Raised Her

At the heart of our conversation was Mary’s reflection on her mother, Nancy, a woman who quietly broke barriers in the 1960s and 70s. As a school principal, primary breadwinner, and fearless investor, she showed Mary what it meant to lead with independence—without ever labeling it as such.

“I grew up thinking that was normal. She just lived it.” – Mary Charleson

Mary also paid tribute to her mentor, Tess Arino Manalo, a soft-spoken leader with fierce emotional intelligence who helped shape her path as an educator and entrepreneur.

“Tess didn’t need the spotlight to lead. Her success was when you took the experience and flew away.” – Mary Charleson

These women exemplify what it means to live and lead with moxie—in both bold and quiet ways.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Curiosity is a practice. Seek out new ideas, different viewpoints, and the unplanned.

• You don’t have to do it all in real time. Reflective content often resonates more.

• Serendipity is a superpower. Leave room in your life (and itinerary) for surprise.

• Legacy doesn’t always wear a cape. Quiet leadership can have the loudest impact.