For this special feature, we sit down with Claire Kerwood, Founder of LIV Global — a woman whose journey is as powerful as the experiences she curates.
From building a global travel and events company across Dubai, the UK, and the USA, to navigating single motherhood and overcoming life-threatening illness, Claire’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and unwavering determination. What began as more than two decades of expertise in luxury travel and corporate events evolved into something far more personal: a brand rooted in integrity, human connection, and deeply personalised service in an increasingly automated world.
But beyond the business milestones lies a deeper narrative — of a mother who built an international company from the ground up while raising her daughter in Dubai, of a cancer survivor who refused to accept a prognosis as destiny, and of a woman committed to redefining success on her own terms.
In this candid and inspiring conversation, Claire opens up about leadership, legacy, doubt, balance, and the inner drive that fuels both her ambition and her heart. Her story is not only about travel — it’s about courage, conviction, and proving that nothing can break a determined woman.
1. After more than 20 years in the industry, what inner nudge—or defining moment—told you it was time to create LIV Global?
After more than 20 years in personal and corporate travel and events, creating LIV Global felt like a natural evolution rather than a sudden leap. Travel has always been second nature to me, and I can instinctively design and manage complex itineraries, so it made sense to turn that expertise into something of my own.
I’ve always believed the world is vast and endlessly inspiring, and that people will never stop wanting to explore it. Travel is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, whether you’re journeying on a budget or in luxury. Events naturally go hand in hand with that experience, and with my background in event management—and increasing requests from clients—it became a seamless extension of what I already do.
LIV Global was born from that passion, and from a desire to make travel and event expertise accessible, seamless, and genuinely valuable for everyone.
2. What standards or non-negotiables do you insist on—no matter the client or destination?
At LIV Global, every client is unique, and understanding them personally is at the heart of what we do. From travel preferences to dietary requirements, this allows us to create experiences that are truly tailored, and our clients feel valued from the very first interaction.
In a world dominated by call centers and AI, we bring back genuine 1-to-1 service. Clients have direct access to me or my team via phone or WhatsApp, 24/7, ensuring a personal connection every step of the way.
From the outset, we are clear: LIV Global does not provide budget vacations, but we are committed to delivering value. We suggest cost-effective flights, beat hotel quotes where possible, and leverage decades of supplier partnerships to ensure every client feels like a VIP. Client satisfaction is non-negotiable, and we only recommend hotels and venues we have personally visited and approved—unless a client specifically requests otherwise.
3. Leading international teams across Dubai, the UK, and the USA, how do you ensure your vision translates globally while still feeling personal?
Every team member who joins LIV Global speaks with me personally. If I feel they are not fully aligned with our brand values, they do not join the team. Representing LIV Global requires professionalism, passion, integrity, and a genuine commitment to excellence.
I personally train each team member and remain actively involved to support them with their clients. This ensures they not only understand but truly embody the LIV Global philosophy—that every interaction reflects our signature 1-to-1 personalised service. By instilling these values across our teams in Dubai, the UK, and the USA, we maintain a consistent global standard while ensuring every client experience still feels intimate and bespoke.
Equally important to me is the success of my team. I want every member of LIV to thrive both financially and professionally, which is why nurturing, mentoring, and supporting their growth is a fundamental part of our culture.
4. What has been the steepest learning curve since launching LIV Global in 2023?
The steepest learning curve since launching LIV Global in 2023 has been realising that I cannot, and should not, do everything myself.
When I started the company, I didn’t take on any investment. I built it entirely on my own, without staff or infrastructure during the first year. I was handling bookings, invoices, accounts, proposals, quotations, and all administrative tasks myself. I was working around the clock, even responding to clients while out at dinner, and as a result, I made costly mistakes. In that first year, I lost around $40,000 simply because I was booking at such volume that I wasn’t always invoicing correctly, and I was still navigating VAT requirements.
It was a steep but invaluable learning curve. Like many founders, I was initially hesitant to spend money. But I quickly realised that you cannot expect growth without investment—you have to reinvest in your business for it to scale properly.
In year two, I made strategic changes. I hired a full-time accountant, brought on an assistant, and began expanding the team to manage bookings and onboard new clients. I still personally handle a number of VVIP clients, but new clients are now supported by my team, allowing LIV Global to grow sustainably while maintaining our service standards.
Now in our third year, another important shift has been creating a healthier work–life balance. LIV Global is established, growing, and thriving, and that has allowed me to step back slightly and be more present at home. My daughter has been incredibly patient and understanding while “mummy built her business,” but as she grows into her teenage years, I don’t want to miss those moments. Success, for me, is no longer just about growth—it’s about balance, sustainability, and being present for the people who matter most.
5. When you imagine the future of LIV Global, what legacy do you hope the brand will leave behind?
When I imagine the future of LIV Global, the legacy I hope to leave is deeply personal. This is a business I built entirely on my own, as a single parent, living in Dubai, juggling other work, and overcoming significant challenges in my life, including beating cancer. Every step has required resilience, independence, and determination.
LIV Global exists not just as a travel and events company, but as proof that anything is possible. I wanted to create a life and a business that shows my daughter she can explore the world, experience incredible opportunities, and know that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. That drive—to give her the world and show her the power of determination—is at the heart of LIV Global.
I also hope our legacy reflects the human side of travel. Many of our clients know my story, and their support and loyalty have been extraordinary. I want LIV Global to be remembered as a brand that delivers exceptional, personalised experiences, but also as a story of courage, independence, and passion—a reminder that with perseverance, dedication, and heart, anything is achievable.
“My legacy isn’t just success, it’s showing my daughter that nothing can break a determined woman.” Claire Kerwood, Feb 2026
6. Beyond titles and achievements, who is Claire Kerwood at her core?
Beyond titles and achievements, I am fiercely independent, resilient, and deeply grateful for life. I am driven—once I set a goal, I don’t stop until I reach it. But I’m also unafraid of starting over. Failure doesn’t frighten me because I know I can rebuild. Every setback is simply a lesson in disguise.
Becoming a mother in 2013 changed everything. I raised my daughter without financial or physical support from her father; and when she was just six months old, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer that had spread to my lymph nodes. I was given a worst-case prognosis of two years to live.
But I refused to let that define our story. I completed treatment while setting up my own remote EA business as soon as my maternity leave ended. I scheduled medical appointments in the mornings so they wouldn’t interfere with building a future for us. I chose positivity, even when the odds felt overwhelming.
Cancer taught me that life is fragile and precious. My mindset shifted from being grateful for a glass half full to simply being grateful to have a glass at all. I don’t waste time on negativity or worry—it steals peace, and peace is everything.
Today, I’ve built a peaceful, happy home in Dubai for my daughter and me. I’m surrounded by love, strong friendships, and a business I created from nothing. At my core, I am a woman who has faced adversity head-on, chosen courage over fear, and built a life rooted in strength, gratitude, and possibility.
“Grateful for the glass. Grateful for the fight. Grateful for the life I built.” Claire Kerwood.
7. Has there been a moment of doubt in your journey, and how did you move through it?
Of course, there have been many moments of doubt along the way. Days when I’m utterly exhausted, a flight is cancelled at the last minute, or the phone won’t stop ringing even when I’m unwell or just wanted one quiet hour with my daughter. Times when I’m chasing debts or dealing with frustrating setbacks and wondering if all the stress is worth it.
In those moments, I remind myself of why I started LIV Global in the first place—my goals, my vision, and the life I want to create for my daughter. I focus on the bigger picture: I’ve built an incredible company from scratch, overcoming challenges that at the time felt insurmountable, and it continues to grow and flourish. Those doubts are temporary, but the results of perseverance, passion, and hard work are lasting. They remind me that every challenge is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and move forward stronger than before.
8. Travel is central to your work—are there destinations that feel deeply personal rather than professional?
Absolutely. Some destinations are far more personal than professional for me.
Ireland holds a huge piece of my heart. My mother lives there, and I spent my childhood summers in Athenry, Galway, with my grandmother. Some of my most treasured memories are with my Irish grandparents; Ireland is deeply woven into who I am.
Dubai, of course, is home. It has been my home for the past 12 years—the place where I have raised my beautiful daughter and built an incredible life and business from the ground up. It represents growth, resilience, and opportunity for me.
And then there’s the UK. I was born and raised in Surrey; my father still lives in the UK, and some of my closest friends, who I’m lucky enough to call family, remain. The UK shaped my foundations and played a significant role in making me who I am today.
That said, returning now often feels different. In recent years, I’ve seen the challenges the country is facing, from rising crime in some areas to political uncertainty and ongoing social pressures. It can feel overwhelming at times, especially compared with the stability and opportunities I’ve found in Dubai and through my travels. I love the UK for the memories and the people, but as a parent and business owner, it’s impossible not to notice how much it has changed—and not for the better.
9. What advice would you offer women who are building ambitious lives while still wanting fulfillment and connection?
My advice to women building ambitious lives is simple: invest in yourself first, and don’t rely on anyone else to define your success or happiness. You don’t need a man to make your life complete or your dreams achievable. Focus on your goals, nurture your passions, and create the life you want on your own terms.
Ambition and fulfillment aren’t mutually exclusive—you can build a successful career, chase your dreams, and still maintain deep, meaningful connections with your family and friends. The key is setting your own standards, trusting your instincts, and refusing to compromise on the life you want to live.
10. When everything slows down, what brings you the greatest sense of joy or grounding?
My greatest sense of joy and grounding comes from my daughter, Livinia. Simply spending quality time with her, watching her grow into such a kind, thoughtful, and beautiful young lady, fills me with gratitude. Traveling the world together, creating memories, and sharing new experiences is priceless. I hope that in the process, I’m setting an example for her—showing her that she can be independent, confident, and successful, and that she can embrace life fully on her own terms.
From overcoming cancer to building a global travel and events brand, Claire Kerwood proves that resilience, passion, and determination can turn dreams into reality. Follow her journey on Instagram @liv_globaltravel and @Lady_ClaireK_, and explore more at https://liv-travel.com
