This vision came to life with the creation of NaviSavi, a groundbreaking platform that reimagines travel through unfiltered, authentic video content. Born from resilience and a steadfast belief in persistence, Sally’s project represents a fusion of her passions and an innovative response to industry needs. Her journey highlights key lessons, defining moments, and core values, offering a roadmap for young professionals and entrepreneurs eager to make their mark on the world.
Tell us about yourself and your story—how did you end up where you are?
Growing up in a small town, I always dreamed of working in entertainment and exploring the world. At just 16, I began my journey as a radio DJ, which sparked my passion for storytelling. I went on to study broadcast journalism and marketing, eventually kickstarting my career with ABC Sports and an internship at The Late Show with David Letterman. These opportunities brought me to New York City, where I spent 20 incredible years as a senior executive in the music industry. Along the way, I developed a deep love for travel and video content, visiting 114 countries and capturing the beauty of diverse cultures. These experiences ultimately inspired me to launch NaviSavi, a platform that combines my passions for travel, authentic video, and entrepreneurship.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your journey?
Never give up on an idea you’re passionate about. Even without money or resources, there’s always a way forward, whether it’s building connections or working on small steps to develop your vision. I’ve been working on NaviSavi since 2013, and seeing it grow now proves the value of persistence.
What separates you from the competition?
At NaviSavi, we stand out by focusing on unedited, authentic, vertical video—a format that resonates perfectly with today’s social media trends. We empower businesses with affordable, user-generated content that captures real experiences. Our unique ability to crowdsource content quickly and efficiently gives us a significant competitive advantage in the market.
Any advice for young professionals or entrepreneurs?
Don’t try to do everything on your own. As a solo female founder for many years, I discovered the importance of building a reliable team to share the responsibilities. Surround yourself with people, you trust—individuals with complementary skills and a strong work ethic. A supportive and skilled team not only accelerates growth but also makes navigating challenges far more manageable.
How do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope NaviSavi is becoming a leading force in the travel and social commerce industry, whether under my continued leadership or as part of a larger corporation. Beyond this, I’m excited to explore other business ideas that inspire me. Travel and entrepreneurship are deeply ingrained in who I am and will always remain central to my journey.
What keeps you motivated every day?
My passion for travel and video drives me every day. I’ve always believed in the transformative power of authentic video content to reshape the travel industry. Watching my vision align with industry trends and seeing the tangible impact of my work inspires me to keep pushing forward.
What’s your favorite quote?
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” This is a reminder to keep exploring and learning.
What are the main factors that led you to where you are?
A mix of perseverance, a global perspective, and my ability to connect with people. Having diverse experiences, from small-town beginnings to international business, has given me the adaptability and determination to succeed.
Who is your role model or inspiration?
My father has been my greatest inspiration. He has always led by example, demonstrating integrity, hard work, and a calm yet steadfast leadership style. His actions continually remind me of the values I aim to uphold in my own life.
What are your top three core values in life?
Treat others the way you want to be treated, embrace diverse perspectives, and stay close to those who support you.
What were key moments or turning points in your life?
Becoming a radio DJ at 16 marked the start of my career journey, giving me my first sense of direction. Relocating to New York for an internship with David Letterman and later taking on a leadership role at a record label honed my skills in content creation and leadership. Ultimately, launching NaviSavi has been a defining chapter, made even more rewarding by the incredible support from partners, mentors, and my dedicated team.
What personality traits make a good leader?
Respect, collaboration, and leading by example are at the core of my leadership philosophy. I always try to inspire my team by maintaining a positive attitude and actively working alongside them. Leadership is an ongoing journey of growth, and I’m constantly seeking ways to improve and evolve.
What’s the best and worst part of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing our efforts come forward, whether it’s earning awards, gaining industry recognition, or celebrating milestones with the team. The toughest part is juggling multiple roles, from fundraising to operations, and tackling whatever it takes to keep things running smoothly. Yet, it’s these challenges that make our achievements even more fulfilling.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
When my record label closed, I faced a major pivot. Losing a role that had defined my career for over a decade left me searching for purpose. It wasn’t easy, but building NaviSavi gave me a renewed sense of direction, and seeing its growth has been incredibly fulfilling.
What do you look for when outsourcing or hiring?
Passion and initiative are key qualities we look for in our team. With a global team spanning diverse backgrounds, we value individuals who bring unique perspectives, take ownership of their work, and are deeply aligned with our mission. While skills can be taught, drive and creativity are indispensable.
What strategies keep you ahead of the curve?
As a bootstrapped company, we focus on testing, adapting, and refining our approach without overextending resources. By staying attuned to industry trends, attending key events, and actively listening to our users, we ensure we remain both relevant and innovative.
How do you foster innovation and creativity?
Our team operates with a collaborative spirit, where every voice is valued. We blend the expertise of seasoned travel professionals with the fresh perspectives of younger creators who understand emerging trends. This balance allows us to stay innovative while drawing on deep industry knowledge.
How do you balance wealth and personal fulfillment?
For me, freedom holds greater value than material wealth. As a digital nomad, I prioritize meaningful experiences, collaborating with inspiring individuals, and creating something I can truly be proud of. It’s this balance that brings me the greatest sense of fulfillment.
Name three books that changed your life and why.
While I’m more inclined toward video content, I have a strong appreciation for biographies and stories of resilience, particularly those about musicians and entrepreneurs. These narratives inspire me by highlighting the power of persistence, passion, and staying true to one’s path.
– Sally Bunnell, CEO at NaviSavi
www.linkedin.com/in/sallybunnell
www.navisaviapp.com/
By Irini GOLEMI
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