Q: What was your first job and what did you learn from it that you still use today?
A: My first job was as a Visa Clerk for Commonwealth Bank Travel Service. I was always advised: NEVER ASSUME, IT’S CRUCIAL.
This advice highlights the importance of avoiding any assumptions and instead seeking clarification and verification of information. It really is crucial.
I think that this learning is particularly relevant to travel industry, when the smallest details matter. Assumptions can lead to misinterpretations, misunderstandings and mistakes.
This advice is as relevant today as it was then and has always stayed with me.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: The first thing I do when I start a new job is to make sure I am aware of the team I will be working alongside and introduce myself.
I enjoy finding out who my colleagues are, getting to know them and fostering those working relationships both internally and externally.
I also try to be a sponge and absorb everything I can. The first few months always come with a steep learning curve but I am looking forward to the challenge!
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel now?
A: Make sure you are passionate about the world. Passion shows in everything you do when you’re representing the travel industry. Work hard, be curious and be willing to put the effort into learning and show real commitment to attending training opportunities.
The rewards are great but they come with hard work and dedication. It’s also important to build and foster your network. You never know when your paths will cross again in future and it’s a very small world.
Q: If you hadn’t gone into travel, what career path might you have taken?
A: I was quite interested in natural therapies but I’m glad I chose travel. I do still seek out natural therapies when I travel now but it has become more of a hobby and way to combine my passions.
Q: How do you think the travel industry is looking at this moment in time?
A: With so much technology available in the market now we have no reason not to deliver for our clients.
Collette has just introduced some incredible interactive e-brochures for example, and the booking systems are much more advanced than they were when I started out.
We have a wonderful opportunity to use such technology to fine tune our careers and drive successful business outcomes.
Q: Who would you most like to sit next to on a plane, living or dead?
A: Princess Diana. Her elegance and grace through adversity and her ability to shine and rise above everything while portraying her professionalism was admirable.
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world?
A: Canada for the vast landscapes and animal viewing opportunities. I love the different forms of transport available to showcase this majestic country, such as the Rocky Mountaineer. It is a one stop adrenaline destination too, and beautiful across all four seasons.
Another favourite is Egypt for its fascinating ancient ruins and incredible engineering feats accomplished by ancient civilisations. Abu Simbel is a highlight and the stories of Ramses the Great.
Q: What is your best travel story?
A: During my time with Delta Air Lines I had some incredible weekend road trips with colleagues exploring different towns before a conference in the U.S..
I found myself driving on the wrong side of the road and eventually drove into the welcome sign in Temecula – literally! It was quite a way to mark our arrival into town! Classic.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with Collette?
A: I’m most looking forward to creating awareness about all the incredible benefits our tours make available to our travellers and highlighting the unique inclusions so that our travel partners feel confident when recommending Collette.
