Q: What was your first job and what did you learn from it that you still use today?
A: It was at a store in St Lukes Shopping Centre in Auckland called Card and Party.
Back then card stores were a big thing. The lady I worked for took me under her wing and taught me all there was to know about owning and running a business, so much so that when she opened her second store she let me manage it as if it were my own.
I learnt then – and still do to this day – to never give up, always take on a challenge and there is no such thing as can’t.
Most importantly, be kind to people, no matter who they are or what their position might be. You never know when you might need them or what opportunities in the future could become a possibility because of them.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: Get to know the team, listen and learn, and deep dive into learning about the product and strategy so I can hit the ground running.
Create a business plan, map out my opportunities across my territories and build a hit list.
Connect with my key accounts and partners to understand their needs and to build relationships. Build a sales cycle to cover key areas first and focus on the accounts already selling us, then focus on the opportunities of those that aren’t.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel now?
A: Be bold, be curious and build and maintain relationships like your career depends on it – because it does.
The travel industry is dynamic, fast paced and full of opportunity. Start by being curious – no question is a silly question.
This industry is built on passion and people. Your relationships will be your biggest asset so nurture them. Trust in your abilities: confidence, consistency and connection will take you far.
Don’t be put off by a no – with every no you are closer to a yes. Be persistent and all else will follow.
Q: If you hadn’t gone into travel, what career path might you have taken?
A: I was in the beauty industry for 17 years prior to taking on my first role in travel and I have never looked back. I had also done my Diploma in Real Estate so that was another option I was looking to pursue.
Q: How do you think the travel industry is looking right now?
A: The travel industry is showing signs of strength and resilience. Demand is back and it is more emotional than ever, not just transactional.
People aren’t just booking holidays; they are investing in meaningful experiences and cruising is playing a huge part in that. More so on smaller ships that are all-inclusive and offer more immersive cultural experiences.
It is so exciting to be part of the industry at this time. There is so much more innovation, collaboration and opportunities to lead with purpose and authenticity. The travel industry in general is in great shape and the future is exciting.
Q: Who would you most like to sit next to on a plane, living or dead?
A: Richard Branson. The guy has always inspired me, not just because of his incredible success, but because of his approach to business and his willingness to challenge.
He is bold, creative and really people focused, which I admire. He leads by example and with heart, building brands that are fun and purpose driven. I think the conversation would be anything but boring.
If you asked me this in my younger days I would have said Richie McCaw (former All Black). This actually did happen on a flight back to AKL and I was star struck, blushing and could not speak. Such a wasted opportunity, ha ha.
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world?
A: Top of mind would be Croatia. I have been there twice now and just love that each time you go it is so different and there’s so much to see. I travelled from Dubrovnik to Zagreb and almost everywhere in between.
A little hidden gem in Slovenia is Ljubljana – such a beautiful little town, again with so much to see. The other would be Egypt. It is just stunning and the people are so beautiful and so proud of their country, as they should be.
Q: What is your best travel story?
A: So, for those that know me, I am nicknamed ‘Five-star Frannie’ as I do love a luxury hotel, resort, river cruise or cruise.
My partner thought he would test my five star status and buy a run-down camper van in the UK, restore it and this was going to be our form of holiday when visiting.
So, you can imagine my shock when he decided to surprise me with this. I thought this is it…this is how my five star reputation ends!
Glass half full positive me took a deep breath, channelled my inner glamping goddess and transformed that camper into something more ‘Frannie friendly’. Think fresh flowers, candles, fruit bowl, fluffy throws and cushions…the works!!
By the end I must admit, I actually loved it. It is now our little five star rolling suite, just without pool side cocktails and room service.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with Azamara?
A: Firstly, being a part of the amazing team at Azamara. I am looking after NSW and NZ and as you can see from my earlier responses I love a challenge.
I am really looking forward to getting in front of all my key accounts and partners to continue growing my relationships and in turn have great growth in agent bookings and revenue.
My love of travel, cruising and all-inclusive destination immersion makes Azamara a perfect fit for me and it is going to be so easy to represent and be passionate about this stunning brand.
