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 bakery assistant back home in New Zealand. Balancing school and work taught me the value of time management, discipline and the importance of delivering excellent customer service – skills that I continue to use and build upon in my career.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: As I start a new position, I focus on understanding the company culture, building relationships with key stakeholders and listening to the team to understand both challenges and opportunities.
I also prioritise setting clear goals to ensure a strong foundation for success.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel now?
A: My advice would be to take the plunge and try new things. Stay curious, adaptable and embrace learning about industry trends.
Build a strong network and find your niche, whether it’s in luxury travel or otherwise. The most important thing is to be open to opportunities and be ready to evolve as the industry continues to change.
Q: What did the pandemic teach you about yourself?
A: The pandemic taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. I learned how to stay focused on my goals even in uncertain times and how to embrace change as an opportunity for growth.
It also deepened my appreciation for the value of connection, both personally and professionally, and reminded me how important it is to maintain flexibility in all aspects of life.
Q: If you hadn’t gone into travel, what career path might you have taken?
A: I originally started my career in science but soon realised my true passion lay in travel – an industry that brings people together, creates unforgettable experiences and opens the world in new ways.
Stepping into the travel industry allowed me to combine curiosity, connection and discovery – making it the most fulfilling journey yet.
Q: How do you think the travel industry is looking at this moment in time?
A: The travel industry is experiencing strong growth with rising demand for immersive, personalised and sustainable travel.
Luxury travellers are looking for expert-crafted journeys that offer deeper connections and unique experiences.
Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group continues to lead in tailor-made luxury travel with strong trade partnerships playing a key role in delivering these exceptional experiences.
Q: Who would you most like to sit next to on a plane, living or dead?
A: Jungkook from BTS. Talented, humble and curious about the world – it would be amazing to hear about his travels and creative process. Though as a BTS fan, I’d have to pretend I’m totally calm and not internally freaking out the entire flight!
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world?
A: Dubrovnik for its amazing coastline, rich history and delectable cuisine.
Seoul is a destination that continues to captivate me. Whether it’s the energy of the city, my obsession with K-Pop, or the warmth of Korean hospitality,
Ubud. A vibrant cultural hub surrounded by lush rice terraces, temples and wellness retreats offering both tradition and tranquillity.
Antarctica Peninsula and South Georgia for its untouched beauty, incredible wildlife and the way it reminds you of how vast and incredible the world is.
Q: What is your best travel story?
A: A few years back in Thailand I decided to try parasailing for the first time. As I floated high above the water, it was exhilarating – until I noticed my friends on the boat looking way too excited.
Out of nowhere, the boat made a sharp turn and I was dipped into the water, completely soaked. The boat driver, laughing, yelled, “Your friends said you needed a little splash of excitement!”
Lesson learned: Parasailing is exhilarating – just don’t let your friends turn it into an underwater adventure!
Q: What are you most looking forward to about your new role with A&K?
A: First and foremost, I’m excited to work with an incredible team and brand that sets the standard for luxury travel.
I look forward to building upon the strong relationships we have with trade partners, expanding AKTG’s presence in the New Zealand market and bringing these world-class journeys to more travellers.
