Above: Honolulu, Hawaii
Q: What was your first job and what did you learn from it that you still use today?
A: My first job was working at Best & Less at age 16. I started on the floor, worked my way through registers, layby and then became a supervisor. We all had our designated roles but if someone needed help, we all pitched in to get the job done.
It taught me the value of teamwork and looking beyond your own tasks to see the bigger picture of what needs to be done.
Q: What’s the first thing you do when you start a new position?
A: I set my goals. What do I want to achieve on my first day, first month and first year.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in travel now?
A: Go for it! Working in travel is very rewarding. It can be a transformative experience for many people and it’s truly a pleasure to see the impact it can have.
The travel industry is a friendly and close-knit bunch, so never be afraid to ask for an introduction or advice.
Q: What did the pandemic teach you about yourself?
A: That I am strong and resilient. The experience was unlike anything I have ever been through – emotionally, physically, professionally and personally. I hope that we won’t go through something like this again, but I know that I’m more prepared for navigating unprecedented experiences because of it.
Q: If you hadn’t gone into travel, what career path might you have taken?
A: I started my career in public relations and while I have worked with many travel clients over the years, this is my first role in the travel industry.
I’ve always considered myself a creative person and I love writing, so communications was an easy choice for me.
I’m also a passionate traveller and lived overseas for six years so being able to combine my creative side with my passion for travel is really a fortunate position to be in. I’m very grateful.
Q: How do you think the travel industry is looking at this moment in time?
A: The travel industry is in a state of evolution and it’s an exciting time. There’s no doubt that the pandemic changed not only our industry but the way we think about travel. For the population at large, it taught us how important travel is to our psyche, sense of freedom and connection with the world.
Despite economic challenges, people are prioritising travel and especially focused on making it special and memorable.
For the industry of course the pandemic was hugely challenging, not only because of the restrictions, but the fast tracking of digital transformation. The path to purchase is so complex and the opportunities to think creatively about it are exciting.
Q: Who would you most like to sit next to on a plane, living or dead?
A: I typically hope nobody sits next to me on a plane! My first thought was a comedian, for the entertainment value but I could really use some help with my netball game. Being seated next to netball legend, Liz Ellis, would be great.
Q: What are some of your favourite spots around the world and why?
A: I love the USA, it’s one of my most visited destinations. It’s such a diverse country with so many different experiences, every time I go back I discover something new.
Among my favourite cities is Miami – it’s such a melting pot of cultures. Little Havana has great food, delicious drinks and a fun vibe. Hawaii is magical and I love its stunning natural beauty and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Two places on my radar are Utah for its national parks, the South for its blues.
Vancouver, London and Dubai are all favourites as I have lived in these cities. Vancouver has a vibrant nightlife, friendly locals and you have access to the beach in summer and snow in winter.
London is bustling and there’s always something new to explore, whether it’s an exhibition, new restaurant or just a new part of town. Dubai has great beaches, lots of events to keep you entertained and nowhere else does brunch like Dubai!
Q: What is your best travel story?
A: I have too many to choose from! But there’s two that standout because they happened this year. One was traveling to the UK and meeting a couple from Sydney who live in the same suburb as me. We’d never met before but happened to be on the same tour and have stayed friends.
The other was celebrating my 40th birthday in Las Vegas with a bunch of school friends. We had an incredible time going to beach clubs, secret bars, The Sphere, shows and a basketball game – all memories we’ll treasure forever.
What I love about these two stories is that travel has the power to help you meet new people and strengthen bonds in existing relationships.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about working with Brand USA?
A: It’s an incredible honour to represent the USA and I feel very lucky to be part of this community, working together to promote travel to the U.S. for an organisation that is a leader in the industry.
I’m most looking forward to drawing on my own diverse background to develop innovative campaigns that deliver on our vision to enrich lives through travel to the USA. Getting to explore hidden gems in the U.S. is also a great perk!
TravelTrade.VisitTheUSA.com.au
