David takes some time out of his new role as head of travel and business development for Australia and New Zealand for Disney Destinations International to talk mouse ears, golf and staying positive.
Before joining Disney, David was Helloworld’s national manager for its cruise business, and prior to that, he served as the regional sales manager of Carnival Australia.
The challenge for the industry is… Keeping up with the demands of today’s traveller. Technology and information has changed the industry so quickly.
The things I like about my job… I work for Disney so I love everything about my job! Seriously, going to a Disney Park for meetings is pretty special.
And the frustrations are… Nothing, yet! Although given the geography of the amazing places we look after in our team, I do tend to get emails and conference calls at any time of the day and night!
If I didn’t work in travel I would be… A greens keeper at a golf course — outside and in a beautiful setting.
Favourite airline? Any airline that brings guests to a Disney park.
My proudest moment was… Running a 50km trail race with a great friend in Adelaide about 10 years ago.
The naughtiest thing I ever did was… I wore mouse ears to my first Disney meeting – I thought it was required?!
I try to relax by… Gym and golf, and spending time with good friends.
The last time I feared for my life was… Swimming in the ocean in Greenland. It seemed like a good idea at the time.
If I can, I always try to avoid… Sugar.
I really wish I had… More time every day!
The best advice I’ve ever received was… ‘Hope is not a strategy’
I don’t understand why people… Worry about the small things. Life is too short.
My greatest weakness is… Wearing too much blue.
And my greatest strength is… Optimism and positivity.
If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would… Keep half and look after friends and family, and then try and help charities and causes that I really believe in.
If I was prime minister I would… Make everyone wear mouse ears at work!
If I could be someone else for one day I would be a… Professional golfer, and a really good one!
I’ve always wanted to travel to… The Galapagos Islands are high on the list.
My favourite holiday was… Running the Medoc Marathon in Bordeaux, France this year for my father’s 65th birthday. It was a very special few weeks in France and the UK with my parents.
