The chief executive of Melbourne-based Latitude Group Travel (NOT to be confused with Darwin’s infamous Latitude Travel) takes some time to talk terrorism, her stellar staff and a hairy run-in with Aeroflot.
The challenge for the industry is… For retail travel I think it is the competition of online booking services – for all of us it is the perceived threat of terrorism and how scared people are to travel.
The things I like about my job are… The amazing responses from the students on tour, particularly when a lightbulb goes off. We get some fantastic responses! I also love my clients, particularly when they understand just how much work we do for them – and our staff are stellar!
And the frustrations are… Not enough hours in the day! Just too much work and too little time.
If I didn’t work in travel I would be… An art historian or an antiques appraiser.
Favourite airline? Any one in which I can afford to travel business class!
My proudest moment was… When I married my husband.
The naughtiest thing I ever did was… Getting caught smoking, hiding outside, near the hockey field fence. My parents were furious.
I try to relax by… Cruising as often as possible.
The last time I feared for my life was… When I was on an Aeroflot flight (yes – before I was in travel and was very young). It was winter and there was a flame coming out of one engine… then there were seats not actually attached to the floor of the aircraft!
If I can, I always try to avoid… Boring people who take ages to get to the point….
I really wish I had… A renovated house.
The best advice I’ve ever received was… In running a business, always surround yourself with good mentors and advisors (and I have).
I don’t understand why people… Lie, gild the lily, don’t tell the truth….
My greatest weakness is… Always apologising to everyone!
And my greatest strength is… My ability to develop rapport with people and to understand what they want.
If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would… Renovate my house (and give some as staff bonuses) …
If I was prime minister I would… Hire the right people to run the country.
If I could be someone else for one day I would be a… Singer – I have always wanted to belt out a tune.
I’ve always wanted to travel to… Necker Island but Richard Branson would have to be there to make it interesting!
My favourite holiday was… Antarctica – it’s stunning, life changing.
If I could have two I would include the QE2 transatlantic with my husband.
