The great thing about my job is… It feels like the best job in Australia. Great destination, great product, great people and great potential.
The challenge for industry is… To avoid overreaction to short-term issues and pressures – the challenge is to stay focussed on the real objectives and creation of sustainable strategies for long-term business growth. Think big picture, be bold and reach for the stars. We Aussies can run rings around the rest.
My greatest achievement is… Well, career-wise, it’s been my roles in the success of World Expo 88, Events Queensland and Gold Coast Indy – but, personally, it is having four well-adjusted, achievement-oriented children that gives me the most pride.
The biggest thing in MICE this year will be… Understanding the momentum of strong destination brands and positive effects on value paradigms. Build it and they will come…
I try to relax by… Cycling, flying, running and skiing.
I don’t understand why… People don’t appreciate the power of optimism and a smile. In tourism and hospitality, they can be valuable persuaders.
Currently the album playing on my iPod is… Enya.
My favourite venue is… The London Eye – there’s no better venue for an inspirational meeting with champagne and canapés overlooking the 2012 Olympic City.
I am scared to death of… Failure – because success is such an addictive drug.
I can’t live without… My iPad.
Blackberry or iPhone… I use a Blackberry for talking and an iPad for smarter stuff.
I really wish I had… More time for business, more time for leisure, more time for my family, and more time for my friends.
If I could invite four people to a dinner party, they’d be… Leonard Cohen, John Lennon, Ernest Hemingway and Jerry Seinfeld. Imagine what Jerry could do with that group!
