ITT Future You Conference The power of three
Students attending today’s ITT Future You conference, from 11am to 1pm, will hear from three of TTG’s Tomorrow’s Travel Leaders: 30 travel professionals under 30 years of age. Here, our presenters spill the beans on their careers to date, while we provide a rundown on the other 27 members
Nicole Collett press and PR executive, WTM
What has been the highlight of your career so far? I was lucky enough to be part of a ministerial dinner that WTM organised last year at the prestigious Mansion House in London. This was a fabulous event hosted by Maria Miller, secretary of state for culture, media and sport. We were also lucky enough to see a special one-off performance from the Royal Ballet, which was simply beautiful.
What’s the biggest challenge you've faced? My first year at WTM has probably been my biggest challenge to date; realising the sheer size of the event and being thrown in at the deep-end – no one can fully prepare you for that. During my first year of WTM, I was based at the extremely busy registration area where I had hordes of people from around the world firing questions at me left, right and centre. But probably, thinking back, it was the best way to learn.
Which people – in travel and tourism, other industries or anywhere else – do you find inspiring? An excellent role model and someone who I look up to hugely is Fiona Jeffery, WTM’s former exhibition director. This is mainly because of Fiona’s amazing contribution to the industry, both as a member of the WTM team and in her role as chairman and founder of the non-profit water charity Just a Drop. She’s dedicated an amazing 25 years to the event – although I’m not too far off with my six. Last year Fiona also received an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list for her outstanding contribution. It was an award, I feel, that was very much deserved.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self? The thought of spending three years of my life studying for something I had no interest in would have killed me. But when looking at what future opportunities were available to me as an 18-year-old, I was lucky enough to know that travel and tourism was an area I definitely wanted to pursue. So my advice to a younger me would be to ensure that, whatever it is you decide to do, make sure it is something you are passionate and enthusiastic about. It will make whatever you do a whole lot more enjoyable.
Where do you hope you might be in five years’ time? 10? 20? I’ll hopefully still be at WTM – just in a more senior role. I’d really like to be enjoying the future challenges that are thrown at me from this diverse and constantly changing industry.
38 07.11.2013
Matthew Gardiner digital and partnerships marketing executive, Choice Hotels
What has been the highlight of your career so far? In my previous role in travel recruitment, the highlight was facilitating the career moves of a couple of people who on paper wouldn’t have even got an interview but who – on getting the job – have gone on to be top performers in their respective companies.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced? In the past few months it has been finishing my digital marketing diploma at the same time as starting my new job and moving house.
Which people – in travel and tourism, other industries or anywhere else – do you find inspiring? I’ve always admired and been inspired by people who present really well, who can articulate and communicate an idea succinctly, and who can get a message to emotionally resonate with an audience. Basically, I admire those people who can establish strong stories – because it is stories that sell. The man who comes immediately to mind is Barrack Obama. Certainly, I will always remember his inaugural address as President.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self? It’s okay not knowing what you want to do; don’t be afraid of making mistakes.
Where do you hope you might be in five years’ time? 10? 20? Some poems don’t rhyme and some stories don’t have a clear beginning,
middle and end. I don’t like to think too far ahead anymore. Life is about not knowing, having to change, seizing the moment, making the best of it, and learning as much as you can along the way. But I will commit to saying that, within 12 months, I would like to make Comfort, Quality and Clarion hotels household brand names with the UK.
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