Name: Lydia Haydon.
Job title: Manager.
Company: Harvey World Travel Bayfair.
What does your job involve?
Designing holidays people dream of. Cheesy, I know, but when we are having a hard day at work or with the family, our minds drift to somewhere life would be more relaxed. For some that may be an island on an aqua-blue lagoon, trekking in the Amazon, on a safari in Africa, learning about a new culture in India or cruising with a butler at your beck and call. Everyone has a different dream. I am the matchmaker.
In reality, I'm a PA, accountant, wedding planner, communicator, IT person, insurance consultant, research specialist, event planner, romance-maker, marketing assistant, itinerary designer ... I could go on. I love it.
What's the most challenging aspect of your role?
A challenge would be when we get inquiries for the lead-in specials, say $599 to Rarotonga, for example, and people don't read the travelling dates and want to go next week except it's more in price and they don't understand the concept of availability.
Every day, availability in flights, hotels, cruises, tours, etc., changes and if people don't act when it is available then, unfortunately, they miss out. Obviously, not everyone can commit to a holiday six to 12 months in advance so, for those last minute holidays, it's a fun challenge to find alternative options.
What's your proudest work moment?
The most recent was to be nominated for the New Zealand Agency Promotion of the Year in the CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Australasia in February. We were one of five stores in New Zealand to be nominated. That alone was huge for us so we thought we would head over to the awards ceremony in Sydney and were blown away to win.
It was an extremely proud moment for us as a team. Personally, my Rookie of the Year award still sits high on my list at the beginning of my career as that was like an acknowledgement to myself that I am capable of achieving great things.
What training/experience have you had to prepare for your role?
I studied from home with International Travel College. Nothing can prepare you for sitting in the seat other than jumping in the deep end and seeing if you sink or swim.
My current employer took me in as a junior seven years ago and she has been a huge mentor for me. Continually upskilling through tourism boards, educational trips, attending supplier training and events are key to keeping my finger on the pulse of all things travel-related as things change almost daily in this industry.
I have also just completed and passed the CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Masters training, which I completed on a cruise ship. This is a huge accomplishment for me as there are only a handful of Masters trained consultants in New Zealand. This gives me the knowledge to sell our clients the cruises that suit them best.
What's the best piece of career advice you've received?
If the bar is high, aim higher. This not only relates to sales but also to my clients' expectations. The best part of my job is when they tell me about their holiday.
What's the most important thing your current role has taught you?
Having good people skills is an absolute requirement. I have learnt to have a more open mind toward who I am interacting with. A fantastic book I would recommend is Pushing the Right Buttons by Allison Mooney.
It is on encouraging us to appreciate and value all personality types. Treat others how you would expect to be treated yourself is a good skill to live by.
How would you describe your work wardrobe?
A smart corporate uniform so that we look professional at all times.