Let’s start at the beginning! How did your career in the travel industry begin, and what first sparked your interest in cruising?
I started my career at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines when I was 18. It was my first full-time job and, as the company’s head office was local to me, it felt like a natural place to begin. I had always enjoyed travelling and going on holiday, but it was after my first taster cruise with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines that I became completely hooked on the idea of cruising.
You joined ROL Cruise in 2021. Looking back, how has your journey shaped the consultant you are today?
At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, I only had to learn and master one product. Joining ROL Cruise and suddenly having every major cruise line at my fingertips felt a little overwhelming at first, but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way now. It’s given me a much broader understanding of the industry, and I love being able to use that knowledge to help guests find the cruise for them. Looking back, it’s definitely made me a more well-rounded consultant and given me the confidence to guide guests with whatever they’re looking for.
You speak to customers every day. What do you enjoy most about being on the phone?
The stories, the journeys and the characters. Every guest is different, and the variety isn’t something I take for granted. When I pick up the phone, I don’t know who it could be. It might be one of my returning guests who books 3 or 4 cruises a year, or it could be someone who’s never cruised before. Hearing the excitement in someone’s voice when you’ve helped them find the perfect cruise, or managed to secure the last available cabin, never gets old.
Throughout your career, what has been your proudest achievement so far, and why?
Before being selected for TTG’s 30 Under 30, I’d have said it was the consistency of my performance over the last few years. I’ve always taken pride in giving every guest the same level of service and continually building on what I’ve learned. Being recognised as part of this year’s cohort has taken that to another level. It’s a fantastic achievement and one I’m incredibly proud of.
You were nominated for TTG’s 30 Under 30 by our Chief Commercial Officer, Sarah Wikevand. What was your reaction when you found out you’d been put forward?
I was genuinely delighted. It was a real confidence boost knowing that the hard work I’d put in had been recognised, especially by Sarah. It meant a great deal to know she believed I was worthy of the nomination, and it made me even more determined to give the application my all.
The application involved a one-minute video introducing yourself. How did you find that process, and what did you want the judges to understand about you?
I normally don’t mind speaking in front of people, but having just 60 seconds to say everything I wanted to say was surprisingly difficult! I hoped it would be a one-take-and-done kind of situation, but it was far from that. I wanted it to feel natural and for my personality to come across because that’s who I am. After all, I’m a salesman at heart, not a corporate creation.
TTG’s 30 Under 30 recognises some of the brightest emerging talent in the UK travel industry. What does being part of this year’s cohort mean to you personally?
To be considered one of the brightest emerging talents in travel is special and something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s a reminder that the effort you put in really can make a difference. I’ve always wanted to work somewhere that celebrates hard work, encourages people to be themselves and gives them the opportunity to grow, and I feel very fortunate to have found that at ROL Cruise.
Your application highlighted that you bring something a little different to the programme by offering a frontline sales perspective. Why do you think it’s important for that voice to be represented?
Frontline sales teams speak to guests every single day, so they have a unique understanding of what customers are looking for, the questions they’re asking and the challenges they face when planning a holiday. I hope I can bring that perspective to the programme, alongside fresh ideas and practical insight that can help shape conversations across the wider industry.
What are you hoping to gain from the programme over the next year?
I’m looking forward to building relationships with people from across the industry and learning from their different experiences. Everyone in the cohort brings something unique, and I think that’s a fantastic opportunity to broaden my own perspective. I’m excited to take what I learn back into my role and continue developing both professionally and personally.
You recently attended your first TTG 30 Under 30 event. What was it like meeting the rest of the cohort for the first time?
It was brilliant to meet everyone properly. Hearing about each person’s journey into the industry really showed how varied travel can be. There were people working in IT, marketing, AI, customer relations and aviation, all bringing completely different experiences. It made me realise just how connected every part of the industry is and how much we can learn from one another.
And finally, if you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their career in the travel industry, what would it be?
Giving just one piece of advice is too difficult, so I’m going to be annoying and give two! Firstly, and most importantly, build your knowledge. You can never know too much, and guests quickly recognise when they’re speaking to someone who genuinely understands what they’re talking about. Secondly, be yourself! People buy from people, and the most natural conversations are always the ones where you’re simply being yourself. It’s easier, it’s more enjoyable, and, in my experience, it helps build lasting relationships with your guests. Trying to be someone else is a recipe for disaster.
