Jan LaPointe
Where were you born? In Edmonton, but I grew up on Vancouver Island.
What’s the best part of the job? Working with such great people and fantastic product.
What did you want to be as a kid? An architect or interior designer. Then after my 1st international plane ride to Mexico City, it was anything to do with travel.
What was your 1st job? Car lot jockey. Moving cars around before I was old enough to drive!
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Bungee jumping in New Zealand.
What are your guilty pleasures or your greatest extravagance? (laughs) Chocolate and wine parings... and shoes.
Do you have a favourite travel app? Tripit and a white noise app for sleeping.
What do people not know about you? I’m kind of a techno geek. If it’s new and I think it will improve my life, I want to try it. Also, that I have a large family – 11 nieces and nephews.
Any hobbies or interests? Love to golf. Plus yoga and climbing 14ers (mountains over 14,000 ft.)!
When were you happiest? I try to be happy every day.
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? Musical people. I’m always jealous.
What’s your favourite place for a business lunch? In Toronto, it’s One. In Vancouver, it’s Coast.
Ever had a brush with fame? I dated Bryan Adams’ drummer. Once at a Club Med I met David Lee Roth. Also, I sat at a table next to Ralph Fiennes at a restaurant in New York last year.
What keeps you awake at night? Thinking of all I want to get done.
How do you spend your frequent flyer points? Commuting to see my husband in Halifax. Or a big international trip – we’re looking at Croatia next.
What was your proudest moment? Out-driving men who think their golf game will benefit from playing with a woman.
How do you stay fit when you travel? Usually, I will use the hotel gym and I’m a big walker. I also have a 7 Minute Workout app.
If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be? It would be great to get the lift out of Canada stabilized, balanced.
If you could sit next to anyone on a long-haul flight, who would it be? Wow. I would say JFK or Michelle Obama.
Do you have a favourite charity? A few: Alzheimers, autism and anything to do with cancer.
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? The decline of the Canadian dollar and finding profitability in that environment.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? Retired! Golfing daily or being somewhere near water and mountains. Still travelling though!
