How long have you been in the business? About 26 years – I started at Travel 24 in North York as a receptionist.
What’s the best part of the job? I really enjoy meeting new people and finding solutions to technical issues. Insurance can be funny – but it’s so important to have that security. I love hearing the stories of when we do well.
What did you want to be as a kid? A teacher, I’m going to say. But I remember going to an Adventure Tours product launch when I was 18 and I said to myself that I wanted to be that person on that stage.
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? Anyone who can face any disease or similar and stand strong and fight with every ounce of their soul. Like many things in life it is not always if we win or lose but how we played the game.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Skydiving at the Toronto Parachute Club. I fainted halfway down. Thank God it was a tandem jump!
What was your worst holiday? I don’t think I’ve had a worst holiday. I do family camping trips every year but there are some times being up to your knees in mud is not a fun time!
What keeps you awake at night? My kids. There’s a lot of things I can’t protect them from.
Stones or Beatles? Rolling Stones.
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months?
Apart from voclanic ash and catastrophic events? …I think our distribution channels have changed dramatically and we need to define our value proposition – what sets you aside from your competitors.
You cannot be all things to all people because that doesn’t work any more.
Who do you most respect in the industry? Susan Webb. Even though I worked at Signature after her departure, for the 10 years I was there she was still the benchmark for creativity, sales and relationship building.
If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be? The whole no-discounting policy. Every other industry allows retailers to market at the price they choose. I’m not 100% behind prices being dictated.
If you could sit next to anyone on a longhaul flight who would it be? Oprah Winfrey. I’d love to have a conversation with her.
What book’s on your bedside table? Donald Trump’s Think Big and Kick Ass
What’s your worst habit? My sarcasm. (laughs) It’s not always appreciated.
What’s your favourite destination? I have so many! St. Lucia, the south of France, the Algarve. And some of my best times have been in my own backyard.
This year again Dianne is participating in the Walk to End Women’s Cancers – a cause close to her heart. She and her team are looking to raise $40,000. If you’d like to support Dianne and The 7 Wonders team, each personal donation of $25.00 or more will be entered into a draw for a pair of WestJet tickets.
Corporate sponsorships are also welcome – The 7 Wonders will proudly include your logo on their walk shirts for a minimum donation of $300.00. Contact info@gk.openjaw.xyz for further details.
