Jayne Shackleford
Where were you born? In Belfast.
How long have you been in the business? I started with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in New York in 1998.
What’s the best part of the job? Selling Ireland! Being from Ireland and selling where you’re from - it doesn’t get any better than that!
What did you want to be as a kid? You’re going to laugh: an airline stewardess.
What was your first job? Selling frozen yoghurt in a café – my uniform was a short pink dress which was very embarrassing.
Ever had a brush with fame? Through my job I met Liam Neeson who was taller and even more handsome than I thought. Very friendly and supportive of what we are trying to do in promoting Ireland.
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? The ability to sing.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? The Sydney Bridge climb in Australia. I don’t know why, but I did it. I can hardly even look at the pictures.
Any guilty pleasures? Too many! I love to get my hair done and have a nice glass of wine in the salon and shut everything out.
What’s your favourite airline? I like travelling on Porter when on business in Canada.
What do people not know about you? I was an athlete in Belfast – 100 meter sprinter and 80 meter hurdler. And I’m only 5’2”!
Any hobbies or interests? These days it’s all about my 2 kids, Liam (15 months) and Emily who will be 3 in June.
When were you happiest? When I married my husband.
What keeps you awake at night? Liam!
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? For us, the global tightening of belts that we’re seeing.
If you could sit next to anyone on a long-haul flight who would it be? Brad Pitt.
What kind of car do you drive? An Infiniti X35.
Do you have a favourite charity? World Vision.
What is your “must-have” item when on the road? My iPhone charger.
Is there anything you won’t eat? Brussel sprouts.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? I hope to still be in the industry here in Canada.
