Deana Murphy
Where were you born? In Toronto.
How long have you been in the business? Since 1986.
How many people work for you? 22.
What’s the best part of the job? So many! I’d have to say I love that every day is different.
What did you want to be as a kid? A flight attendant – or as it was back then, a stewardess. I hoped I’d be tall enough and wouldn’t need glasses, as they couldn’t wear glasses back then.
What was your 1st job? Bagging in an ice cube and styrofoam cup factory. I was 12.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Getting my motorcycle license 4 years ago. I now have a 750 Honda Shadow Sprint and a 250 Yahama.
Any guilty pleasures? Nothing different from anyone else. Red wine?
What’s your favourite airline? Sunwing of course! But if they don’t fly the route I need, WestJet or Air Canada. I like supporting Canadian carriers.
What’s on your iPad? Thousands of pictures.
What do people not know about you? Whenever I’m in town on a Sunday, I go to church. I’m also an avid coin collector – that really surprises people.
When were you happiest? I’m always happiest travelling, especially going to a new destination.
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? The ability to play a musical instrument.
Is there anything you won’t eat? I’m a pescatarian – which means I’m a fish-eating vegetarian, so nothing with legs that walks on dry land.
What’s your favourite place for a business lunch? The patio at Colin Hunter’s Jazz Bistro in downtown Toronto.
Ever had a brush with fame? Actress Suzanne Somers, on an MSC cruise. She thanked me for her Canadian husband!
What keeps you awake at night? Caffeine! (laughs) Or having to get up for an early morning flight.
How do you spend your frequent flyer points? On personal travel.
What was your proudest moment? Mostly thanks to my kids. My son recently won Employee of the Year at the Le Froy Yacht Club in Innisfil.
What is your greatest extravagance? I just bought a new car – an Audi Q5. Love it!
How do you stay fit when you travel? I walk and walk. Never set foot in the gym.
If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be? Longer booking windows.
If you could sit next to anyone on a long-haul flight, who would it be? David Suzuki or Rick Mercer.
Do you have a favourite charity? Canadian Breast Cancer Society.
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? The decline of the Canadian dollar. But to be honest, I never focus on the negatives. Every year is challenging, but you just get through it.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? Exactly what I’m doing now! Except with maybe a few more staff members. (laughs)
