Jill Dickie
Where were you born? In Welland, Ont.
How long have you been in the business? 26 years – for the first 15 years with Canada 3000 Holidays, Red Seal, Holiday House, Sunwing, you name it. And the last 11 in retail with Thomas Cook and, just since January, with Travelsavers.
How many people work for you? I don’t have direct reports, but here in Canada we have 7 staff and there’s a much larger operation in the U.S.
What’s the best part of the job? Talking and meeting new people!
What did you want to be as a kid? An accountant. I even went to Ryerson for business administration and decided: Wow this is so not for me!
What was your 1st ever job? As a short order cook at a golf course.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? On my honeymoon my husband and I were walking around some elevated ruins and that was when I learned I am terrified of heights. I was almost on all fours.
Any guilty pleasures? Chocolate. (Does everyone say that?)
What’s your favourite airline? Most of my flying is domestic, so I’d have to say WestJet.
Favourite hotel? Any Fairmont.
What’s on your iPad? Spider solitaire. I am addicted.
What do people not know about you? I’ve always wanted to learn ballroom dancing. And I will!
Any hobbies or interests? I love interior decorating.
When were you happiest? When my children were born. The girls are now 8 and 11.
What skill or talent do you admire in someone? Creativity in music or art.
Is there anything you won’t eat? Coriander. Can’t stand it.
What’s at the top of your bucket list? Australia – I’ve always wanted to go there. Definitely.
What keeps you awake at night? On the work side, something that needed to be done and wasn’t. I’ll fret about it.
What is your greatest extravagance? Skin care and perfume.
How do you stay fit when you travel? Walking, or I’ll use the gym.
If you could change 1 thing about the industry what would it be? Having travel professionals more recognized and valued. Fees are never questioned in other professions.
If you could sit next to anyone on a long-haul flight, who would it be? Keith Urban – he could sing to me the entire way!
What kind of car do you drive? Sadly, a minivan. I finally broke down.
Do you have a favourite charity? Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.
What will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? Technology – the whole mobile thing.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years? I’d love to still be doing what I’m doing but travelling more and working less. That’s the plan!
