Where
were you born? In Port
of Spain, Trinidad. We moved to Calgary when I was 3.
How
long have you been in the business? For 28
years, starting with a nature touring company in Canada.
How
many people work for G? Almost 3,000.
What’s
the best part of the job? The people that we get to impact positively within the organization
and on the ground.
What
did you want to be as a kid?
I was always an
entrepreneur, and started three businesses before I was 16 - a newspaper
contract delivery business, then a bookmark business, and then I imported the
first dwarf rabbits to Canada from Holland.
Did
you not want to be an employee? The other thing you have to know is that I got fired at McDonalds
during the training program. I raised
questions about the role of a hairnet when I actually had a shaved head.
What’s
the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Probably having children. They are now 15 and 13. It was touch and go sometimes!
Any
guilty pleasures?
I’m a news junkie. And not going
anywhere on a vacation. Does liking Mariah
Carey and ABBA count? That’s more
embarrassing than a guilty pleasure I guess.
How
many countries have you visited? 154.
What’s
your favourite airline? I love Air Canada I have to say. I’m a big defender of them.
Favourite
hotel chain? A
toss-up between Hilton and InterContinental. Whoever has the fastest internet gets my vote.
What’s
on your tablet? Music, a wide array but a lot of 80s and 90s.
A ton of news - BBC, CBC, newspapers, The Economist magazine. Cash converters, translators and now books.
What
do people not know about you?
People think I’m
outgoing when I’m actually a loner.
Any
hobbies or interests?
I’m really into sports both
as a fan and a participant. I play volleyball and basketball, do yoga and run.
What
was the last thing you bought (apart from something to eat)?
A piece of blown glass art when I was in Noosa, Australia, last
week.
When
were you happiest? I had the happiest summer this year because I didn’t travel and had
the family all together.
What
would you tell your 20 year old self?
That business
is not black and white, and it can be emotional.
Who
do you most admire in the industry?
Max Ward [late
founder of the Canadian carrier Wardair].
What
skill or talent do you admire in someone?
People who are detailed and organized.
What’s
at the top of your bucket list?
The Trans Siberian railway – in winter.
Ever
had a brush with fame? Many. I once ran on a treadmill next to Michael
Jordan!
What
keeps you awake at night? Nothing really. I’m a really good sleeper.
How
do you spend your frequent flyer points?
With great difficulty because I am a bad
planner - but I did recently buy the most impressive toaster.
What
is your greatest extravagance?
Probably concert and
sports tickets. I go around the world to
them.
If you could change one thing about the industry what
would it be?
I think we need better industry
leaders especially in Canada.
If
you could sit next to anyone on a long-haul flight, who would it be?
Jack Welch who is former chairman and CEO of GE.
Do
you have a favourite charity? Our G
foundation Planeterra, and the World Wildlife Federation.
What
will be the biggest challenge for the industry in the next 12 months? Navigating around the
decisions of a maniacal leader in the United States.
What
do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
I’ve been
thinking in units of 10 years, so I hope that I’ve accomplished what I’ve wanted
to do. I see myself somewhere else in the world relaxing and enjoying my life,
painting or doing something creative.
