Don’t ignore your industry: CLIA Chairman Steve Odell

Don’t ignore your industry: CLIA Chairman Steve Odell

If you picked up our latest mag, you might’ve noticed a little segment featuring big wig Steve Odell, where he imparted some well-earned knowledge with Travel Weekly.

We quizzed Odell, CLIA Australasia Chairman and Norwegian Cruise Lines Senior Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific, on the five biggest lessons he’s learned working in the travel industry.

From engaging with your industry rather than ignoring it, to having a work/life balance and strong values, Odell certainly has learned a lot. Readers, take not.

1. Engage with your broader industry and share that knowledge

Being involved in your industry beyond a purely corporate capacity, for me through engagement with bodies such as the CLIA,
is extremely helpful to your overall understanding of the sector in which you operate.

2. Having a positive work and life balance is incredibly important

Nobody can operate effectively running full tilt 24/7, either at work or at home.

For me this means keeping an eye on my diet, finding time to exercise, making time to spend with my partner and committing to one designated ‘down day’ each weekend – an increasingly hard thing to do in this era of mobile technology.

3. Your principles and core values define you – and they don’t need to be complex

Respect everyone you deal with and you’ll earn their trust in return; do what you say you’ll do; and motivate others by being
an engaged leader.

4. People are everything

Nurture equally positive, professional relationships with employees, managers, colleagues, travel agent partners and customers.

5. Make the effort to understand other cultures

I find it’s extremely valuable and just old-fashioned good manners to do my research before meetings with overseas counterparts. By taking the time to find out about local customs and the current political and economic issues at play
in foreign markets you’ll be showing respect, and you’ll earn it in return.

 

 

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

clia Norwegian Cruise Lines steve odell

Latest News

  • Cruise

Princess Cruises unveils Sanctuary Collection, Star Princess to sail Alaska in 2026

From the sunny port of Barcelona, the Sun Princess welcomed worldwide media aboard for an update on what’s new and what’s next for Princess Cruises today, 23 April. The setting also doubled as the official naming ceremony for Princess’ first sphere class ship which was live streamed around the ship for all guests to enjoy. […]

  • News

Collette special offers across peak northern summer season

Global tour operator Collette has announced a series of special offers on selected dates across a range of tours in the peak northern hemisphere 2024 summer season. Greece The offers include ‘Greece & Its Islands’ features classics such as the Parthenon as well as the picturesque islands of Mykonos and Santorini. A saving of $700 […]

  • Aviation
  • News

Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries

Air India and All Nippon Airways have signed a codeshare agreement connecting their networks. The new commercial partnership will provide more travel opportunities for customers of both India’s leading global airline and the largest Japan’s largest carrier. Effective from 23rd May, the Air India and All Nippon Airways agreement will see passengers fly to their […]

  • News

A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave

A&K Travel Group will now provide a minimum of 18 weeks paid parental leave for both care-givers, setting a new standard for the travel industry. By providing 18 weeks of paid time off for all new parents, regardless of gender, A&K Travel Group is not only enabling parents to spend valuable time with their newborns […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]