Midweek Interview with Lisa Hasen, OpenTable

The challenge for the industry is… The biggest challenge that faces the hospitality industry is landing on the right “mix” of accommodating diner demands and maintaining a healthy balance sheet.

The things I like about my job… I love working with restaurants and the people that make them hum. I believe restauranteurs are some of the hardest working, salt of the earth, passionate group I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and they make my job extremely fulfilling.

And the frustrations are… The frustrations of my job is trying to juggle touching each and every one of our customers, early and often, to ensure they’re exceedingly satisfied. That’s no easy feat!

If I didn’t work in travel I would be… If I didn’t work in a job that included travel, I’d be running my own wine bar.

Favourite airline? Virgin Australia. I love Richard Branson and the fun he puts into flying.

My proudest moment was… Receiving a message from one of my previous employees, who sent me her achievement as being named #1 in her field that month. During the time we worked together, we worked hard, as she was struggling – and it turns out all the hard work paid off! There is nothing better than feeling like you’ve helped someone achieve what they thought was unattainable.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… I’ve misbehaved on an airline flight and I am not saying anything more!!

I try to relax by… Cooking and going for a run! Both activities always seem to put my mind to ease.

The last time I feared for my life was… When my house was broken into when I was living in a transitional neighbourhood in San Francisco. I remember being so scared by the experience that it I motivated me to learn Krav Maga (Israeli self-defence technique). I earned 6 belts over 9 years!

If I can, I always try to avoid… Putting myself in situations where I would need to use my Krav Maga skills.

I really wish I had… The rest of my family living here in Sydney with me (they are in the US).

The best advice I’ve ever received was… It’s a common saying, but one I think is very true – you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

I don’t understand why people… Pass judgement so quickly, without fully understanding all the issues.

My greatest weakness is… My greatest weakness is also my greatest strength and that’s how passionate I am!

And my greatest strength is… The fact I’m incredibly passionate about all that I do.

If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would… Move my sister to Sydney.

If I was prime minister I would… As a cyclist, I would integrate more bike lanes to provide a safer environment for both riders and drivers.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be a… I’d love to be a rock star, like Pink or Rhianna!

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Turkey.

My favourite holiday was… Thanksgiving. While it’s not celebrated in Australia, I love it because it’s neither about gifts nor religion, it’s about food, wine and gatherings with friends & family.

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

Latest comments

sting says:
June 29, 2016 at 2:07 pm
….it seems like the answers to items -naughtiest thing, -try to avoid and -wanted to travel to are all related… the department of foreign affairs and trade has warned australians to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to turkey… krav maga skills are required…
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Lisa Hasen Open table