Midweek Interview with Zena Boakes, Sabre head of human resources

Midweek Interview with Zena Boakes, Sabre head of human resources
By admin


The challenge for the industry is…Corporate Social Responsibility – in particular sustainability – is a challenge. However finding ways to invest, procure, report and measure is the first step towards evaluating and managing our impact.

The things I like about my job are.… I just never know what the day is going to bring.

And the frustrations…. spread sheets.

If I didn’t work in travel I would be… a Motivational Speaker and Part time Life Coach working out of a home on the beach.

Qantas or Virgin?… Both. They both do a good job and get me from A to B.

My proudest moment was… being asked to deliver the Graduation speech on behalf of the students at Sydney Uni.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… let off a stink bomb under the teacher’s desk in Year 7. I was called up in front of the whole school and told off!

I relax by… swimming or kayaking in the ocean.

The last time I feared for my life… the last time I saw a snake.

If I can, I always try to avoid… snakes.

I really wish I had… done my Masters, ran a marathon, spent more time with my Dad.

The best advice I’ve ever received was… Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.

I don’t understand why… Peanut M&M’s are so bad for me.

My greatest weakness is… Peanut M&M’s.

And my greatest strength… Listening and understanding.

If I was prime minister I would… I would never want the job of PM, thank you!

If I won $1 million on the lottery I would… pay off my mortgage and then help my family do the same.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be… Elle MacPherson (And my husband would like that too!)

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Tahiti. The allure of pristine beaches, the turquoise ocean and relaxing for a week.

My favourite holiday was… Chobe Safari Lodge in Botswana. In the midst of a tiny village, so many beautiful African sunsets, lots of game, the smell of the African bush, a flight in a helicopter over the Victoria Falls. Perfect in every way.

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