Home » News » Midweek interview with Paul Wilson, VP Sales – Centara Hotels & Resorts

15 June, 2016

Midweek interview with Paul Wilson, VP Sales – Centara Hotels & Resorts

The challenge for the industry is… Staying active and relevant in such a rapidly changing world. The challenge is going to be knowing the sweet spot between catering to the tastes of people’s expectations and demands, while zooming out to innovate and anticipate the future tastes and expectations.

The things I like about my job… It’s fast, dynamic, drenched with culture and I’m fortunate to work in one of most innovative tourism hubs of the world (all cliché until it’s true!)

And the frustrations are… Less of a frustration, but certainly learning to adapt and appreciate working and negotiating across different cultures has been key.

If I didn’t work in travel I would be… A professional sportsman… well I would try to be.

Favourite airline? Emirates

My proudest moment… Seeing my daughter open her eyes was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… Take my father’s car out when I was a teenager, and, through no fault of my own… crashed it. In Africa this comes with problems.

I try to relax by… This is a raincheck! With a brand new global sales team, new sales and revenue focusses with Centara and a new city to navigate, I’m yet to really touch the ground!

The last time I feared for my life was… Whitewater rafting with my friends in the Zambezi River.

If I can, I always try to avoid… Buffets. I am already pleasantly plump.

I really wish I had… Travelled more to the places less travelled.

The best advice I’ve ever received was… People will forget what you said, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Work with people who compliment your weaknesses and focus hard on your strengths.

My greatest weakness is… The pursuit of chasing more

And my greatest strength is… I’m far too humble, you will have to ask my mother.

I don’t understand why people… Always want more.

If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would… Considering I live in Bangkok and that’s the equivalent of $28k Aussie dollars, I would use that money for orphaned children in my home country of Zimbabwe.

If I was prime minister I would… Introduce huge taxes on big cars and city driving and introduce a compulsory exercise hour in the work week.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be a… Wife – she is so happy.

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Cuba is high on the list – though Centara is expanding here so stay tuned!

My favourite holiday was… Zambia – to stay at my brother’s award winning safari lodge – Chinzombo at Normancarr safaris.

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