Life in the time of COVID-19 with APT Group’s Paddy Scott

APT’s senior brand manager had to complete this interview locked in his bedroom closet to block out the sound of his teenager’s drumkit. We assume he’s still there.

What are you reading?

I am currently reading Billy Connelly, Tall Tales and Wee Stories. It’s a very good way to take your mind off things, though I get frowned at for laughing out loud.

What are you watching?

At the very start of lockdown I started to rewatch Scrubs with my teenage boys – sadly about to get the end, so will be looking for some recommendations.

What are you listening to?

My son playing his drum kit in the shed. Whose idea was it to panic-buy a drum kit? I should have stuck to the toilet paper instead.

What are you cooking?

Too much, and eating too much of it too! I’m taking lots of inspiration from my travels with my current favourite being a chicken rendang curry with roti bread – delicious!

How are you staying fit both physically and mentally?

There’s a walk I do to the beach every day (within the dedicated time allowed) which keeps me in check. The amount of photos I have of one pier is crazy – I’ll need to make a book out of them.

What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since the coronavirus hit?

Guessing the most common answer is the forced slowdown. Not running all over the place and constantly being busy 24/7. It’s nice to ‘smell the roses’ occasionally.

What have you learned about yourself amid the crisis?

I have learned that we’re all more resilient than we think we are. It’s been tough, but we adapt and find a ‘new normal’. We then find a way to thrive and continue.

What’s your advice for others in the industry on coping with the crisis?

That the world is too beautiful and inviting for mankind not to travel far and wide again. People will be itching to get back out there as soon as they can, and they’ll need all our collective expertise to see the world again.

Where is your favourite domestic travel destination?

I was lucky enough to visit Ningaloo Reef recently to swim with the whale sharks. I had underestimated how amazing the whole area would be, well beyond just the reef. Kind of like Outback Australia meets the ocean – absolutely stunning!

What is the one international travel memory keeping you going through this time?

In 2015 three generations of my immediate family (23 of us) travelled through Nepal together on the trip of a lifetime. Trekking, white water rafting and spotting wildlife in the national parks. The best trip I have ever experienced – to take my young sons to see this amazing country was breathtaking.

Where do you want to travel to once international travel restrictions ease up?

A friend of mine runs a beach shack on a small island off the coast of Cambodia. I’m itching to visit his slice of paradise and to switch off from the world for a week or two. The thought of not being controlled by daily case numbers is very tempting.

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apt Life in the time of COVID-19 midweek interview