Midweek Interview: Henrik Berglind, director of sales & distribution, Accor Australia
The challenge for the industry is….re-invigorating the art of human connection in service and removing the perception that hotels are not a life long career for young people.
The things I like about my job are….working with and in a brilliant team and the freedom to impact.
And the frustrations….is wanting to spend even more time with everyone in regions/hotels to listen and learn.
If I didn't work in travel I would be an….unemployed satirical newspaper columnist.
Qantas or Virgin?….If it includes the Sydney International Qantas First Class Lounge – Qantas!
My proudest moment was….becoming a dad and seeing my beautiful children grow up.
The naughtiest thing I ever did was…..when my best friend and I went haywire with axes on what we thought was a derelict caravan. It had been sold for restoration… we were 12.
I try to relax by….spending quality time with my family.
The last time I feared for my life….was an emergency landing in a fully laden 747 with one engine on fire at the old HK airport; rubber chute exits and wheels on fire.
If I can, I always try to avoid….planes on fire.
I really wish I had….a better memory for names.
The best advice I've ever received was….when you meet someone repeat their name in the conversation and to yourself.
I don't understand why….nurses who care for and save lives are not paid more.
My greatest weakness is…. The eminent French Triple B diet of Baguette, Brie and Bourgogne.
And my greatest strength….I don't get stressed.
If I was prime minister I would…pay nurses more (and declare my wife is a theatre nurse).
If I won $1 million on the lottery I would….be vain, practical and good – buy an E-type, reduce the mortgage and help a children's charity.
If I could be someone else for one day I would be… the Invisible Man….oh what fun I would have.
I've always wanted to travel to….Rio and the Carnivale on the Concorde for "business" (my dad did when I was a kid and it has stuck with me as the most exotic junket ever).
My favourite holiday was….island of Vrnik off Korcula in Croatia in a 15th century turret with my family and no electronics!
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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