Midweek interview with Gareth James

Midweek interview with Gareth James

The general manager of Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic takes some time out from the high seas to talk the trouble with trying to please everyone, and offers up some unusual words of advice.

The challenge for the industry is… educating guests as to the many different types of “cruising” available to them. There is a very diverse range of product.

The things I like about my job…   I can’t think of a better, nor more exciting product, than small ship expedition travel. Lindblad Expeditions explores the most exciting places on the planet. Dealing with this product on a daily basis is the next best thing to travelling to these places.

And the frustrations are … not experiencing more of them personally.

If I didn’t work in travel I would be… travelling.

Virgin or Qantas? Either are just fine.

My proudest moment was… the different sporting or academic achievements of my 3 sons.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was… very boring here, but wagging school to queue for The Who tickets many years ago is the first thing that comes to mind.

I try to relax by… watching my sons play rugby, walking the dog, reading.

The last time I feared for my life was… I can’t recall having ever feared for my life

If I can, I always try to avoid… fruitless arguments

I really wish I had… been more conservative in some of my investment decisions!

The best advice I’ve ever received was… “Illegitimi non carborundum”

I don’t understand why people… can be so rude to others.

My greatest weakness is… trying to please everyone…. although I am getting better!

And my greatest strength is… integrity.

If I was prime minister I would… immediately look for my successor. I don’t have the ego to want to be prime minister. My successor would be blessed with integrity and compassion as her/his core values.

If I won $1 million on the lottery I would… have fun deciding how to share it between extended family and to worthy causes.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be a… an Expedition Leader on one of our ships.

I’ve always wanted to travel to… To see the Northern Lights

My favourite holiday was… so many. I have rarely had a bad holiday. Probably to South Africa – Cape Town, Garden Route and then a game park. Although hiring Pangkil Island in Indonesia for a long weekend was also rather special.

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