In the green room at Phocuswright with... Jeff Katz

What book do you recommend to others and why?

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. I think the best text book on leadership there is.

If you weren't in travel industry, what company would you like to be part of and why?

I would own a car wash. If I had talent, I would be a blues guitarist.

Why isn't the travel startup survival rate higher than it is?

Travel is ever-dynamic and changing, which makes it perfect for start-ups and innovation.

It’s also rife with competition, and attractive to all the smartest and the well-funded entities young and mature….which makes it crushingly difficult and survival rates low.

What are you like outside of work?

I’m quiet.

What was your childhood aspiration?

To fly airplanes. I started at 16, and am still doing it.

Who is the person you most admire within the industry?

He’s a bit of an outsider in travel but he’s so inspiring: Reinhold Messner, the world’s greatest climber of mountains.

On all the continents he was the first to climb the highest peaks with no oxygen assist. He has a saying: "I’m a conqueror of the inconsequential."

I love how this puts his amazing feats into a perspective that he climbs, only to understand himself and his limits. Not for rewards.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

I have and have had the privilege to know and work with amazing individuals all over the world. I’m so appreciative of this.

What's your morning routine?

Up early. Ride some kind of bike. And I love breakfast.

What would you tell your 20-year-old self?

Learn how to love.

What gives you energy?

Humor. Smart people and mind stretching conversation. Being at the top of a mountain and seeing how amazing this planet is.

Describe your desk and working environment. 

Spartan and clean desktop. Everything is about succinctness.

What one mistake do you witness others making more than anything else?

I think none of us listen enough. Nor are we generous enough with others.