David Higgins, Trainline for Business
David Higgins is general manager of Trainline for Business, Trainline's global B2B technology services arm, which delivers digital retailing solutions to rail carriers and the business travel market.
In a series of interviews with executives participating in the online event in September, PhocusWire finds out what they have learned from the COVID-19 crisis.
Knowing what you know now, if you could go back to the start of the coronavirus crisis, what would you do differently?
I would agree a clear set of working-from-home principles from the outset with my team to help them cope with an unprecedented situation. Working from home might initially appear more relaxed than going into the office, but doing it for such a long time is actually a very challenging experience. Personally, I’ve learned the value of separating work and home life – and would have taken a holiday earlier!
What have you learned from this time about the way you’ll manage and communicate with your team moving forward?
Clearly there is no substitute for being in an office. We have recently opened our offices up again, at reduced capacity and with social distancing measures in place, and it has been amazing to see members of the team in person, and to feel the energy and the collaborative spirit.
Nevertheless, we have had to adapt during the lockdown and in fact managed to work very effectively over the last few months. An important learning for me was that you can’t over-communicate. When working with a distributed team in highly ambiguous times, regular one-to-ones and team communication have been critical. It was more important than ever to not just focus on the task at hand, but to also take the time to check in with team members to see how they are doing and making sure they have the support they need.
What do you miss the most about travel?
During lockdown, like many people, I missed the freedom to get out and meet friends, colleagues and customers. No travel means no face-to-face interaction, and while virtual meetings serve a purpose, they are no substitute for seeing people in person. Business travel has been a part of my working life for 20 years and I have always found it a crucial time for reflection, to think and plan with no interruptions.
What have been the surprise benefits to not traveling?
Lockdown gave me more time to spend with my family. Enjoying breakfast as a family each day has been fantastic and brought us closer together.
What lasting changes will there be to you personally from this time?
I’m certainly a lot fitter than before we went into lockdown – I have become an avid cyclist. If you had told me four months ago I would be getting up at 6:30 on a Sunday morning to get out on the bike I would not have believed you, but it has become part of my routine.
This period has also re‐enforced to me not to take things for granted.
What’s been your one guilty pleasure during lockdown?
In the U.K. we were gifted with unusually hot weather during lockdown, so we bought lots of ice creams during that time ‐ I’m sure they constitute a “necessary” item!
Executive Roundtable: Beyond Travel - What Comes Next?
Travelers are now looking for unique solutions that respond to their budgets and health concerns, but are also sustainable and off the beaten path. Find out how travel companies are responding to these new demands during the crisis and beyond.