As we look forward to The Phocuswright Conference, PhocusWire is highlighting a number of conference speakers in a series of Q&As.
On November 19, Caroline Strachan, CEO of Festive Road, will take part in an executive panel focused on the future of business travel titled “Executive Panel: Business Travel’s Next Move.”
Below, Strachan discusses the challenges she is facing, her advice for travel industry newcomers and how she’s using artificial intelligence (AI).
What are the greatest challenges you currently face?
Helping our corporate buyer clients future proof their travel and expense investment … in an industry experiencing a high rate of change, without the benefit of a crystal ball.
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What's one thing about travel you would tell newcomers to the industry?
Find your people. If you come across the naysayers, move on. You will find others on a mission, too.
If you could change one thing about your business/and or the industry overnight, what would it be?
Stop the hand grenades. I wish our industry players would focus on improving their own business and stop competitor targeting. It’s a waste of intellectual energy.
How are you personally using AI in your day-to-day work?
I have a love-hate relationship with AI. I don’t want to lose my critical thinking ability so I focus AI use on all the stuff I’m useless at, image creation to tell a story, for instance. (I’m a dreadful artist.)
Who are you most looking forward to hearing speak at the conference and why?
Lennert De Jong. We’ve grown our business inside the walls of CitizenM hotels and feel an attachment to their mildly rebellious nature, which I’m hoping will not be lost in the acquisition.
The Phocuswright Conference
Join us in San Diego, November 18-20, where Festive Road's Caroline Strachan will take part in an executive panel focused on the future of business travel.