Inside Story - Operations Director for NONSTOPSKI



Lisa

Age Range
26 - 35

Countries of Work
UK

Study and Career History
1992-1994: lived near Montreal, Canada and qualified as a ski instructor. In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed all that the Canadian seasons offered, from cross country ski marathons to sleeping in igloos to windsurfing and waterskiing 1994-1997 spent all summer holidays teaching windsurfing in Minorca and much of my winter holidays racing (or training) for university ski team. 1997: Graduated Oxford Brookes BA Hons Hospitality Management and tourism 1998:Resort representative and ski guide for Ski World in Tignes 1998-2000: Programme manager for Simply Turkey 2000-2001: Customer Services Manager for Fulham Football Club 2002: Started up NONSTOPSKI ltd.

How long have you been doing the job?
15 months.

Did you decide on your career path or did it all happen by accident?
The biggest influencing factor in my career was the 2 years that I lived in Canada. I discovered skiing, the mountains and my love of all that the ski industry has to offer started to develop. I love all sport, so when I was offered the opportunity to instruct windsurfing during my university holidays, I jumped at the chance! As ski captain of our university team, I imagined that my career would always be in travel and sport! After a season in the Alps, I fell in to a job in an office and found the long days behind a computer were only made bearable because of the many trips I took to the Mediterranean. Fulham FC seemed like a challenge, I had never been to a football match before and was soon doing stadium tours, organising player events and singing on the terraces! It was all great fun, but I missed skiing and travelling. In December 2001, my cousin, my uncle my dad and I decided to start up NONSTOPSKI. By offering the opportunity of a life that I had been able to enjoy to others, I have finally found the right balance of family life (I am married!), work, travel, sport and most of all FUN! I take at least 2 trips a year over to Canada and enjoy meeting so many like-minded people.

How did you get your "Glamour Job" ?
With the help of my cousin, uncle and father, I have started the company!

What does the job involve?
A lot of meeting potential "seasonaires", presenting to schools and companies, attending exhibitions and fairs and best of all a lot of travelling and skiing!!!!

Describe a typical day at work.
I have no typical days, every day is different. That is why I love my job so much.

What do you like most about the job?
Skiing, travelling, meeting people.

What don’t you like about your job – if anything?
Data inputting!

During your teenage years did you have much vocational guidance from school, university, family or friends? What was your biggest influence?
My time in Canada from 16-18. My family have always been very supportive and most of my friends at various times, have thought that I am mad!

If you took end of school examinations did you get exam results you were happy with from your education?
Left school at 18 I was bored by school until I was 16. My school in Canada was different. I enjoyed it and got on with my work to ensure that I had the maximum time to ski! I came out with reasonable grades.

Do you think that what you studied in school or in your further education was right for the career you are in now? Any regrets?
No regrets, except, I would love the opportunity to learn that much again!

Have you taken further studies since leaving secondary or tertiary school. If yes, what did you study and why did you decide you needed more qualifications?
See above for details on degree course. I wanted to go to university.

What was your first job?
Catering assistant at the age of 15.

What has been your most bizarre or challenging job to date?
My first day of windsurf instructing. I was taught in the morning and then related my lessons to the clients in the afternoon...pretty daunting!

What is your ultimate goal.... is this it, or do you have a pinnacle you have yet to reach?
To open up a NONSTOPSKI course in South America.

What are your top tips for personal success?
Don't believe that you have to follow a "normal" career path. If you have a passion, develop your career around it. You spend too much time working not to enjoy it.

Any comments?


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Find out more about Lisa, visit the website http://www.nonstopski.com