CEO of Georg Jensen Australia Anne Sullivan takes us through her travel routines and cabin essentials.
Where do you travel regularly for work?
“I’m one of many Sydney- Melbourne commuters travelling almost weekly – you know you’ve joined this club when the Qantas Club barista has your order ready on approach. As part of the expansion of our Georg Jensen retail network, I’ve also added trips to our new stores at Pacific Fair, Brisbane and Perth lately.”
How often are you away?
“I’m lucky enough to visit our head office in Copenhagen two or three times a year. We also represent Alessi in Australia, so I travel to Milan and Lake Maggiore [90 minutes north-west of Milan], near the Alessi headquarters, a few times a year as well.”
Suitcase of choice?
“Domestically, I use the lightest possible Samsonite hardshell carry-on. Internationally, a Samsonite Ultralite case.”
Pre-flight routine?
“I have a moisturising facial before travelling and then use minimal makeup (if any) so that I can moisturise easily during the flight.”
Essential cabin baggage?
“My iPad and charger, a few good books (I still prefer the old-fashioned variety) and a Sothys skincare travel pack.”
On-board routine?
“I always ask for a window seat to maximise my space and establish my ‘cocoon’, with blankets and pillows in strategic alignment. I set my watch immediately to my destination time zone and try to align my eating and sleeping to this. And contrary to better judgement, the flight starts with a glass of Champagne – it defines the beginning of an exciting adventure; it’s water from then on. I wear super-comfy crease-proof pants and an oversized top – always black – and then don the fabulous Georg Jensen silver upon arrival. Voilà!”
Roll or fold?
“My children are beautiful rollers and have tried to convert me. However, once a folder always a folder. I’m also a really good ‘shover’, which is often required when I discover something I can’t live without. This happens often when working with great design companies.”
Which airline do you fly most often for work?
“Qantas and the oneworld network offer a level of consistency and advantages that have set a standard.”
Favourite airline lounge?
“Qantas first-class lounges in Melbourne or Sydney. The Cathay Pacific lounges in Hong Kong are also stunning. Domestically, the Qantas business lounge in Perth is surprisingly lovely and serves wood-fired pizze for lunch – amazing!”
Favourite hotel for business?
“In Copenhagen, I’d nominate the Hotel Skt Petri, while my favourite in Milan is Room Mate Giulia by the Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, who also designed Georg Jensen’s Urkiola [kitchen and homewares] range, which was launched at the hotel last year.”
How do hotels get it right and wrong for business travellers?
“Guestrooms need to be easy to navigate, have adequate power points (ideally with USB-based chargers), free WiFi, well-lit bathrooms, and super-functional, intuitively placed light switches. There’s nothing worse than collapsing into bed after a long day and not being able to turn off all the lights from your bedside or, even worse, not being able to find the switches.”