Monique Jaspers-Wijn is the Global head of Data Insights and Digital Media at Travelport. She is a newly elected member of the HSMAI Region Europe, Board of Directors.
Q: Who is Monique Jaspers-Wijn?
Monique is an experienced leader with a demonstrated successful track record leading global teams, with full P&L responsibility. She is a strong commercial professional with an extensive background in the travel technology industry – skilled in Business Development, Data Insights, E-commerce, Hospitality, Sales and Strategic Planning.
Q: What does HSMAI Region Europe mean to you and your team?
A: I believe the current Covid situation has shown us again how important it is that we work together as an industry. Together we are stronger and HSMAI Europe can play an important role here..
Q: What will you bring to the table as a member of the Board of Directors?
A: I have a strong passion for travel and I have been working in the travel industry for over 25 years, from global hotel chains in France & the US to distribution & marketing companies such as Pegasus, Sabre & TravelClick. I will bring my extensive knowledge to the table and my willingness to continue to help others develop, as well as my support in the recovery of the travel industry where possible.
Q: You have a demanding job. What made you accept to become a member of the HSMAI Region Europe Board of directors?
A: HSMAI has been close to my heart since 1999 when I joined HSMAI Netherlands. After having served on the board there for 8 years, I have gotten involved with the Distribution/Revenue Committee which evolved into the Customer & Distribution Advisory board with HSMAI Europe when the Netherlands chapter was dissolved.
HSMAI has been a key source for knowledge-gathering, networking & ongoing learning which I wish for everybody in the Hospitality/Travel Industry to be part of who is keen to develop themselves. I feel there is still so much we can do.
Q: What do you consider to be your personal strengths?
A: MONIQUE = Motivating – Original inventive thinking – Networking – Inspiring – Questioning – Understanding – Enterprising
Q: What does it take to become a successful executive in today’s hospitality sector?
A: Regardless of where you sit in the organization or which industry you work in, I would suggest the following elements to guide you along your path to success: Authenticity, Continuous learning, Data-driven decision making, put people first (internal & external customers) and finally be Passionate about what you do!
Q: HSMAI Region Europe will reactivate their mentor programme now – The Mike Leven Mentor programme. Please share your experiences from mentorship/mentee.
A: I am strong supporter of mentorship programs. Interestingly, at the moment I am closely involved with the launch of the pilot for a Mentorship Bureau at Travelport. I feel really passionate about the fact that it is important that we continue to develop & grow our people and mentorship is a great way to do so.
Q: HSMAI Region Europe will launch a brand new initiative in September – The Student Council. Please share your thoughts around this and how you will help out.
A: Students are our future and I feel this initiative is very much aligned with the continuous development & growth of people in the Hospitality/Travel industry.
Q: How may HSMAI members benefit from the HSMAI Region Europe work?
A: HSMAI offers great opportunities to its members for continues development & growth through knowledge-sharing, learning from & sharing with peers and networking across a vast array of industry professionals.
Q: Could you tell us what a day at work looks like for you?
A: No days are the same, which is what I really like as well. Pre-Covid, I spent a lot of time traveling the globe meeting customers & colleagues etc. Nowadays, most time is spent on video calls between APAC, EMEA and the US.
Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: The people I get to work with on a daily basis!
Q: Is there anyone you’ve been looking up to and why?
A: There are a lot of people I admire. However, one person whose words continue to inspire me is Stephen Covey. Whether it is the 7 habits or any of the other work he has done, it goes back to the core of people dealing with people. For those working in commercial/sales roles, one quote to remember: “Seek first to understand, before being understood!”
Q: Any final thoughts?
A: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page”
