With international expansion comes new and different challenges for a team, and long-haul business travel is one of these. Atterbury Asset Manager Heloise van Niekerk, who has been working closely with Atterbury’s Cypriot management teams, shares her tips on arriving fresh on the other side.
What is your role in the AAM team and what are your duties?
As Asset Manager I am responsible to ensure we maximise the value of a property to ensure an increase in return for shareholders and property owners.
How many days of travel do you average in a month?
I started travelling internationally about six month ago, and at this stage I travel one week a month. We visit the properties and management teams on a monthly basis to stay 100 percent on top of our assets. Thanks to technology and Skype this will probably change to every second month eventually.
How many pages are open in your passport right now? How quickly do you fill up a passport?
My passport only has one or two pages open at the moment, but I already have a second “extra-thick” passport for travels this year.
Which work trips do you enjoy most and why?
At this stage I enjoy going to Nicosia in Cyprus. The management team is young and dynamic and it is such a privilege to be able play a part in their growth and in turn ensure growth of the various assets. I also love the Cypriot food and hospitality.
What measures have you set in place to keep your personal life running smoothly during your absences?
I am fortunate to have an excellent an au pair and my husband really steps up in my absence!
What are your three best business-travel tips?
Travel as light as possible, especially your hand luggage. Always carry a universal plug adaptor. Get as much sleep as possible on the aeroplane. And here is a fourth, bonus tip: once you reach your destination maximise the time you have to ensure you get as much done as possible.
What do you never travel without?
Besides my laptop, cellphone and cellphone chargers I always carry my kindle and love to read when I have time.
If you could change anything about long-distance travel, what would it be? What is your travel bug bear?
What gets to me are connecting flights and the long lay-over times between flights, usually in the early hours of the morning. It would be great to have direct flights to all destinations.
Have you learnt a few phrases in any of the native languages of the countries you travel to?
I’m trying…! So far only the basics in Greek; greetings phrases such as Kaleemeerah (Good morning), Kaleespeerah (Good afternoon); Kaleenihkta (Good night)… also Tee kahnis? (How are you?) and Efkahristo (Thank you).
And what is the nicest thing about coming home after a business trip?
South Africa is without a doubt the best country to live in so I am grateful to come home to a great country every time, but most of all I really love seeing my kids who seem to appreciate their mom a lot more when she’s back from a trip.
