Answers have been edited for concision and clarity.
PARIS, FRANCE
How does travel sustain business relationships?
IBIZA, SPAIN
How has travel opened up a business opportunity?
I was on a supposedly relaxing holiday in Ibiza three weeks ago–not the party side, more the nice side of Ibiza. At dinner, I was introduced to someone I’d heard of, an entrepreneur in luxury watches. We connected over dinner, and as of yesterday, he’s an investor. If I hadn’t traveled, we probably would’ve never met. And if we hadn’t met in real life, I don’t think I could’ve told the story of HEAT as well over a video call than in person.
IBIZA, SPAIN
What routines keep you motivated when traveling?
HONG KONG
How do you
balance business and pleasure when traveling?
There’s some people who have businesses who can really switch off, but that’s not me. So I try to plan my business trips before I plan a pleasure trip. In November, I’m going to Hong Kong to meet some people. So I’m planning what I can do after the business meetings. I’ve heard Hong Kong has amazing beaches and hikes. I just want to explore and eat some new food. And vice versa–it’s quite rare for me to take pleasure trips since launching the business, but if I want to go away, I’ll see how I can fuse business into that trip.
How does travel benefit your business?
I try to onboard as many of our brands in person as possible. So, we’re constantly meeting them in their headquarters, showrooms and their runway shows. Having new brands on our platform is always good. We’re a UK-based business, but most of our customers are in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere. To build that sense of community, we have to marry the physical and digital elements of HEAT. And that means physical activations to connect with the customer, whether it’s a party at Paris Fashion Week or a pop-up store in London. We’ll invite customers, influencers, brands and the media.
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