We ask Emmerentia Wilding, general manager for Estée Lauder, Aerin and Tom Ford Beauty in Australia, about her travel habits.
**Where do you travel regularly for work?
** “Domestically I travel to Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Internationally I go to New York, London, Hong Kong and Singapore.”
How often are you away?
“Once or twice a month interstate, internationally four or five times a year.”
Suitcase of choice?
“I love my set of Samsonite luggage. It has survived almost nine years of regular airport handling, which is testament to its quality.”
Pre-flight routine?
“A powerful cardio work-out with sports scientist Jonathan Cawte, of Sydney’s Compass, and planning my “time-zone shift strategy”, which basically involves planning when to work, sleep, eat and relax throughout a journey in order to arrive in sync with the local time zone. Choice of footwear is vital – it must get three ticks for comfort, ease of slipping on and off and not needing to be taken off during security screening.”
Essential cabin item?
“I organise my cabin bag so I have easy access to my laptop, documents and a few essentials, to minimise disturbing other sleeping passengers. I always have my Bose noise-cancelling headphones, and my iPad preloaded with reading options. And I love the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair products, the best gift you can give your skin during air travel.”
Onboard routine?
“My onboard routine always includes meditation and searching for the little treat my husband has secretly tucked into my cabin bag.”
Roll or fold?
“Both, depending on the garments. Stuffing small non-crease items into larger items to keep them in shape and save space is another useful technique.”
Who do you fly with when you’re working?
“The three airlines I fly most often are Qantas, British Airways and Delta. Qantas is hands down my preferred airline – its service truly goes above and beyond.”
Aisle or window?
“Window, to avoid being disturbed.”
Favourite airline lounge?
“British Airways’ First Class Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5.”
Favourite hotels for business?
“Minimum requirements are complimentary WiFi, sufficient power points and considered work-sleepbath lighting. My vote also goes to hotels that offer 24-hour access to a gym and really good coffee. Great hotels I’ve found recently are Loews Regency New York, the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Milan, which offers a complimentary chauffeur service to the city, and the Grand Hyatt Melbourne – all distinguished by exemplary service.”
