TravelMole Time Traveller: From pro footballer to intrepid traveller
James Thornton, general manager global sales, Intrepid Travel is this week’s Time Traveller, sponsored by HarpWallen.
What was your first job in travel?
After leaving university, I trained to become an investment manager but realised quite early on that making rich people richer wasn’t going to fulfil me. I decided instead to look for a role in sport or travel – my two passions – as I believed that if I could find a job I enjoyed, I could probably make a success out of it. I was offered a marketing coordinator role at Intrepid Travel, and although I hadn’t heard of the company at that point, I took a big pay cut to join. I hoped to see the world, get some experience and then perhaps go back to a real job. It very quickly became apparent that I’d found my ‘real job’ and I’ve never looked back.
What was the high point of your career?
I’ve been fortunate at Intrepid Travel – the culture is dynamic, fast-moving and entrepreneurial and if you’re prepared to work hard, make decisions and take responsibility then you can go far. When I was appointed to Intrepid’s global management team 18 months ago it felt like the culmination of a lot of hard work.
What was the low point of your career?
Getting stung by a jelly fish while diving on the Great Barrier Reef wasn’t exactly fun. I had to be airlifted off the reef, straight to Cairns Base Hospital where I spent a rather uncomfortable 24 hours in intensive care while the doctors hoped the anti-venom would work its magic. Fortunately it did – but it’s certainly put me off diving!
Who or what has been the greatest influence on your career?
My dad. He would always remind me that you get one shot at life and that second chances are slim. He taught me that it’s vital to spend time doing something that you enjoy and that brings purpose to your day, and that if that’s not the case (as it wasn’t when I worked in finance), you should do something about it. It was one of the main reasons I ended up following my passion and working in the travel industry.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Hopefully managing Tottenham Hotspur!
What would you be doing now if you weren’t in travel?
I played semi-professional football for a while and dreamed of making the big time, but a knee injury put an end to that ambition. If I hadn’t taken the leap to work in travel, I’d probably still be working in a drab building in the City of London, wearing a suit every day and making rich people richer – thank goodness that’s not the path I chose!
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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