This week we get to know Mirza Juddani, founder and Managing Director of Skiddoo.
1. How long have you been in the industry, what and where was your first job?
Since I was 18, so 12 years. I’m 30 now.
2. What’s your most amazing travel experience (one of them anyway)!
When I was 18, we went to Thailand during my university break. It was my first overseas trip with friends. We travelled on a budget, stayed at places where we slept on the floor, ate on the side of road and travelled on local buses around Thailand. I don’t think I would ever see Thailand like that ever again!
3. What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever done?
Door to door salesman – I met a lot of elderly ladies that would invite me in for TV and a lot of scary people as well.
4. First ever country you travelled to? What was your experience like?
United States. I was a little kid, my parents took me to Los Angeles to visit Disney land and the other theme parks. As a kid it is, I guess, the most magical place to visit.
5. Wishlist of places yet to visit?
There are many parts of Spain I’d still like to see.
6. Who was your biggest mentor/influence growing up?
My father migrated to this country with only the money that he had in his pocket. Watching him achieve all his dreams made me realise that I should keep dreaming.
7. How has working in travel changed you?
Meeting different people.
8. What’s your biggest life achievement to date?
I think it would be my company Skiddoo, I was very young when I started the company and failed to realise how competitive this industry is. Seeing Skiddoo grow and achieve what it has today is what I am most proud of to date.
9. What’s one in-flight travel tip?
Drink a lot of water and don’t be fooled into drinking as much alcoholic beverages as you can, just because they are free.Unless you are on a holiday, then keep drinking.
10. What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?
Be careful when you enter this industry, because you will never leave it.
Getting to Know You is our good will gesture to promote the TIME program. The TIME program is focused on a Mentor/Mentee relationship that is ‘mentee-driven’. Mentors are drawn from the senior ranks of the industry and have generously volunteered their time and energy to the mentor process. They are matched to Mentees on the basis of non-conflicting business skills and experience that enables them to offer advice and perspective to the Mentee. The role of the Mentor is to hold their Mentee accountable and to offer challenging ideas that will inspire the Mentee, helping to building the individuals self confidence through praise, encouragement and constructive feedback.
If you are interested in joining TIME as a mentor or mentee visit their website
