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professional
What are you doing in your retirement?
I retired while living in Tokyo after a short-lived stint at Rakuten Japan. At that stage I started planning for our relocation to Vancouver rather than seeking out a new career in Japan.
Once in Vancouver I started from scratch and began making a new network in the business community. Instead of pursuing a full-time leadership position, I decided to lend my experience though volunteer and mentorship roles.
Furthermore, I realized my health needed my attention and I am focused on a healthier lifestyle and diverse fitness activities. Yes, I expect a very positive return on this investment.
United Airlines Mileage Plus
During my time at Disney, I flew constantly on United Airlines becoming a 1K Premier member of their MileagePlus program.
During a conversation with a senior executive of United, I told him MileagePlus should be a revenue source, not just a marketing program.
United bought into my proposal but was unable to hire me so I took on the assigment as a contractor.
Starting in Japan and expanding throughout Asia, I negotiated partnerships with financial organizations, retail and travel who used MileagePlus "miles" to build and retain loyalty.
The Walt Disney Company
At the theme parks and resorts division of Disney, I held leadership roles in the areas of sales, marketing and business development in the Tokyo office.
Disney has two parks in Tokyo but our group was focused on the outbound Japanese tourism market. Specifically for the parks in California (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure) and Florida (Walt Disney World), and the Disney Cruise Line.
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
I joined Four Seasons following several years in operations at Westin Hotels. I was originally based in Edmonton, then Vancouver, and onto Santa Barbara, California.
At the regional office in Beverly Hills, I had responsibilities for Southern California and led a strategic business shift into the entertainment market. Hello Hollywood.
Recognizing my network within the local Japanese tourism market, Four Seasons sent me to Tokyo to open their first hotel in Asia.
Mentoring
"Be the person you needed when you were young"
My earliest attempt at business was in the candle making business with a next-door neighbor friend. The venture was called BC Candles and we made candles in his garage in various molds. They were sold door-to-door and at church and local fairs.
Throughout my career I was surrounded by influential people who became mentors. Some over years and years. Others for only fleeting moments. Regardless of the time, each of them left lasting impressions on how I behaved, thought and made a path forward.
By mentoring in my retirement years, I hope I can pay it back in some small way.
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