Kelly Johnstone

Springboard Lead Operations Director

· What was your favourite subject at school?

I didn’t enjoy school, it wasn’t the best years of my life, but if pushed id say Math’s or Computing…..

· What was your first job?

I was 13 years old and it was washing dishes in an Italian Café in Troon, it was a Saturday job and as much as I hated the task, I loved the environment. Always wanting to be out the front where the customers were….

· Which is your favourite restaurant /hotel?

This is really hard for me as I have lived and worked in many countries across the world since I was 20 years old. And since returning to the homeland in 2012 have experienced amazing Scottish Places….I have 2 favorite hotels overseas, The Royal In Playa Del Carmen Mexico for its location and prime top

end service and The Olympic Lagoon Ayia Napa, Cyprus as I input into the design and the refurb and extension and watched the building work over a winter season turn into one of the most stunning hotels in the Med! (and the team are awesome)

In Scotland, Prestonfield House swept me off my feet with its charm and amazing service, I am lucky to have stayed there a few times.

· How do you inspire your team

They Inspire me……since leading teams from the age 18 years old I have learnt and grown as a leader over time, but one thing that always sticks in my mind is that I would not ask them to do anything I would not. I also love seeing my team grow, giving them autonomy and encouragement is the environment a team should thrive on. I always want one of my team to be looking at taking my job, so I like to share my knowledge.

· Which person in hospitality have you most admired / inspired you?

The young people who take part in our Springboard courses and into work….each and everyone of them inspire me to keep doing the job I do!

· How do you manage your stress levels?

Exercise is my happy place, a mix of group training (strength & cardio) and Pilates. A good old rant to my best friend on Facetime or watching the football with my Mum (although that can be stressful too..lol)

· Instagram, Twitter or Facebook – and why?

I am old school, Facebook for a small number of friends, Twitter for work and news, Insta for fitness and following my icons…and LinkedIn for networking at work.

· If you had not gone into hospitality, where do you think you would be now?

I am very lucky to have worked in all areas of Travel, Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality and travelled the world at the same time. I honestly cannot thank

Thomas Cook enough for my development and advancing my career as without them I would not be here as I am.

· What did you do on your last days off?

Watched football on TV (I am usually in the stands)

· What do you do to relax, to support your wellbeing?

Exercise, eat a balanced diet, focus on looking after myself. But also enjoy time with friends and family, talk to my dog (she’s an awesome listener) and watch football. When we could, I would spend time out in Scotland’s bars and restaurants having a good time, enjoying the great food and brilliant banter (I miss that)!