We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jane Turner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jane below.
Jane, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
I believe my self-discipline came from a very rough patch during adolescence. I knew in my heart I was on the wrong path and that if I was to make anything of my life I needed to change course. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and also very determined. Those characteristics leant themselves well to becoming self-disciplined in order to make changes to my life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I moved to the US in 1997 and worked in Corporate America for several years. I had always wanted to own my own business, so with the belief I would figure it out along the way and fake it till I made it, I started a local business in San Diego combing my love of being outdoors and travel. That business was designed to offer daily tours in San Diego to showcase the city to visitors through the use of hiking, biking and kayaking. Later, I sold this business. While figuring out my next business, I was back in my homeland, New Zealand visiting family. It was here someone suggested I should be bringing American’s to New Zealand. I thought this was a great idea so when I returned to the US I set about figuring out how to make this happen. I approached the Tourism Board and Airlines and somehow through my naivety, persistence and belief I could make this happen it all stared to come together. 20+ years later and my business, Active Downunder continues to create custom vacations to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and the South Pacific for American travelers.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Intimate knowledge of my product(s) and love of travel Belief in myself that I could start a business and earn a living
Determination to keep at it
You have to keep at building your business day in, day out. It’s like a bank account, you have to keep contributing to see the growth and it will take longer than you anticipate.
Separate the business from yourself. Do not take things personally.
Keep at it and stay determined. I truly believe that if you keep making steps forward you will get there.
If you come up against resistance, take it as an opportunity to learn and don’t be afraid to change course if feedback from potential customers points that way.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with other businesses who have a similar demographic as ours. Our clients are typically seasoned international travelers, high income, baby boomer generation, value authentic experiences and love to learn. I would welcome the opportunity to participate in any events where we could set up a ‘pop up booth or table’ to promote travel to the South Pacific.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.activedownunder.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/active_downunder/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063726692695
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-turner-b8640417/
Image Credits
Tourism New Zealand, Miles Holden, Adam Bryce, Hollyford Track, Whangarei District Council, Tourism Fiji, Tourism Australia
