When I was invited to Japan in May to meet our corporate team and see the hotel firsthand. I had the pleasure of spending some time in Tokyo and then Osaka, which for a person new to the country was both exciting and overwhelming. It was to say the least, an awesome experience.

I have had the pleasure of living in a number of countries around the world and I have been taught one lesson in each of them: Treat people the way you wish to be treated back. Based on this simple motto, I have been able to enjoy each experience and have been allowed to have a lot of fun doing what I do.

This is a difficult and yet great question. Over my career I have achieved a number of personal goals, but the greatest achievement is the lasting friends I have made in each destination. Thanks to social media, we are able to all stay in touch and share our stories — it makes one very humble and proud.

Japan is a fascinating country and I have been given an enormous task to grow my own property and the team that works there, along with the new properties we will add. With the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the Olympics due in less than two and three years respectively; we all have an enormous amount of work to do before the world watches us — great challenges and opportunities for everyone.

A truly difficult question, and one that is not easy to answer, but the best advice I can offer is twofold. Be true to yourself and embrace the opportunity presented to you each day. Life is way too short to worry about what you can’t control, so control what you can both personally and professionally. Remember to laugh, it good for the soul.