Name and Job: Lana, Senior Director, Sales and Business Development

From: Seymour, Connecticut (by way of South Africa)

How did you first get interested in Antarctica? My first job in the USA was developing travel programs for adults with special needs. An opportunity for a client services position was available with a Polar Operator and I grabbed the opportunity. John McKeon interviewed me 14 years ago and gave me a shot at the polar world.

Have you been to Antarctica? Yes

What’s your favourite thing about Antarctica? The ice and wildlife. I could sit for hours watching penguin behaviour. They are so funny.

What is your favourite Antarctic animal? The penguins are cute, but the whales are my favorite.

Tell us about your job: I oversee our partner revenue productivity and develop new partnerships globally.

What do you love about your job? We operate in the most beautiful destination in the world. Our company is small, we have flexibility in that we work from home, and we have created a fun working environment. Our President is amazing and a brilliant leader who is not afraid (literally) of getting his hands dirty. Which other President of a company works as an Expedition Leader on the ship and offers to be on portable potty duty??!!

What are your favourite hobbies? I am Captain of a tennis team on the USTA league. When I am not playing tennis, I make all-natural soaps and body butters for friends and family. I also learned how to make my own medicine and grow my own food. I love entertaining and I have an amazing talent in creating beautiful grazing tables and charcuterie spreads.

What was one thing you learned while in isolation during COVID? BC (Before COVID) I realised how busy my life was. I was constantly juggling my schedule with my daughter’s various activities. COVID has forced us to take a breather, and we were forced to slow down. I have started reading more and improved my natural soap making skills and turned my hobby into a small business.

If you could explore anywhere right now, where would it be? I would love to go back to the East and explore Vietnam and Cambodia. My ultimate goal is reaching the South Pole. I recently learned of the first woman of colour to reach both poles. I reached the North Pole in 2009. I would love to get to the South Pole and become part of the small group of Minority women to do so.

If you could go to Antarctica with anyone, who would it be? My Mother. She taught high school Geography, and Antarctica is her dream destination. I still hope that I am able to fulfill her dream when life gets back to ‘normal’.

If you are interested in a trip to Antarctica with us, reach out to your preferred travel agent or contact us here.