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Mar 21 - Mar 27, 1997 / No.1101
The real Janet Tan-Collis - Practical yet passionate
IF she had her way, Janet Tan-Collis, chief executive officer of East West Executive Travellers Centre in Singapore, formerly Franco-Asian Travel, would have been an archaeologist or an interior designer and not a travel agent.
Ms Tan-Collis, the mother of two teenagers, Sarah, 15, and James, 13, said: "I would have loved to deal with textures, colours - anything that has a touch of art." But being the eldest of a brood of six and a dutiful daughter, Ms Tan-Collis opted for work that guaranteed a steadier income. "Since I had to help my parents, I had to be practical," she said. "In fact, most of the decisions I have made in my life have been the practical sort." Respected in the travel trade for her professionalism, sound ideas and outspokenness, Ms Tan-Collis sums herself up in one word - passionate.
Whether it is discussing the travel agency business that she and her husband, Digby, set up 14 years ago, their children or the needs of the travel industry, she is never coy about communicating her thoughts and feelings. A captivating conversationalist who often speaks in staccato beat, she is an excellent listener as well. There is nothing she relishes more than a good argument.
One person, who enjoys sparring with her sharp wit is former business associate, Mr Leslie Choudhury.
The business development director, Asia-Pacific of Interval International, said: "Janet has been friend, foe, partner, supplier and client to me. Her tenacity is matched with the warm, fuzzy feeling she gives (me). She may be passionate but deep down inside, she is a pussycat."
In an industry, where only a few women occupy high-power posts, Ms Tan-Collis is always cited as an inspiration to her female colleagues and peers. But her success - or anyone else's for that matter - should stem from a commitment to one's interests and beliefs, she stressed.
"When you are backed up by factors as strong as those, it is no longer a question of whether you are man or woman. You just stand up for your issues and try to drive the points home. There are opportunities for everyone if they are brave and open enough. I am certainly trying to build a second wave of managers in our agency."
Ms Wendy Holloway, executive, special projects, describes her as "a great teacher, who provides autonomy but is still very much involved with what we do".
Ms Holloway appreciates Ms Tan-Collis' style of challenging her staff. "She does not like silence. She wants to know how you think."
The real Janet Tan-Collis - Practical yet passionate
IF she had her way, Janet Tan-Collis, chief executive officer of East West Executive Travellers Centre in Singapore, formerly Franco-Asian Travel, would have been an archaeologist or an interior designer and not a travel agent.
Ms Tan-Collis, the mother of two teenagers, Sarah, 15, and James, 13, said: "I would have loved to deal with textures, colours - anything that has a touch of art." But being the eldest of a brood of six and a dutiful daughter, Ms Tan-Collis opted for work that guaranteed a steadier income. "Since I had to help my parents, I had to be practical," she said. "In fact, most of the decisions I have made in my life have been the practical sort." Respected in the travel trade for her professionalism, sound ideas and outspokenness, Ms Tan-Collis sums herself up in one word - passionate.
Whether it is discussing the travel agency business that she and her husband, Digby, set up 14 years ago, their children or the needs of the travel industry, she is never coy about communicating her thoughts and feelings. A captivating conversationalist who often speaks in staccato beat, she is an excellent listener as well. There is nothing she relishes more than a good argument.
One person, who enjoys sparring with her sharp wit is former business associate, Mr Leslie Choudhury.
The business development director, Asia-Pacific of Interval International, said: "Janet has been friend, foe, partner, supplier and client to me. Her tenacity is matched with the warm, fuzzy feeling she gives (me). She may be passionate but deep down inside, she is a pussycat."
In an industry, where only a few women occupy high-power posts, Ms Tan-Collis is always cited as an inspiration to her female colleagues and peers. But her success - or anyone else's for that matter - should stem from a commitment to one's interests and beliefs, she stressed.
"When you are backed up by factors as strong as those, it is no longer a question of whether you are man or woman. You just stand up for your issues and try to drive the points home. There are opportunities for everyone if they are brave and open enough. I am certainly trying to build a second wave of managers in our agency."
Ms Wendy Holloway, executive, special projects, describes her as "a great teacher, who provides autonomy but is still very much involved with what we do".
Ms Holloway appreciates Ms Tan-Collis' style of challenging her staff. "She does not like silence. She wants to know how you think."
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