For this operations manager, the small stuff adds up to make a big impact, both in her professional and personal life.
In today’s Waypoint Blog post, we’re introducing you to one of the newer members of the JTB Business Travel team. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jackie Shiloh stepped into the role of operations manager just last year and, so far, says her experience has been “a welcome change of pace, an inspiring professional challenge and opportunity to work with the best of the best.” Keep reading to learn more about how Jackie’s sustainable home life routine benefits her work life, her advice for new business Travelers, and more.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned from working with business Travelers?
It’s the little things and small details that matter most — not just the details of the trip itself, but the communication that fosters trust, keeping your word no matter what, and the sincere personal touch to build a relationship over time.
What advice would you give an employee who is just getting started with travel for work?
Triple-check everything: the details of your trip, travel dates, city pairs, pick-up/drop-off points, your ID and travel documents, etc. Also, invest in a quality garment duffel bag; this way, you can pack everything in one bag and not have to worry about wrinkled dress clothes upon arrival.
Is there anything you do in your personal life that has benefited you in your work life?
Creating and sticking to a sustainable routine: Going to sleep before 9 p.m. and waking up at 5 a.m. daily, having a hard training session before breakfast, and completing all household chores before the workday.
Additionally, investing in quality nutrition by eating almost all meals at home, that I prepare myself from whole, nutrient-dense foods, and taking 12–15,000 steps every day. The desk treadmill is key to maintaining this.
This routine builds unshakeable discipline and mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical toughness, and fosters long-term health. Something like an escalated client issue or work-related emergency is nothing compared to a brutal workout completed while the rest of the world is still asleep. Plus, I have not called out sick since 2017 — except for one day, after I crashed my motorcycle and needed to go to the ER — because, for the most part (excluding genetic issues), our health is within our direct control.
Do you speak Japanese?
Sadly, no.
Have you ever been to Japan?
No, but it is at the top of my bucket list. I am a huge fan of many aspects of Japanese culture and Japanese products and inventions — namely: Nintendo!
What do you like most about your job?
Being able to mentor and develop staff and see them gain confidence along the way.
What inspires you?
Knowing that we have control and agency over life outcomes, within reason, meaning that all the small things — daily habits, discipline, and hard work we put in — will have a net positive result.
What’s your life motto or slogan?
Anything worth doing is worth doing well. (Bonus motto: How you do the small things is how you do all things.)
Why did you decide to start working in the travel industry?
My dear friend hassled me for six months to come work for a Travel Agency with her, to get me away from my sales job I had in college, and here I am almost 13 years later.
What is your favorite travel destination?
It’s an unfair question to ask for only one, but if I had to pick, probably be the Yucatan Peninsula.
Where is your favorite place to eat, drink or enjoy, when you travel?
No place in particular — just a pro tip to use Google Maps in the native language when you’re visiting a non-English-speaking country. All the best local stuff is in the native language, not in English, so if you’re only using English, you’re only getting touristy search results.
