Mei Zhang (left) with her family

What is the biggest buzz you get out of what you do?
The biggest buzz is being able to create things and change people’s lives. Being able to get out to nature, visit villages, visit historical ruins are definitely additional pluses of working in travel.

What do you most dislike about it?
When things go wrong, when clients are not completely satisfied, when employees are not completely satisfied.

What is your most perfect travel moment?
Hiking by myself around Mt. Kailash in Tibet, bathing in the glory of nature and reflecting on life.

What irks you most about travel?
Constantly on the move, looking for a place to stay when you are already tired.

What is your most treasured souvenir?
A piece of Rock from Everest Basecamp.

Who’s the most interesting person you have met in your travels?
My husband, if not, why would I marry him?

Who’s the living person you most admire?
There are so many figures in the public arena that I admire, but I don’t know them personally, so it doesn’t really matter. The woman I admire most among all the people I know is a lady called Anne McBride Norton. She’s not a famous persona, but she has the most adventurous spirit in life, and is extremely generous and supportive of people. Plus, she is beautiful and has great taste in style too!

What is the quality you most admire in others?
Being able to live life fully, regardless of where and who you are. Self starter in life.

What is the talent you would most like to have?
Leadership and a specific skill in one thing.

What do you value most in your friends?
Caring, loving, loyal and funny.

What’s your favourite word?
LIVE

What’s your least favourite word?
Can’t

What’s your favourite noise?
“Ma ma!” pronounced by my daughter and son, and the sound of a stream in the mountains.

What’s your least favourite noise?
Mosquito flying by.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Reinventing myself from an electrician’s daughter in Yunnan Province, China to who I am today.

What’s the one thing you would say to kids?
Life is fun and it’s great that you are having fun doing whatever you are doing—digging in the sandpit, playing house, whatever.

What’s the one thing you must do before you die?
Let my kids know that I will always love them.