Meet the #IIGlobal2019 delegates as they embark on the Ultimate Education and Networking Experience of a lifetime to San Francisco & Washington DC.
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We caught up with Kershen Pillay, Chief Executive Officer at Graduate Institute of Financial Services (GIFS). Here’s what he had to say..
What is your favourite travel childhood memory?
Family road trips! in the moment you do not appreciate it as much until you get older and have a family of your own. For me travelling from Durban to the Drakensberg was always a treat, from the games we played, to annoying our parents with “are we there yet?” and the good old fashion family bonding.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
I love fun, sun and sea – so any island getaway with activities and R&R.
What is the best way to sleep on a plane?
I am not the best person to answer this question, as I can fall asleep on a park bench. But an eye mask is a definite, for those like me that want complete darkness when they sleep!
What is your top travel tip?
When travelling in a group, timekeeping is very important, so to make the experience enjoyable for all – be on time!
What do you like to do while travelling?
I believe travelling is an opportunity, an opportunity to embrace and learn more about a country’s culture, its people and most importantly the cuisine. So when I travel I love to live like a local.
What travel gadgets are you taking with you on this tour?
My international multi-plug kit and a power bank.
What are you looking forward to the most on this trip?
Education and insight into the world of insurance in an American context. I want to understand and learn how America is dealing with sustainability within an insurance context, the fast pace at which we are consuming information as a glocal community and on-demand compliance-based education.
Tell us something fun about yourself that most people don’t know?
Most people only see the very serious and professional side to me but I am a great prankster. I love pulling pranks on people.
What is the one thing that you cannot travel without?
My phone.
What country has the best food?
I love food, so this is a tough one – I will be patriotic and say SA, with Australia being a close second.
Have you ever gotten lost while travelling?
No, I am too much of a control freak, especially in unknown territories. My plans have plans.
What other destinations are on your bucket list?
The Maldives, Morocco, China, St Barts, Tahiti and St Tropez.
How will u be putting the SA in the USA?
As a proud South African I will be an ambassador for my country, so as much as I am going to the USA to learn, I will use this opportunity to share as much as I can about our beautiful country, South Africa. I will emphasize our diversity, work ethic, our robust financial services sector and most importantly state, that as South Africa – we are open for business.
