In her own words: Carol J. Nicholson of the Atlantis

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your role at Atlantis.

Carol Nicholson: As corporate sales manager, I am responsible for local corporate sales emphasizing the increase of room night and revenue production. I introduce and welcome potential guests to our specialized corporate travel program establishing Atlantis as their home away from home. Additionally, I promote Atlantis' award-winning amenities, excellent service and quality of product from spa to accommodations to fine dining.

NNBW: How did you get into this profession?

Nicholson: I was lucky; my grandparents lived in Europe, and as a small child, my parents and I traveled to visit our family annually. From the beginning, I have always enjoyed travel both personally and professionally; a career in the travel and hospitality industry was a natural fit for me.

NNBW: What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?

Nicholson: Industry knowledge, i.e. planes, trains, automobiles. Some of my success skills include: Knowledge of the travel and hospitality industry complemented with honesty and sincerity are crucial. Being actively involved in the community with memberships and partnerships of local associations, businesses and committees are also very important.

NNBW: If you could have had any other profession what would it have been? Why wasn't it your first choice?

Nicholson: Medicine was my first choice. I finished my clinical training at Washoe Med in 1996, but working and attending school fulltime, I found that my career in tour and travel was way more fun. Nearly, 20 years later tourism has been very good to me, I do not regret my decision.

NNBW: What are some of the important trends you see in your industry?

Nicholson: The importance and value of travel for both personal and business is significant as travel is one of the major industries of the world and a true generator of jobs. The economic, social and cultural benefit that travel brings to our local community is vital. For the past several years it's been a travel industry "buyers market" for air transportation and hotel. With the increase of online agencies, use of social network sites for time-sensitive "flash sales" and postings of travel experiences enhanced with special travel apps. All of this is designed to make the booking process faster and travel easier resulting in multiple opportunities for the general public to research, compare and purchase discount travel instantly.

NNBW: What do you like to do when you're not working?

Nicholson: I enjoy spending time with my son, Jonathan; he is a fantastic snow skier and great at tennis. Additionally, I am passionate about cycling; it keeps me healthy and young. During early spring training, I can be seen climbing Mt. Rose, Geiger or Kingsbury on my beautiful Cervelo.

NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?

Nicholson: Be patient, be humble and remember: "The guest is always right!" Learn all you can from your peers; it's an ever-changing world, nothing is set in stone and change is inevitable; so be flexible.

NNBW: Would you rather be younger, thinner, richer or smarter? Why?

Nicholson: "No" on younger; I appreciate the knowledge I have acquired with age. "No" on thinner; I am very active and make healthy eating choices; therefore, never had to deal with weight issues. "Richer"... ah yes; certainly a little more discretionary income would be welcomed. I am hoping to build my Colnago (bike) this year and the Campagnola components are very expensive.

NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Nicholson: "In the clarity of a quiet mind, there is room for all that is actually happening and whatever else might be possible." Ram Dass.

NNBW: Five things you can't live without?

Nicholson: My family, my friends, Lindt dark chocolate truffles, CompuTrain classes and of course, my bike.

NNBW: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why would you want it?

Nicholson: This is a tough question; OK my answer is omniscience. The ability to know anything and everything infinitely, or at least everything that can be known about a character including thoughts, feelings, life and the universe, etc. I would enjoy rapid learning for advanced intelligence beyond the level of Einstein. I wasn't born a genius and as I get older, I am finding that I forget more than I can remember.

NNBW: What does the content of your refrigerator say about you?

Nicholson: Very healthy; well, except for a couple of bottles of my favorite champagne!

The basics:

Name: Carol J. Nicholson, corporate sales manager, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

How long have you been in this job? Since 2007

How long in the profession? 25 Years

Education: Great Basin CC, TMCC, UNR

Best book you've read? "Brave New World," Aldous Huxley

What's on your iPod? U2, Deepak Chopra, Vivaldi

The best movie ever? "Casablanca"

Spouse, kids or pets? My son Jonathan the joy of my life; soon to be 15 in March. We have two Siberian Huskies rescue dogs, Aiden and Colby.