Collaboration
Gef’s 30 Under 30 2024 Winners: Q&A with Natasha Johnson
Ten categories. Thirty young visionaries making their mark on the Isle of Man. Introducing the 2024 #Gef30Under30 winners: the next generation of our island’s leaders.
The Collaboration category winners, brought to you by the Manx Wildlife Trust, show us that working together makes everything better.
What is your name and age?
Natasha Johnson, age 29.
Job title or role in the community?
Marketing Manager at Visit Isle of Man.
How did you start your career or role in the community?
I started working for the Department on a work placement whilst studying for my Business Degree at the Isle of Man Business School. Once I finished the five-week work placement, I was kept on part-time whilst I finished the rest of my degree, and was then offered a full time position in the marketing team, working on events and traditional marketing. I officially moved into the Visit Isle of Man Agency in 2018, when the Department’s four agencies were created.
In one sentence, summarise your journey so far as a young and successful person under 30.
I like to think that my journey so far has been filled with passion and gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had that’s led me to this point in my career.
Tell us about your business/industry, is there something interesting about it that most people wouldn’t expect?
The Department’s mission is to create an environment through innovation and collaboration where the local economy can thrive. Within this, the Visit Isle of Man Agency is responsible for growing the Island’s visitor economy, collaborating with businesses and stakeholders within the tourism and hospitality industry to provide an offering that meets the needs of both visitors and residents, whilst also boosting the tourism profile of the Isle of Man to off-Island audiences.
Tell us about why you think you won the category you did?
I am a winner in the Collaboration category, and I believe this is because collaboration is a key part of my role. Collaboration not only allows for enhanced marketing efforts, but by utilising the skills and creativity of others it allows for strong relationship building with industry and stakeholders, with such cooperation being essential for the long-term success of the Island’s visitor economy.
At Visit Isle of Man it is important that we continue to grow and foster a collaborative environment so that we can effectively promote the Island as a desirable destination, enhance the visitor experience and contribute to the sustainable development of the local tourism industry.
Who are your role models, either on-island or off, in your sector or outside of it?
There’s so many to choose! Natalie Glaze and Grace Beverley are two key role models for me – they’re female entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses with sustainability and female empowerment at the heart. Also my friends, family and colleagues (past and present – many of whom have ended up being friends!), I’m so grateful for the people I have in my life.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My favourite piece of advice is that you are in control of your own happiness, it shouldn’t all depend on others.
And also to be conscious and intentional with boundaries, and not be afraid to say no – its ok to sometimes have JOMO (joy of missing out) instead of FOMO!
What do you wish you knew when you were getting started in your career?
I wish I knew to be more confident in myself and my skills, ideas, etc. – even when starting out your opinions and ideas are valid, and you shouldn’t be scared to voice them.
For some people, like myself, confidence comes with time and experience and there’s a huge improvement in my confidence now than when I first started my career.
What changes do you hope to see in your sector or community in the coming years?
I hope to see more continued collaboration within the tourism and hospitality industry, and businesses continuing to support each other. I think the Island is great for that, we have such a great sense of community and local pride.
What, for you, are the benefits of staying on or moving back to the island for young people under 30?
From my own experience, I don’t believe I would be in the career I am today had I gone to the UK to do my degree. The Isle of Man has such a diverse range of career opportunities for young individuals.
Also the quality of life and work-life balance that the Isle of Man offers is one of the main reasons why I’ve remained here – being able to finish work and 20 minutes later be in a glen with my dog or out paddleboarding with my friends isn’t something I’m prepared to give up!
What does being a Gef’s 30 Under 30 winner mean to you?
Being a Gef’s 30 Under 30 winner honestly means so much to me! Not just for the recognition, but for the ability to inspire other young individuals starting their careers, or wondering if the Isle of Man is for them (hint: it is).
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