Claudia Ascolani Toomeh, Market Manager, LUXE Australia at Airbnb, where she manages the home acquisition for Airbnb Luxe & Luxury Retreats. She is also the founder of Carpani Social, a social media agency.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your background and career?
I’ve worked both in fashion & property and have specialised in sales and business development for the past 12+ years.
I made the jump into the tech industry 2 years ago and will never look back. I love working for Airbnb, it’s been an amazing experience.
I’ve also co-founded a social media agency, Carpani Social and I’m studying law part-time, I don’t plan or want to be a lawyer but I’m finding it interesting. Go figure!
2) What is your current role and what does it entail on a day to day basis?
I’ve been driving all phases of home acquisition for Airbnb Luxe & Luxury Retreats market success, including acquisition strategy development, generating and converting supply leads, and partner relationship management.
Steering profitable growth and working collaboratively with cross-functional teams including PR & communications, growth marketing, product & product marketing, consumer strategy & insights, community engagement and leadership.
3) What does a typical day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
No day to day is ever alike.
I have a routine to keep my working schedule balanced. I have meetings most mornings from 6am to either New York or Montreal.
I ride my Vespa to work around 7:30 am. I actually run through my day whilst I’m making my way to work, so when I arrive. I make a cup of green tea and the day begins.
I always take 20 mins to eat lunch and I try and be present with my food no matter if I’m travelling or in the office. I’ve learned it’s really important to chew and pay attention when eating.
I spend at least 1-2 hours on the phone most days, I try and keep it phone free on Tuesday and Fridays, so I can focus on the admin part of my job, without distractions.
I dedicate 5 hours a week to in office and client meetings and I travel at least once a month to our destinations and see a whole lot of homes in between!
4) Do you have any tips, tricks or shortcuts to help you manage your workload and schedule?
You need to figure out your own jam. My calendar is my life. I’m a little old school, I always have a notebook with me.
5) In between your job, life and all your other responsibilities, how do you ensure you find some sort of balance in your life?
It’s important to recognise what your body and mind need. So I do this by taking time out when I need it. I find through travel and relaxation that I am able to get back to my centre and feel balanced.
6) What does work life balance mean to you?
Work life balance is about creating an environment where I have time for the people I love and time for the things I like to do.
7) What do you think are some of the best habits you’ve developed over the years to help you strive for success and balance?
In all honesty some are habits and some are principles I go by. Nothing groundbreaking.
- 8 hour sleep
- Drinking lots of water
- Eating good food
- 30 mins of exercise daily
- Hold myself accountable
- Give a shit
- Be kind and thoughtful
8) Are there any books that have helped you improve over the years?
I like reading about Philosophy. I’ve been reading some books by Friedrick Neishke and most recently loved a book, The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World by Peter Wohlleben.
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