Source: http://worldcityweb.com/home/MIA/publications/magazine/3/642/

Sky Warrior

by Mary Dempsey

When IBM moved its Latin American headquarters from Coral Gables to So Paulo earlier this year, Jennifer Mann, who runs corporate communications for Big Blue in the region, decided to stay put. That’s because when she’s not winging off to So Paulo or Mexico City or Buenos Aires, she’s on her way to IBM corporate offices in New York.

With the Coral Gables location all but phased out, Jennifer now has two offices: one at her home in Fort Lauderdale, the other in So Paulo. Meanwhile, her assistant is now located at the IBM building in Boca Raton. Welcome to the wonderful world of “distributed” decision-making. Business travel has become second nature for Jennifer since she joined IBM’s Latin America division in 1999. She logs over 100,000 air miles per year and, on average, spends one of every three days away from home i.e. on the road, but mostly in the air.

What do you do to relax when away on business?

I never have much personal time on business trips. Believe it or not, my “time off” is often the time I spend at airportswhere my idea of relaxing is to shop the duty free.

What is your favorite hotel for business travel? And why?

Hilton Morumbi in So Paulo for several reasons: 1) Location: It’s in the same complex as the new IBM Latin America Headquarters; 2) Good facilities at the hotel and in the complex (meeting rooms, restaurants, shops) where it’s safe to walk; and 3) Great view from the executive floor lounge.

DINING OUT: What are your favorite eateries in your travel destinations?

In Mexico City, Izote (Polanco)

In So Paulo, Figueira Rubaiyat (Jardins)

In Buenos Aires, Cabana Las Lilas (Puerto Madero)

STRANDED: If you had to spend a weekend away from home on business, which city would you choose to get stuck in?

Buenos Aires. It’s a fascinating city.

STAYING IN TOUCH: When traveling in the region, what cell phone service do you use? Does your phone work in all your destinations?

My cell works in some places (Mexico, Argentina)I use AT&T (now BellSouth). I take full advantage of wirelessI log on whenever I can. I keep in touch with my office and team using Lotus Sametime messaging. To keep in touch with home, I calland call.

TECH TALLY: Which of the following items do you take with you when traveling?

Laptop. I have a ThinkPad x40. It’s ultra-portable, has a small footprint, yet a full-size keyboard. It’s really light 14 ounces, the same as a bottle of H20 and very tough (it has a titanium composite casing.) And it fits perfectly into my briefcase/tote/purse. And a digital camera.

What airline do you prefer for business travel? Do you fly Business Class?

I prefer American Airlines. Per company policy, I book business for flights that exceed eight hours. I use upgrades for shorter slights.

How do you pass the time while onboard the airplane?

On overnight flights, I sleep (Tylenol PM and two blankets help). On daytime flights, I catch up on e-mail.

What is your favorite airport? VIP lounge?

I don’t have a favorite airportall that travel makes me dislike airports in general! I prefer the American Airlines Admirals Club in Dallas.

PET PEEVE: When traveling on business, what annoying thing or problem or inconvenience drives you absolutely crazy?

Two pet peeves: 1) I detest it when there is no AC power connection available on planes on flights that exceed three or four hours and 2) I hate flight delays that are announced incrementally. They don’t give you the option to make alternate plans.

WORST NIGHTMARE: What was your absolute worst travel experience?

Immigration officers were on strike in So Paulo. I stood in line for four hours to get my passport stamped to departand I had high heels on. The line snaked across the whole length of the airport terminal. Of course, all flights were terribly delayed. The upside was that I was amused by Brazilian entrepreneurs hawking alcoholic beverages, from a camouflaged cooler on a luggage cart.