About Holly Tonge
I’m a firm believer that life is too short to stand still, and I’ve never been very interested in following the expected path. Adventure, curiosity and new experiences have always been what motivate me, whether that’s hiking in remote mountains, exploring a new country or saying yes to opportunities that most people would overthink. Which makes it slightly ironic that I’ve spent the last two decades building businesses in customs and international trade, one of the most regulated and compliance-driven industries imaginable.
Q&As
Describe yourself in three words?
Impulsive, driven and loyal.
What was your first job?
Rolling Stock in Martlesham, where I sold and repaired skates. I also worked as a skate marshal at the rink.
What frustrates you?
A lack of initiative. Whether it’s in business or everyday life, I appreciate people who think for themselves and are willing to solve problems rather than simply pointing them out.
How do you spend your leisure time?
Travelling and hiking are my biggest passions, and I spend as much time as I can exploring mountain destinations with friends. I have recently returned from Kyrgyzstan. When I’m home, you’ll find me trying to master pottery throwing, with varying degrees of success.
What is your go-to comfort food?
Pancakes, ever since I was a child. I’ve now learned how to make them sound a little more sophisticated at dinner parties by serving crêpes Suzette…and setting them on fire.
What temptation can’t you resist?
Squeezing in an extra excursion or event. It might lead to minimal downtime, but I will always make the logistics work.
Where are you happiest?
At a live gig. I love everything from pubs with live bands to festivals. The atmosphere, the music and the energy always make me happy.
What is your number one karaoke song?
None! I can’t sing, so I do my best not to subject anyone else to the experience. I stick to what I am good at.
At school, what were you good at?
Getting away with not going to school! And geography, in which I received an A, much to my school’s surprise.
What would be your plan B as a career?
Originally, it was the British Antarctic Survey. I have a degree in geoscience and always imagined I’d end up in Antarctica. I’m still hoping Antarctica and I will cross paths one day.
Which one luxury could you not live without?
Having spent most of my life travelling on a budget, I’d now struggle to give up business flights, airport lounges and a good hotel. I didn’t appreciate them until my forties, but they’re a game changer.
Which three people, dead or alive, would you invite as dinner guests?
The three worst world leaders of our time. It would either be a fascinating conversation or a spectacularly awkward dinner, but I’d like the chance to challenge them on a few things.
If you could time travel, where would you go and why?
I’d go back to ancient Mesopotamia to witness the dawn of civilisation. I’d love to see how people lived and discover just how much we still have in common.
How many attempts before you passed your driving test?
First time, when I was 17. If only getting a pilot’s licence were as easy! It would be much more help to me these days.
