It’s another busy week in Kingston for Laura Asbjornsen, Head of Corporate Communications at Caribbean Airlines. We’re delighted, though, that in-between meetings, TV and radio appearances we’re able to catch up over a glass of bubbly at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel…

What are you sipping?

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin.

What kind of week are you having?

Challenging, but that is how I prefer it. It keeps the mind sharp.

Socialite or homebody?

In my head I pretend to be a homebody but my career brings out the socialite in me.

What’s in your handbag?

My Chanel sunglasses, Mont Blanc fountain pen and ball point pen, Sony waterproof camera with my daughter’s Dora sticker, EU passport, Louis Vuitton wallet, business cards, my mobile Internet connection, my BlackBerry and my airport work ID.

TV or good book?

Good book, hands down. Andrea Levy, Hari Kunzru, Kiran Desai and Aravind Adiga are my favourites.

Who is your style inspiration?

As long as you are elegant, I am inspired.

Where do you shop?

Peter Elias and Claudia Pegus for very special occasions. In Jamaica, Brown Sugar at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel (where I got the fab bracelet that I’m wearing and this dress). I am partial to a good bargain, too, so I love to hunt flea markets and will occasionally browse H&M. For shoes, I love Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Tell us about the most interesting seatmate you’ve had on a flight.

On a flight from Strasbourg to Brussels I sat next to the then EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson and told him that the EU policy and trade stance on numerous issues, as it pertains to the Caribbean, was simply not fair. It was ironic because I had just penned a letter for the European organisation I was with at the time regarding EU labour law but the Caribbean issues just came to the top of my mind when I actually met him. Home is always close to my heart.

Describe the perfect Caribbean getaway weekend.

I am really happy once the sun is shining and I am surrounded by my loved ones.

What’s the most surprising thing about the Caribbean?

That we are made up of so many ethnicities and have such a diverse culture to be proud of and share with the rest of the world.

Describe your personal style.

Not too fussy, but I also do not mind making a bold statement when entering a room. I believe in investing in a couple of pieces that are timeless classics.

What’s in your carry-on luggage?

An extra suit for that emergency meeting and a fabulous cocktail dress just in case I have to unexpectedly attend a function.

What projects are you working on?

Finalising the last phase of the integration activities for the recent Air Jamaica /Caribbean Airlines Agreement, especially as it relates to the internal activities of the company. I am also looking forward to communicating further on some new destinations that we have announced for the Air Jamaica brand: like Kingston to Orlando in September, and a possible return to Chicago.

Where’s the best place to find you?

In the office or in WH Smith, the bookstore.

What perfume are you spraying?

Incanto Shine by Salvatore Ferragamo.

What’s your idea of the perfect date?

Having a meal with my husband without me once spying at my BlackBerry.

What’s your idea of the perfect man?

Already have him!

What’s your latest obsession?

Reality TV – Project Runway or Master Chef! BBC News is also always on and has been my obsession for about a decade.

What’s in your car stereo?

Talk radio most times since I have to be clued into the latest developments from both a political and current affairs perspective. When I want to relax, then I am a 90s fan – Hootie and the Blowfish. I also love anything David Rudder!

Describe your most memorable trip.

Finally getting to see Paris for the first time. It was something I always wanted to do since I was in high school! At one point I was there for meetings every week for a year and every time I pulled into Gare du Nord I thought about how lucky I was to have to do this as part of my job!

What’s the best reason to live in the Caribbean?

We have it all. Perfect weather, warm, talented people and it’s just the most beautiful place on earth to be. Why would I want to be anywhere else?

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

There is a very Trinidadian saying: “Who don’t ask, don’t get!” We need not be afraid to ask for help, ask for advice or to give it. Life is all about communicating.

What’s your dream vacation?

I would love to pack everything up and head to Montego Bay with my husband and daughter for two solid weeks. They have never been to Jamaica and I know that they would love everything about it. I give thanks for my blessings everyday because there are others who would give anything to have the relative peace and serenity that we generally enjoy in the Caribbean.