Meet the Team: Oliver Calvert

What is your role at Booking Protect?

It’s my job to make Booking Protect look and sound as good as it possibly can. I work alongside the whole team to bring the Booking Protect story to life, helping partners and customers alike understand why we’re the world’s leading refund protection provider.

What are the elements of your job you enjoy which others wouldn’t necessarily know about?

I enjoy the research that goes into understanding our partners and customers. Building our brand isn’t just about shouting from the rooftops how good we are (although that is part of it!)… it’s about understanding what we do well, where we can improve, and how we can tell a compelling story. This makes sure we stay relevant and engaging for those who want to work with us.

What is different at Booking Protect which you haven’t seen working anywhere else?

I love to see how positive and proactive everyone is. If we have an idea, we can action it without loads of red tape and hoops to jump through. Everyone’s keen to get involved and there’s no ‘that’s not my job’ attitude – if a job needs done, the team will always pitch in and help!

Best festival or music event you’ve been to?

Kendall Calling has to be the best – I used to work with a lot of festivals and travelled all over the world managing them. But Kendall Calling has to be my favourite. From its relaxed vibe to it’s stunning location and great sets, it’s hard to beat! (Plus I ended up having drinks with Dizzee Rascal!)

One you’d like to go to?

It’s got to be Glastonbury. I know it’s a cliché but it’s a once in a lifetime event that I’m definitely going to go to – it’s all about the Legend’s set!

What’s your favourite album?

That’s a tricky one. The classic has to be The Works by Queen. But I can’t resist Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’ album – particularly for the quirky B-list tracks that didn’t make the charts.

Have you ever been on the stage? What’s your proudest performance?

I used to do a lot of amateur dramatics as a kid – it’s a difficult one to pick a favourite, but if I was pushed, probably when I played Jafar in a production of Aladdin. Playing a baddie is always the most fun!

Do you have a secret hobby?

Lego sets. I’m addicted to them, and could spend hours on a Sunday afternoon engrossed in one!

What’s your best moment while working for Booking Protect?

I was around in the days Booking Protect was launched, and returned a few years later. And honestly coming back to see how far it had grown and the amazing partners it was working with was really inspiring, and made me really proud of what the team had achieved!

If you were an instrument, what would you be and why?

Well I’m a keen pianist so I’d have to go with piano. Something that brings people together and makes them smile, even with the simplest of tunes.

What was your first job and how old were you?

I was 16, and I worked Saturday’s for Ralph Lauren. It was great fun, and I loved the staff discount! I’ve still got a wardrobe full of polo shirts! I even got to meet the main man himself once which was amazing!

Furthest place you’ve gone away from home? Why did you go?

Alaska I think is about as far as it gets! It was a family holiday a few years ago, and we went for the awe-inspiring scenery, incredible wildlife and amazing people. It might not be the most well known holiday destination, but I can’t recommend it highly enough!

What’s your guilty pleasure?

I don’t believe in guilty pleasures! If it makes you happy, do it and be proud!

What was your favourite TV show 20 years ago?

I was only 11, so it’s nothing too high brow sadly! I had a soft spot for Tracey Beaker so I think that’ll be it.

Are you a big gardener?

Absolutely! I love my garden, and can spend hours on a weekend tinkering away and visiting garden centres. Roses are my passion and my garden is slowly being taken over by them!

What’s something you can’t stand?

Slow walkers. I’m guilty of being a natural power walker, but people who dawdle drive me up the wall!

What is your perfect Sunday?

I’d be getting up nice and early to read the papers and drink a double espresso, before cooking breakfast. Then I’ll be heading into the hills to go hiking with my fiancé and dog to work up an appetite, before coming home, putting on a Sunday roast and cracking open a bottle of red to put our feet up and relax, watching the Antiques Roadshow! (I know – old before my time).

If you could recommend one event that is a must-watch what would you choose?

It’s got to be Glastonbury hasn’t it? The biggest and best music festival in the world!