Fighting power

It seems fitting one of history’s great underdogs has been tasked with empowering Global’s agent members running their own independent businesses, who themselves are battling with struggling high streets, changing consumer habits and an uncertain political landscape.

And Brockovich’s passion for inspiring others is evident.

“I was the least likely person to do what I did in Hinkley, but I wasn’t going to stand around and do nothing – I needed to get behind myself, my voice and my decisions, and believe in what I was seeing and experiencing,” she says.

“These days we’re afraid to show our flaws or speak out because we get labelled. Small businesses can be like that; they don’t want to be labelled a small business, they may feel they have to be like a large business to compete. They don’t, they can be their own small, stronger independent company.

“When people find that voice, they do amazing things. All of us have fears about whether we will succeed or fail, but you will never know until you try.”

Global’s conference will be the first time Brockovich has spoken at a travel industry conference, but her admiration for agents is clear: “Travel agents touch my life so often with all my travelling. I mean, you get out there and try planning your own trip, with air fares, times, all the coordination – it makes you want to pull your hair out. They have a great passion for what they do and their knowledge is amazing.”

Eco activist

And alongside her extensive public speaking diary, Brockovich still remains a highly dedicated environmental activist.

“I have 126 different countries and territories reporting to me about their pollution and water issues and I’m trying to figure out how I can reach more,” she says.

“There are more problems than there are firms and groups to start fighting this and get solutions.”

Brockovich is currently involved in “too many cases to name”, offering her expertise, contacts and profile to try and help change the minds of corporations and governments.

And the travel industry should “absolutely” be getting themselves – and their customers – involved with environmental concerns, she believes.

“It’s an enormous issue and it’s up to all travel agents to take a look at that,” she says. “The travel industry’s job is making clients prepared, so talking about these problems wouldn’t hurt business.

“Give them [clients] tools and the knowledge and they could get involved too. Awareness and action is so important.”

Tackling sexism

Another area of activism Brockovich is involved with is gender equality. Indeed, Brockovich’s story, both onscreen and off, is littered with instances of corporate sexism and the underestimation of women in the workplace.

In April, the travel industry’s gender pay gap was put in the spotlight with historically male-dominated roles such as airline pilots, fuelling a large disparity in aviation. Women “keep stepping up” though, Brockovich tells me proudly.

And this of course includes Brockovich herself, back in 1996.

“There was a whole lot of reason people doubted me,” she recalls. “So just because we don’t fit inside a certain box we can’t succeed ourselves? That’s ridiculous! People are starting to rise up and, all over, women are finding their courage to climb higher and achieve more.”

Our conversation is also timely, not just for the #MeToo movement – forged from the downfall of disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein – but also for the recent unmasking of UK business mogul Philip Green for alleged misconduct – claims he denies.

“Sexism has always been out there and I have certainly run into my fair share of it,” Brockovich admits.

“I’m extremely supportive of #MeToo – I have two daughters and I want them to have their voice. It shouldn’t be women versus men, but it’s women finding their voice.”

Brockovich hopes workplaces the world over will use the #MeToo momentum to address problems, and urges the travel sector to “not be afraid” to look at its own culture.

“There is nothing wrong with being transparent in bringing something up, making them [bosses] look at it so your place of work is equal, fair, passionate and everything you want it to be.

“This industry has an amazing opportunity to look at issues of women in the industry and in different countries, and of the environment too, and if there is something new that they can share with travellers and their clients that makes their journey safer and creates better experiences, then that client won’t forget that travel agent.”

Brockovich leaves me with one final nugget of advice she wants Global members to take onboard: “Use your voice. Even if you feel like you’re the least likely person who should say something – just get involved.”

She may not be a fan of rides herself, but Brockovich looks set to provide her own rollercoaster journey for delegates at the Global conference in Florida.