Connect and get in touch with HollyDay Travel

• Email

• Instagram

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

Connect and get in touch with Kim Wethmar

• [email protected]

• Kim Wethmar

People and Links mentioned in this episode:

• The Asking Leader

• TIME Programme - get in touch with TIME Programme at [email protected]

• Penny Spencer

• Traction by Gino Wickman

• Matt Lewis

• TED Talk by Dr. Darria Long

EPISODE SUMMARY

• Topic: The Power of Mentorship in Travel Business • Host: Holly Velardo from Holiday Travel (Port Noarlunga, South Australia) • Guest: Kim Wethmar - Former CEO, TIME Programme Board Member, Business Mentor

Kim Wethmar's Background • Former CEO who grew corporate travel business from £50M to £300M TTV with 96% client retention • Led teams of 200+ people, introduced automation and bio-analytics at scale • 25+ years across account management, operations, and executive leadership • Telstra Businesswoman of the Year NSW finalist • Runs "The Asking Leader" coaching business • Current TIME Programme board member

How Holly and Kim Met - TIME Programme • TIME: Travel Industry Mentor Experience led by Penny Spencer • One-on-one mentoring across all travel industry sectors • Kim volunteers as mentor, Holly was mentee • Programme connects emerging leaders with experienced mentors

Kim's Mentoring Philosophy • Core mission: Turn ambition into action through simple systems • Greatest joy: Seeing people realise their full potential • Approach: "No BS" direct communication style • Why she mentors: Paying forward the mentorship she received in her career • Energy source: Watching mentee ideas click into profitable plans

Holly's TIME Journey

First TIME Experience (Post-COVID) • Mentor: Matt Lewis • Challenge: Overwhelmed with sudden booking influx after COVID • Outcome: Scaled from solo operation to 5 team members in 6 months • Scholarship: Won scholarship for first programme

Second TIME Experience (with Kim) • Clear goal: Increase revenue by 50% • Challenge: Self-doubt and mental blocks despite business growth • Timeframe: 3 years more advanced than first programme • Pairing: Penny Spencer

Kim's Mentoring Approach

The Three Cs of Mentorship • Clarity: What to do next, stop doing, or start doing • Cadence: Rhythm and discipline of showing up prepared • Courage: Using someone else's belief until yours catches up

Key Tools and Frameworks • One Page Business Plan: From "Traction" by Gino Wickman (mandatory reading) • Urgent vs Important: Framework for prioritising tasks • Time management strategies • Strength identification • Employee engagement techniques

Transformational Impact on Holly

Personal Development • Changed internal self-talk and self-perception • Overcame self-doubt and vulnerability • Learned to think differently about others and possibilities • Built genuine self-belief

Business Structure • One Page Plan: Daily morning routine, weekly accountability • Planning discipline: No excuses approach to structure • Accountability: Weekly meetings with homework assignments • Strategic thinking: Focus on important vs urgent tasks

Leadership Growth • Understanding of delegation needs • Focus on building business rather than working in it • Clear goal-setting and achievement tracking • Improved team communication and vision sharing

The Mentoring Relationship

• Kim's Preparation and Care • Mentee-Driven Process

TIME Community Benefits • Generous community: Travel attracts "best humans" • Global expansion: Beyond Australia and New Zealand • Networking: Valuable connections and relationships • Support system: Ongoing community beyond programme • Scholarship opportunities: Financial assistance available

Kim's Leadership Philosophy

• Self-Discipline as Foundation • Personal Growth Commitment

Key Takeaways • Mentorship value: Essential for business and personal growth • Planning importance: Structure and discipline create momentum • Community power: Travel industry's generous, supportive nature • Continuous learning: Even successful leaders need mentors • Action orientation: Turn ambition into measurable results