Send us Fan Mail

Thinking about a bold career switch or trying to make sales work smarter, not harder? Meet Mel from Melbourne, who traded a decade in Big Four tax for a front-line role in cruise sales and built a system that turned burnout into balance. We dive into her leap into the travel industry, how she pitched transferable skills to land a strategic sales manager role, and the mindset that powered her first year of relentless yes—then the turning point that followed.

Mel opens up about finding a mentor who helped her replace chaos with clarity. Together they set three pillars—structure, efficiency, and the confidence to say no—and started with tiny, tactical changes that paid off fast. That includes writing a precise out-of-office that set expectations, nudged partners to the right self-serve channels, and protected time for deep work. From there, we unpack the road plan audit that ranked accounts, prioritised high performers, and brought focus to weekly travel. The result didn’t just calm her calendar; leadership rolled the model out nationally.

You’ll hear practical tactics for territory planning, partner enablement, and building a scalable sales motion across Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. We also get real about energy and joy: country coffee versus city espresso, celebrating wins with bubbles, and the power of simple rituals like a family-made dog calendar to keep spirits high. Networking in Melbourne gets a spotlight too—why smaller rooms can create deeper conversations and stronger outcomes.

If you’re navigating a pivot, managing a crowded inbox, or racing between client visits, this conversation offers a playbook: pitch your story, build systems that serve you, and choose focus over frenzy. Stick around for light-hearted moments—lime green uniforms, dog-friendly office visits, and a shared mantra to always have something to look forward to. Like what you hear? Follow the show, share it with a colleague who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review to help others find us.

Send us Fan Mail

The room was sweltering and the banter was hot, but the real heat came from Katrina Humphrey’s story of how quiet, consistent action turns into leadership that lasts. We bring Katrina into the studio to map her shift from travel consultant to business operations manager at a busy corporate travel agency, where she supports consultants, liaises with accounting and offshore teams, and spots the tiny process breaks that trip everyone up. One wrong hotel email address. One faster fix. One smoother day for the whole team. That’s how operational excellence is built.

Katrina credits a pivotal mentorship through the TIME program, pairing her with Kelly, a dynamic professional development coach. Together, they rebuilt confidence as a practice, not a personality trait—calibrating tone for senior conversations, preparing for confrontation without losing composure, and asking the questions that move decisions forward. The surprising twist is how these tools bled into her personal life, helping her unpack anxiety, repair connection with her father in New Zealand, and return with a lighter heart. Leadership, it turns out, doesn’t stop at the office door.

We also get honest about the logistics: six months that stretched with work travel, a flexible cadence of sessions, and the missed magic of too many networking nights. Still, the takeaways are sharp and practical. Use visual cues—like Katrina’s “Do epic shit” artwork—to prime action. Visualise the terrain before your big moments, the way a runner maps a marathon in their mind. Set bolder projects, ship the neglected ones, and let openness replace self-doubt. If you’re navigating operations, corporate travel, or any fast-moving team, Katrina’s journey offers repeatable steps you can use today.

If this conversation gave you a useful tool or a nudge to act, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review—what’s the one small fix you’ll make this week?

Send us Fan Mail

Career clarity rarely arrives as a thunderclap. It shows up in steady conversations, small experiments, and the right guide who asks better questions. We sit down with Anthony Potter, Business Development Manager for Northern Queensland at the Globus family of brands, to unpack how a six-month TIME mentoring journey reshaped his path without forcing him into a new persona or a narrow title.

Anthony’s story will resonate with anyone in travel, tourism, or sales who loves building others up but hasn’t fully mapped their own next step. He breaks down what a great BDM actually does—coaching trade partners, delivering training, and driving growth—then shows how mentoring turned those instincts inward. With a mentor aligned to touring and river cruising, he set a rhythm of bi-weekly micro-goals, reflected honestly on strengths, and learned to design progress without chasing a single “perfect” job.

We dive into a practical blueprint for genuine networking when walking into a room feels daunting: warm introductions, focused coffees, value-first follow-ups, and a flywheel of familiar faces at future events. Anthony also shares the surprisingly powerful habit that changed his daily execution—taking notes live to signal attention, capture “golden points,” and improve follow-through. Along the way, we explore why an external mentor sees patterns your team can’t, how vulnerability accelerates growth, and why crafting a toolkit often beats fixating on a title.

If you’re ready to turn momentum into a method—more confidence at events, clearer development plans, and a network that compounds—this conversation offers a tested path forward. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a nudge, and leave a review with one habit you plan to try next.

Send us Fan Mail

Hard truths can be a gift when you’re brave enough to hear them. We sit down with Christine Oliver, Regional Sales Manager at AmaWaterways, to unpack how a no‑nonsense mentor, a focused networking strategy, and a deeply personal recovery journey helped her rebuild confidence and direction in Australia’s travel industry.

Christine shares why she pursued formal mentoring at a senior stage of her career, especially after the one‑two punch of COVID and an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis. Instead of platitudes, she wanted accountability and clarity. That led to a mentor who pushed her to overhaul her LinkedIn presence, set monthly connection targets, and approach every event with a clear purpose. We get into the nuts and bolts: how to prepare when attendee lists aren’t available, how to choose which rooms deserve your time, and how to turn conversations into traction rather than small talk.

We also tackle the AI question. Can tools replace a mentor? Christine explains why human candour and context still win, even as AI helps with research and prep. From there, we explore her current focus at AmaWaterways: building brand recognition in Australia, showing up where it matters, and empowering teams to consider TIME mentoring at the right moment in their journey. Along the way, a small Christmas ornament with a Nemo motif becomes a powerful symbol of resilience and distance travelled, proof that personal anchors can drive professional courage.

If you’ve been feeling busy but aimless, this conversation offers a practical reset. You’ll learn how to measure time like an investment, refine your professional brand, and choose events with intent. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a nudge, and leave a review telling us the one change you’ll make to add purpose to your week.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when you connect with a mentor who makes you feel like you can conquer the world? Janice McDonald, Sales Account Manager for Queensland, Northern NSW and WA at Air Canada, joins us to share her transformative journey through the TIME mentorship program.

From the moment Janis witnessed a colleague's remarkable transformation after completing the TIME program, she knew she wanted that same confidence and growth for herself. When finally matched with mentor Belinda Montgomery, Janis discovered an unexpected connection that allowed her to be vulnerable in ways she hadn't anticipated. "When you do the TIME program, you have to be a little bit vulnerable," she explains. "You've really got to let your guard down and tell a stranger about what you really want."

That vulnerability paid off tremendously. Throughout their sessions, Janis developed the confidence to approach her boss for additional responsibilities at Air Canada and learned crucial boundary-setting skills to balance her demanding career with being a mother of three. "The way we were evolving with our sessions, I felt I could conquer the world," she shares, highlighting how the right mentor relationship can fundamentally shift your professional trajectory.

Now Janis has come full circle, helping organize TIME events in Queensland to give others the same opportunity for growth. She emphasizes that what makes the TIME program special is its tailored approach—travel professionals mentoring other travel professionals in structured, confidential settings that focus on individual goals.

Whether you're considering applying for the TIME program, looking to become a mentor yourself, or simply curious about how mentorship can transform careers, this episode offers honest insights about the power of investing in your professional development. Listen now and discover how the right mentor might help you conquer your world too!

Subscribe to the TIME Podcast for more inspiring stories from travel industry professionals, and visit the Time website to learn about upcoming mentorship opportunities in your region.

Send us Fan Mail

What begins as a formal mentorship often transforms into something far more profound. Just ask Aloma Butler and Alka Thappar, whose professional pairing through New Zealand's TIME program has flourished into a seven-year relationship of mutual growth and genuine friendship.

This episode—our first featuring guests from New Zealand—unveils the remarkable journey of mentor and mentee whose connection has long outlasted the program's formal six-month structure. Aloma, now Sales Operations Manager at Qantas Airways, candidly shares how in 2018, despite appearing confident at industry events, she struggled with self-belief. She sought mentorship not primarily for tactical advice but to rebuild her professional confidence.

Their story beautifully illustrates mentorship at its best—where the mentor doesn't dictate decisions but creates a safe space for authentic conversations and strategic planning. "I was the one that made those plans that I needed to put in place," Aloma explains, "but she was a guide more than anything." This distinction between guidance and direction marks truly transformative mentoring relationships.

What makes their connection especially powerful is its evolution into reciprocal support. They still speak regularly—sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly—to navigate career challenges together. As Alka notes, "I feel mentors learn from their mentees as well. I think it's not just us teaching."

The episode also reveals insights into the TIME program in New Zealand, including New Zealand's permanent home at the Crown Institute—coincidentally where Aloma studied travel and tourism years earlier. This full-circle moment exemplifies how industry connections often interweave in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Whether you're considering becoming a mentor, seeking mentorship, or simply interested in professional development, this conversation offers powerful insights into creating relationships that transcend formal programs to become lifelong connections of mutual growth and support.

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a chance encounter at a panel event transforms a career path? Join us as we chat with Brianna Drummond, the inspiring Product Operations Team Leader at Inspiring Vacations, who shares her journey into unexpected opportunities. From skepticism to success, discover how Brianna's scholarship experience, mentorship with sales coach Nicole O'Sullivan, and bold steps outside her comfort zone have redefined her professional growth and leadership abilities.

Without a sales background, Brianna reveals how understanding personality traits and communication styles can revolutionize networking. We swap stories about the challenges and triumphs of becoming more outgoing, and Brianna explains how pushing beyond familiar boundaries can lead to meaningful connections. With insights into vibrant networking scenes in Melbourne and Sydney and tips for leveraging LinkedIn, this conversation is packed with strategies to elevate your career and personal development.

But it's not all business! We spice things up with some podcast banter, a quest for Melbourne's best croissants, and family tales of unpatented inventions. Laugh along with us as we explore the quirks of life, like waiting hours to witness a rare flower bloom or the whims of dressing up for a podcast. Tune in for a lively mix of professional insights, personal anecdotes, and a reminder that growth often comes in the most unexpected ways.

Send us Fan Mail

Curious about the profound impact of mentorship on career growth? Join us as Arnaud and I unpack the transformative journey that began with a 90-minute mentoring session. He shares their experience of stepping outside familiar circles to seek guidance from industry expert Neil Agar, all prompted by significant organizational shifts. Our discussion covers not only the selection process for a mentor but also highlights the importance of diverse perspectives. With a sprinkle of humor and light-hearted jabs about my own availability for advice, we explore how our community facilitates these enriching interactions, leading to impactful professional development.

Our conversation then flows into the lasting power of mentorships beyond formal sessions, shedding light on the genuine commitment of mentors who volunteer their time purely for the joy of fostering mentee growth. Discover the mutual benefits of these relationships, including the exchange of fresh generational insights. We paint a vibrant picture of how spontaneous community support and mentorship can spark personal growth, touching on personal anecdotes that include upcoming birthdays and the creation of meaningful connections. Prepare for an engaging episode full of anecdotes, humor, and insightful discussion on professional and personal development within a supportive community.

Send us Fan Mail

Penny Spencer, the visionary force behind the Time mentoring program, joins us to celebrate 15 years of transformative impact in the travel industry. Discover how Penny nurtured this initiative through tough times like the Global Financial Crisis and COVID-19, all while expanding its reach to New Zealand and increasing its vibrant community of mentees and mentors. Her insights into the resilience and passion required to sustain such a program promise valuable lessons for anyone interested in career progression and industry retention.

Reflect with us on the multicultural tapestry that unites our hosts and our guest, celebrating shared roots and the crucial support from partners like Air New Zealand. As we gear up for the grand 15-year celebration event, expect lively discussions on gratitude, humility, and aligning personal and professional goals. Hear anecdotes that highlight the power of networking and mentorship in sparking inspiration and fostering a supportive network, even for those who can't directly participate. This episode is a heartfelt homage to the connections that fuel growth and the community spirit that makes it all possible.

Send us Fan Mail

Ever tried to perfect the art of finding the ideal croissant? It's been a humorous and delicious journey for us this year, filled with unexpected twists, wardrobe choices, and, yes, the occasional pastry mishap. We also take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude as we wrap up an incredible 2024, celebrating our 50th episode and reflecting on our climb in Australia's podcast ranks, all thanks to our amazing guests. 

Mentorship has been our guiding light, illuminating the path for both the seasoned and those just starting their careers. In our latest episode, we celebrate these bonds that extend beyond the workplace, forming friendships that last a lifetime. We share tales of growth from graduation events, emphasizing that the journey of personal and professional development is ongoing and rewarding, with or without financial incentives. The tales of personal triumph and connection have been nothing short of inspiring, reminding us of the power of mentorship networks. 

As we gear up for 2025 and the 15th anniversary of the TIME program, fresh formats are on the horizon. We also reminisce about some quirky revelations from past participant stories—did you know we had a guest who was once a Russian opera singer? Looking forward, there's excitement in the air for future Mardi Gras plans. This year has been a memorable one, and with a sprinkle of gratitude and a dash of humor, we thank our listeners and look forward to more enriching adventures together.