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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Join us for an exciting episode featuring the dynamic Celia Ho, the digital marketing maestro at AAT Kings, as she unpacks her unique career journey. Picture the bustling scenes at Brisbane Airport with our high-spirited guest, Arnaud Michelin, setting the pace. Celia creatively recounts her journey using the metaphor of an airport adventure, with the acronym T-I-M-E serving as her runway to professional growth and transformation. As she shares her hesitations and eventual decision to embark on "Flight 53," Celia's reflections on embracing change and seizing opportunities will resonate with anyone charting their own path.

In our lively discussion, we unravel the profound impact of mentorship and networking on growth. Celia likens her own journey to running a marathon, breaking down immense goals into achievable strides. With tales of inspiring encounters, including a memorable networking moment with industry veteran Rick, the episode unfolds insights into holistic business practices. As the talk turns personal, we venture into Celia's fashion adventures with Marimekko, dispel Autobahn myths, and share endearing stories of organizational quirks at home. This episode promises a vibrant mix of professional insights and personal anecdotes, offering a rich tapestry of inspiration and discovery.

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Ever wondered how mentorship can revolutionize your career? Get ready to be enlightened as we chat with Shelley Martin, Business Development Manager at Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. Shelley opens up about her compelling journey into the TIME community and how a colleague’s positive experience sparked her desire to embrace mentorship. She candidly discusses the significance of career health checks, especially post-COVID-19, and reveals why having a mentor is invaluable at any career stage. 

Tackling imposter syndrome? This episode is for you. Shelley shares how her mentor’s guidance transformed her confidence and the importance of a strong network within the TIME community. We delve into the unique and supportive nature of the Queensland travel industry, where close-knit relationships play a crucial role. Learn how networking and mentorship can lead to transformative personal and professional growth.

As we switch gears to a more relaxed conversation, expect laughter and camaraderie. From memorable fashion moments at Cruise 360 to hilarious personal anecdotes involving Anna and her dad, this segment brings a mix of humor and heart. We also chat about future meet-ups in Queensland, cooking French cuisine, and even introduce a fun new podcast segment where listeners guess company abbreviations. This episode promises not only valuable insights but also plenty of laughs and engaging stories.

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Unlock the secrets to career advancement and the power of mentorship with our special guest, William Kaafi, the Guest Services Team Leader at Norwegian Cruise Line. Will’s journey from feeling unprepared to achieving a promotion through the TIME mentorship program is nothing short of inspiring. Guided by the support of Angela Middleton and the mentorship of Simon Bernardi, Will’s story vividly illustrates how encouragement and guidance can transform professional trajectories. Tune in to hear about the essential leadership skills he developed and the delicate balance he maintains between supporting his team and managing personal responsibilities.

Dive into the pivotal role of data analysis in customer service and learn how it can shape decision-making and break down perception biases. Will shares firsthand experiences on the importance of networking and maintaining a robust LinkedIn presence to cultivate industry relationships. From engaging workshops to the positive energy at industry events, this episode is brimming with insights and motivation. Get ready to embrace the vital lessons on stepping out of your comfort zone and harnessing the benefits of a supportive network in your career journey.

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Ever wondered how a stint at a local brewery could reignite someone's passion for the travel industry? Tune in to hear Peta Godfrey, Managing Director at Travel Focus, share her incredible story of resilience and reinvention amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how a pivotal scholarship from Tour Atlas and the transformative TIME program helped her rediscover her strategic vision for her business, all while balancing the demands of professional and family life with the guidance of mentor Penny Spencer. Peta's journey is a masterclass in finding opportunity in adversity and cultivating a renewed sense of purpose.

And that's just the beginning. We'll also take you on a delightful detour through Sydney's best croissant spots (once again), and you'll learn why adding personal travel anecdotes can revolutionize your sales strategy. Plus, get a backstage pass to the surprising past of one of our guests, a former drummer of the rock band Tokyo Spares, now thriving in the travel industry. From early 2000s fashion reminiscing to celebrating the TIME-less elegance of French men, this episode is packed with engaging stories, practical wisdom, and plenty of laughs. Don't miss this captivating blend of business insights and personal reflections.