TIME - Travel Industry Mentor Experience

Hosted by Timo Lorenzen

Business Careers Education

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Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-AU

About the show

This Podcast shares TIME experiences, inspiration and much more . The Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME) is a not-for-profit company established in 2009 to help ambitious, aspiring leaders of the Travel, Tourism, Hospitality and Aviation industry accelerate their careers through mentoring. https://www.travelindustrymentor.com.au/

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60 recent

August 25, 2026Episode 738 min

TIME with Blake Muir-Smith : Mentoring Without Perfection

Send us Fan Mail Feeling like a fraud can hit hardest right when you’re stepping up. We’re joined by Blake Muir-Smith, a leadership facilitator at Flight Centre Travel Group, to talk about what leadership development looks like behind the scenes and what it takes to support future team leaders without pretending you’ve got it all sorted. Blake shares how he landed a role that usually goes to people who came up through the “red and white” pathway and how he learned to back his experience instead of disqualifying himself. We also go deep on mentoring through the TIME programme: the pressure mentors put on themselves, the temptation to assign homework, and the moment Blake realised the best value he could offer was presence, listening, and trust. Along the way we unpack imposter syndrome across generations, practical ways to track your wins (including a simple “nice emails” folder), and how feedback becomes fuel once you stop treating it like a personal attack. COVID sits in the background of everything, and we don’t dodge that. We talk about the emotional weight carried by people who stayed in the travel industry and those who left and returned, plus the big shifts in retail, technology, and ways of working that now shape the travel landscape. Blake brings in lessons from Toastmasters and Agile ways of working, and he recommends an under-$100 book, Unstuck by Dr Emily Musgrove, to rethink values-based leadership and self-care. If you’re rebuilding confidence, returning to travel, or trying to be a better mentor without burning out, this one will land. Subscribe, share it with a mate who needs a nudge, and leave us a review, what’s one leadership habit you want to practise instead of perfect?

July 14, 2026Episode 537 min

TIME with Emmalita Malmberg - Golden Shoes And The Art Of Saying No

Send us Fan Mail Australia’s travel industry doesn’t run on passion alone, it runs on advocacy, relationships, and the unglamorous work happening in the background. We’re joined by Emmalita Malmberg, National Manager Corporate Partnerships at the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), to unpack how a peak body supports a $30 billion travel sector and why partnerships across airlines, cruise lines, insurers, tour operators and the travel trade matter more than ever. We also go personal. Emmalita shares how the TIME mentoring program helped her build confidence, develop self-awareness, and make a career move she wasn’t sure she deserved. We talk about what happens when a mentor “holds up a mirror”, why asking colleagues how they describe you can be confronting, and how a strength like friendliness can tip into blurred boundaries at work. Along the way we explore the leadership idea that sticks: clear is kind, and kind is not always nice. If you’re looking for career growth in travel and tourism, better communication at work, or practical leadership development, this chat is full of real-world takeaways, plus a quickfire purchase that made day-to-day work easier and a few strong words on finding mentors before you think you’re “ready”. If you enjoyed it, subscribe, share it with someone in the travel industry, and leave us a review so more people can find the show.

July 13, 2026Episode 630 min

TIME with Marion Barbier - Mentorship That Actually Changes You

Send us Fan Mail Mentoring sounds simple until you try to do it well. We sit down with Marion Barbier, direct marketing lead at Ponant, to unpack what actually makes a six-month mentoring program work and why the timing of it matters as much as the content. Marion shares how she first discovered the TIME program while working in cruising, why she waited until she had enough space in her role to fully commit, and what changed once she stopped trying to chase every goal at once. We get into the heart of the mentor mentee relationship with her mentor, Vera Pajovic, and why personal connection, trust, and real vulnerability create faster professional growth. Marion explains how progress can be gradual rather than dramatic: session by session, you make clearer decisions, sharpen priorities, and build confidence that lasts. If you’re navigating career development in the Australian travel industry, marketing, communications, or leadership, the takeaways are practical and immediately usable. Then we talk public speaking, because Marion didn’t just “get better” at presentations, she designed a creative storytelling graduation talk built around a cruise voyage, complete with a boarding pass, a destination, and a captain who helps steer through rough seas. We also dig into networking that feels human, not forced, plus small wellbeing habits under $100 that support calmer sleep and lower anxiety. If you want smarter career clarity, better communication, and a stronger industry network, you’ll get a lot from this conversation. Subscribe for more real mentoring stories, share this with someone who’s considering a mentorship program, and leave us a review with the one goal you’re focusing on right now.

April 3, 2026Episode 446 min

Bleeding Ears Warning With Surprisingly Useful Travel Advice - Special Edition

Send us Fan Mail We kick off with full carpool karaoke chaos, then we realise something mid-song: the awkward, silly stuff is exactly where confidence gets built. With Arnuad, Timo and Kelly in the car, we bounce from Aussie anthems to Eurovision and Dolly Parton, using music as a gateway to talk about leadership energy, emotional resilience, and what it takes to stay engaging when the travel industry feels under pressure. The deeper thread is travel and tourism storytelling. Real customer experience isn’t “please book” or “here’s a deal” energy, it’s curiosity about who the customer is and what they actually need. We unpack why passion and presence still matter, how small personalised touches in hospitality create loyalty, and why teams learn more when they feel connected and genuinely enjoy working together. There’s also a practical angle on keeping teams motivated through shared experiences, including activities that build skills and strengthen culture. We also go straight at the big shift happening across tourism right now: AI in travel. Our take is simple: don’t talk like it’s the end of the world, learn it, test it, and use it to serve people better. Tech can support the work, but it can’t replace human judgement, reassurance, and the ability to suggest the right alternative when a traveller isn’t sure what they want yet. If you’ve ever needed a reset after a long flight, a tough week, or a flat patch at work, press play for laughs and a few ideas you can use immediately. Subscribe, share this with a travel mate, and leave a review then tell us: what’s your go-to power song when you need to lift?

March 20, 2026Episode 330 min

TIME with Melanie Cross- From Tax To Travel

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.

January 9, 2026Episode 232 min

Hot Studio, Cooler Heads: Travel Ops, Mentors, And Rooftop Dreams - TIME with Katrina Humphrey

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?

January 6, 2026Episode 130 min

Anthony Potter- What If The Next Step Isn’t A Job Title But A Toolkit

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.

November 14, 2025Episode 529 min

Just keep swimming with Christine Oliver

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.

June 28, 2025Episode 435 min

What happens when you let your guard down with a stranger? TIME with Janis McDonald

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.

June 28, 2025Episode 333 min

TIME's Ripple Effect: A 7-Year Mentorship That Never Ended

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.