The Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME) community gathered in Sydney recently to congratulate its 32nd cohort of graduates. What happened next was extraordinary.
The event, hosted by Travelport, brought TIME mentors, mentees, sponsors and supporters together to celebrate, reflect and network like nobody’s business.
“It was, without a doubt, one of the best graduation events we’ve had”, said TIME program founder, Penny Spencer.
“They’re always great. But the speeches at this one were particularly entertaining and memorable. One thing that always comes through, is a renewed sense of self-belief that TIME mentees emerge with at their graduation. Some of the transformations are astonishing”.
TIME program founder, Penny Spencer
Graduate Blake Muir – National Training and Engagement Manager at Air New Zealand – was mentored by renowned industry figure, Gai Tyrrell.
Graduate Blake Muir with Mentor, Gai Tyrrell – Managing Director Australasia at Globus family of brands.
“With Gai’s guidance, I quickly began to feel more comfortable and confident. Talking PCCs over piccolos, and code-shares over carbonaras, Gai encouraged me to back myself and step out from behind my inner saboteur to deliver”, explained Blake.
Fellow graduate, Timo Lorenzen – Cluster Hotel Manager at Meriton Suites – explained what he tells people who ask what his mentoring sessions were like.
Timo Lorenzen with Mentor, Fiona Rose – Director of Global Sales Asia Pacific at Luxe Collection Hotels.
“My usual response is, ‘Not that much happens in the sessions themselves, but what happens in between the sessions is breathtaking'”, said Timo.
TIME’s inaugural PayPal scholar, Steph Cowdroy – Finance Manager at Clean Cruising, also graduated. Steph was paired with Andre Moten – CTM’s Chief Operating Officer for Australia & New Zealand.
Steph Cowdroy with TIME Founder, Penny Spencer.
“Andre truly pushed me and helped set up some clear and educated goals for my future. It has truly changed my career. Even though our TIME sessions have ended, I know I have now a mentor for life”, said Steph.
Guest speaker for the night was Scott Barber – Travelport’s Managing Director, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Scott spoke about having had the great fortune of working with an inspiring leader early on in his career.
Alyson McKinnon, Scott Barber and Melissa Zenicanin at Travelport.
“Leadership can take many, many forms. And those of you that are in the TIME program—well done. It’s a great opportunity for you to find the leader you’re looking for, and the many other opportunities that the program brings”, he said.
Gai Tyrrell and Alex Morton at TIME.
The final word went to Blake Muir who summed up what TIME is all about.
“To Penny and the board, thank you for creating TIME. This is a fantastic mechanism to encourage tomorrow’s leaders today, and it’s amazing to see so many people from different parts of the industry coming together at these events. What a wonderful creative space you’ve created, thank you”, he said.
TIME’s 35th group of Mentees starts its six-month mentoring journey on 19 June 2019, with expressions of interest for that intake due by 17 May.
Travel-tourism-hospitality professionals are encouraged to follow TIME on Facebook and LinkedIn to keep up to date with what’s going on inside the industry’s premier career accelerator.
For more information, visit the website or contact Program Manager, Marie Allom at time@travelindustrymentor.com.au.
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