The TIME network gathers a few times a year to welcome new intakes to its mentoring program, and celebrate those joining its renowned network of graduates. TIME events are anything but boring.
The TIME network converged on the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney last week to upskill, develop connections, congratulate graduating class no. 28, and welcome the mentees of intake no. 30 setting off on their mentoring journey.
Joanne Dick, Atina Vertzonis, Belinda Murphy, Catherine Allison – all Helloworld; Peter Egglestone, TravelnDesign; Sue Graham, Helloworld.
Their evening was kick-started by a Content Marketing workshop designed to get the group thinking about customer engagement through story-telling, where their stories are, and how to broadcast them.
But the highlight of the evening was a Q&A session moderated by Kelley Wacher, Executive Coach & People Development – Corporate Magic, who had the onerous task of reining in a panel of serious travel industry heavyweights including Jacqui Walshe: Managing Director of The Walshe Group, Craig Smith: Director of Aviation at Anjuna Global, Simon Woodward: Director of Traveler Care Australia & Singapore, AMEX Global Business Travel, and Tim Swan: State Manager, Queensland of Air New Zealand.
Kelley Wacher
Kelley kicked things off by asking the panel for their thoughts on hiring for attitude versus qualifications.
Simon Woodward described the importance of hiring people who are a great ‘fit’ for your business.
“Business skills can be learned quite quickly. But the people on your front line are the face of your brand. Soft skills like emotional intelligence are key”, said Simon.
Craig Smith stated that, “It’s not an either-or situation but, for me, ‘attitude’ rules. I’d choose attitude every time. But, training and mentoring are crucial. We have an obligation to develop people”.
Jacqui Walshe described an ‘Ah-ha! moment’ she had reading Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Lean In. “Don’t get too hung up on finding a formal mentor. Mentors really can be anyone that helps you develop your thinking”, said Jacqui.
Air New Zealand’s Tim Swan agreed. “Both formal and informal mentors give you a range of perspectives, and challenge you to think differently.”
Simon agreed, adding, “There are real benefits in connecting with an ‘external mentor’, someone from outside your business, for example. You can really open up and establish an honesty that you might not otherwise with someone you work with or for.”
The panel-concept was a first for a TIME event.
“The panel was brilliant”, said TIME silver-sponsor Maxine Wiggs of Resource.
Sharon Stanley, Maxine Wiggs and Oli Tams
“Listening to a panel of this calibre is a real privilege. Their insights are so valuable to anyone looking to accelerate their career. Access to people like that is priceless, and just one of the incredible benefits of being part of the TIME network”, Maxine continued.
We couldn’t agree more.
Perhaps graduating mentee, Jamie Swan – National Account Manager, Delta Air Lines – put it best when she said, “If you’re thinking about joining the TIME program, don’t hesitate. Grab the opportunity with both hands.”
Nicole Regel (mentor), Head of Commercial at CT Connections, and Jamie Swan (mentee) National Account Manager Delta Air Lines
Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME) is calling for applicants to join its 31st mentoring intake commencing 20 June 2018.
Aspiring participants are encouraged to visit the TIME website or contact Marie Allom at time@travelindustrymentor.com.au
Applications and expressions of interest must be received by Friday, 08 June 2018.
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