Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME) has welcomed Hartmann Advisory as a Silver Sponsor, completing a journey that began when the specialist advisory founder joined as a mentee in 2013.
Hartmann Advisory Founder & Managing Director Matt Endycott first entered the not-for-profit program as a mentee in 2013, later returning as a mentor, and now comes on board as a sponsor of the same program that supported him early in his career.
The mentoring program for the travel, tourism, hospitality, cruise and aviation sectors pairs emerging and established professionals with experienced industry mentors.
The Silver Sponsorship adds to the network of partners who underwrite the program, which connects people at every career stage, from new entrants to those moving into senior leadership.
Why this partnership matters for the trade
TIME Chair Penny Spencer said the deal demonstrates what structured mentoring can deliver over a career.
“Matt’s journey from mentee to sponsor perfectly reflects what our program is all about – supporting individuals to grow, succeed and ultimately give back to the industry,” she said.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see this full-circle moment and the lasting impact mentorship can have, not just on individuals, but on the future of our entire industry.”
For Endycott, whose newly launched advisory firm helps travel brands and insurers in Australia and New Zealand grow, the move was a personal one.
“I owe a great deal to the mentors who supported me in the early stages of my career. Their guidance shaped the direction of my journey, and their influence has stayed with me since. That’s why partnering means so much to me,” he said.
“The travel industry flourishes when its leaders invest their time and knowledge back into our community, and by supporting emerging talent, we ensure the next generation is equipped to build on our collective legacy and keep our industry vibrant and resilient.”
Growing demand for mentoring
TIME reports continued growth in demand for its program as professionals across all stages seek connection, guidance and development in a shifting industry.
The structured format is built to develop leadership capability, build confidence and strengthen industry connections, and the program runs on the support of mentors, partners and sponsors, recently partnering with Qantas to host its May 2026 intake.
For travel advisors, the program offers a route to develop leaders within an agency or supplier business, whether nominating a rising team member as a mentee or putting experienced staff forward as mentors.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Endycott’s path from mentee to sponsor is the arc a relationship-driven industry likes to see, and puts a recognisable face on the value of structured mentoring. With rising mentorship demand, the program remains a way for agencies and suppliers to nurture their own leaders.
