TIME GRADS STEAL THE SHOW IN SYDNEY

• Travel Industry Mentor Experience congratulates its 32nd cohort of graduates
• Grads steal the show with their recollections

TIME has welcomed its newest intake of mentees and congratulated the most recent graduating group—its 32nd—in Sydney. The event, generously hosted by Travelport, brought TIME mentors, mentees, sponsors and supporters together to celebrate, reflect and network.

“It was a fabulous event. Without doubt one of the best we’ve had”, said TIME program founder, Penny Spencer.

“They’re always great. But the graduates’ speeches on this occasion were particularly entertaining, meaningful and memorable. One thing that always comes through, is the renewed sense of self-belief and confidence that TIME mentees emerge with at their graduation. Some of the transformations are astonishing”, said Penny.

Relatively new to the airline industry, TIME graduate Blake Muir – National Training and Engagement Manager at Air New Zealand – was mentored by respected industry figure, Gai Tyrrell, through program 32.

“From the very first moment, Gai was a pillar of support and a solid sounding board”, said Blake.

“With her guidance I began to feel more comfortable and confident with what I had previously perceived as the daunting world of airlines. 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.

“My usual response is, ‘Not much happens in the sessions, but what happens in between the sessions is breathtaking'”, said Timo.

Timo described what TIME had given him: “Increased satisfaction in my career and life by becoming more aware of my strengths and allowing myself to play them out. It’s magical what happens when people who believe in other people come together”, he added.

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.

“Andre truly pushed me, and helped set up some clear and educated goals for my future. It has truly change my career”, said Steph.

“Even though our TIME sessions are complete, I have an appointment with Andre on Friday to discuss some important, upcoming meetings. I now have now a mentor for life”, added Steph.

For Steph, however, the TIME program was about more than just mentoring.

“The networking is incredible. As an accountant, I attend many non-travel industry networking events, and they’re different. Turn up with some basic interpersonal skills, suggest a few drinks and you become their leader—a peacock in the pack!”, quipped Steph.

“That’s not quite so easy in this industry, surrounded by seasoned networking professionals and characters”, she concluded.

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.

“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.

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 travel industry’s premier career accelerator.

For more information about becoming a TIME Mentee, CLICK HERE or email TIME Program Manager, Marie Allom at time@travelindustrymentor.com.au