The life of a Travel Manager during lockdown

As another year comes to a close, I was chatting with our freelance marketer about how the second year of running a business has gone. We reflected upon what's worked well, the things I'd like to do differently, and what I see for the future of business travel.?

If you’re interested to learn about my personal experience going self-employed as a Business Travel Manager during a global pandemic, (sounds crazy doesn't it?) then have a read.?

It also includes the answer to the million dollar question, pineapple on pizza, yes or no!? Scroll to the bottom for the fire round!

Who or what, inspired you to start your own self-employed business??

I decided to start my own business as I felt the industry was prime for disruption; a lot of the traditional travel management companies are out-of-touch with current traveller demands. My parents and grandparents all had their own businesses, I guess it runs in my genes.

What is the one thing you would like to change about the company?

As my company grows, I’d like to limit the impact it has on the environment. Over the next 3-5 years I feel businesses will be under greater pressure to prove their green credentials. I understand there are question marks around carbon-offsetting, and the impact it has on the environment, but i’m confident Ecologi can deliver on their promises. I will be using Ecologi to invest in carbon reduction projects all around the world, helping to reduce my clients travel footprint, with no additional cost.

What is your biggest achievement in 2021??

To still be in business :P The pandemic has been tough for so many of us, but travel was a sector which was significantly hit. To grow so aggressively, during a period of uncertainty feels like my approach to business travel has been validated. Last month I reached Gold status with Travel Counsellors which means I’m now in the very top bracket of franchisees across the world. As a newly self-employed business, I fell between the cracks of the government support packages. The only option was to take on another day job and build my travel business in the evening. I've had that look countless times from people who've questioned my decision to stay. Do you think business travel will return? When I achieved Gold status I felt justified in my decision to stay,?build and improve. I’m extremely proud of this achievement but reaching Gold is very much the start; I didn't come this far only to come this far. In my personal life, my family got a little larger when my incredible wife gave birth to our second daughter, Bea. I couldn’t be happier.

What new skill would you like to learn?

Ooo inside or outside of work?

Both?

Inside of work I'd like to learn how to make a decent cup of tea (wife’s words, not mine) I have several staff members joining the business in 2022, so I need to up my tea making game. Outside of work I'm currently focussed on De-Fi (decentralised finance) I’m learning how to test smart contracts using Truffle and Ganache. I feel smart contracts will disrupt every aspect of business, so why not get a headstart?

What do you see for the future of business travel??

I think travel will be booked and managed primarily through WhatsApp. Over 70% of travellers prefer to be notified via messaging, so it’s a no-brainer that we migrate over to this service - especially in business travel where travel documents can get lost in your archive, and email notifications can remain unread for hours. Business travellers are busy people and convenience is key for them. Travel is unpredictable more so than ever and it’s vital for me to be able to contact my clients as quickly and efficiently as possible. WhatsApp boasts a whole bunch of benefits like improved customer care, global reach and added security. On the whole I see a really bright future for travel, and I'm excited to see how far we can push sustainable travel. I’ve got a lot of faith.

You just briefly touched on this, but do you think it’s possible to fly guilt free?

I think we’ve got a long way to go but ultimately I do think it’s possible. With airlines setting bold targets to be net-zero emissions carriers, and huge investments into biofuels I feel this has quickly become a priority. I've also seen an increase in the travel industry doing their bit on the ground, including Gatwick's plans to open electric charging forecourt and airlines going paperless and encouraging mobile onboarding. I've recently partnered with Ecologi to take steps towards becoming a greener business and reduce my own carbon footprint. This step in the right direction also includes my pledge to offset all my corporate clients' flights, which I'm very much looking forward to rolling out in January. I think it’s important for the individual to travel responsibly and do their research before travelling. There are so many small steps you can take that will help dramatically reduce your carbon footprint when flying. For example the difference between direct and connecting flights is 100kg of carbon dioxide per person, that's roughly the equivalent to leaving a light on for 161 days.

Learn more about sustainable travel here .

What has the past year taught you and how has it compared to your first year?

Every setback is an opportunity, you’ve just got to keep going and not lose sight of why I started the business. If the business can grow during a pandemic, then we can achieve anything.

What are you most excited for in 2022??

Over the last 18-months, I have been carefully creating my own Frequent Flyer programme going live January 2022. The programme has been designed to focus on the customer experience, whilst reducing our impact on the planet. I can’t wait to officially launch in the new year! I’m also very much looking forward to sponsoring MRO Middle East in Dubai at the end of February, I can’t wait to put some faces to names. I’m also buzzing to take my girls on their first holiday abroad.

Fire round?

Q. The first concert you ever attended - Slipknot (Yes, really!)?

Q. What is your favourite word? - Awesome

Q. Name something on your bucket list -? Charter my own branded jet

Q. Pineapple on pizza, yes or no? - Hell yeah!

Q. Who do you admire the most, dead or alive? - Kanye West?

Q. Favorite place in the world - New York City. Hands down the best city in the world

Q. Best book you’ve read in 2021? - Shoedog by Phil Knight

Lastly, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to my incredible clients who I genuinely enjoy working with each day (even the 8 pm requests on a Friday!) Thank you for always supporting and promoting my services. Without you, I wouldn't be doing the job I love.?

If we don't speak before, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.