My Three Rules for Work Travel – and what’s next for 2025

I’m sitting at Melbourne airport waiting for my flight home, reflecting on the last week.

At the start of the year, I decided not to accept work that meant getting on a plane, unless it was an irresistible offer.?

Why??

I love my life on the Sunshine Coast. My daily beach walks, my comfy bed, and hanging out with Shaun.?

Mostly though, I’m now at the point in my career where I can be as choosy as I want when it comes to work, clients and travel.?

Unsurprisingly, I’ve said no to far, far more than I have said yes to this year.?

The only two work trips I’ve done this year out of South-East Queensland have been for clients I’ve previously worked with. They offered what I consider to be the work travel trifecta:?

1. They are great people, and I love spending time with them
2. They give me interesting work and I know I will make a positive difference to the lives of the other people involved
3. They want me to travel to a city where I have friends and family I can also catch up with.?

Tick. Tick. Tick.?

All this means I’ve just had six excellent days in Melbourne, where I spoke at a retreat for future leaders, caught up with friends, had some meetings, went to a planning day for my business, and ate a LOT of delicious food.?

I’m planning for next year and you may be happy to hear that I’ll do a few more work flights!?

While I won’t return to the “glory days” of pre-Covid, where I had 80-120 nights in hotels each year, I will do a few more than this year!?

There are three main ways we can work together next year:?

1. You can book me to speak at your training session, off-site, conference, or other event – either in the room or online. I can do a one-off or a series of workshops and my topic areas include:?

?? communication - including communicating with confidence, communicating your value, and feedback and other difficult conversations

???leadership - of self and others

???setting healthy boundaries at work and home

???people management

???menopause at work.

2. We can work together to develop your business, communication, or project strategy and applicable ongoing advisory services.

3. Coaching and mentoring – either one-off to solve a specific issue, or a three or six month program.

If you want more information or to chat about specifics, please get in touch - [email protected]

Mel Kettle is a leadership communication advisor, strategist, and keynote speaker. She works with leaders and teams to help them communicate with confidence, so they create real connections and sustained engagement.

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