Travel Agent Achievers - To Educate, Encourage and Empower Travel Professionals

As technology becomes smarter, how do we make sure we become even better at being human? In this episode of the Travel Agent Achievers Podcast, Ros sits down with Peter Merrett, former chef, multi-award-winning luxury hotelier, Australia's 2024 Keynote Speaker of the Year and author of Wonderlicious: Bringing Wonder Back to Life, Leadership and Service. Peter's work centres around his philosophy of Remembering Human Intelligence®, bringing us back to the presence, curiosity, attention and human connection that can so easily disappear when we're focused on efficiency and getting to the next thing. Together, Ros and Peter explore what travel advisors can learn from world-class hospitality about creating client experiences people genuinely remember. You'll hear about: Why connection matters more than simply completing the transaction Peter's reimagining of VIP as Very Important Personalisation Why five-star service doesn't need to cost more How two simple words, "What else?", can change a client experience The importance of making clients feel seen, heard and appreciated How to create "invisible magic" by remembering the details clients share Why the craftsmanship behind every client touchpoint matters How simplexity can help make complex travel experiences feel effortless Why Peter believes pressure is a privilege How technology can create more room for human connection rather than replace it One of the biggest reminders from this conversation is that creating an exceptional experience doesn't necessarily require more money. It requires more attention. As a travel advisor, you already know so much about your clients. Their celebrations, preferences, families, travel dreams and the things that matter to them. The opportunity is to pay attention to those details and ask: What else could I do to make this person feel genuinely seen, heard and appreciated? Connect with Peter Merrett Learn more about Peter, his speaking and Wonderlicious: Bringing Wonder Back to Life, Leadership and Service: Peter Merrett LinkedIn Peter's Book - Wonderlicious Find the Full Episode & Resources For the full show notes, resources and more from Travel Agent Achievers: Travel Agent Achievers Podcast

In this spontaneous and heartfelt conversation, Ros chats with long-time Achievers member Holly Velardo, founder of HollyDay Travel, about the power of systems and how they've been the foundation for her business growth. Holly opens up about her early struggles: late nights, juggling five children, and doing everything herself to now running a thriving business with a team of five. She shares how implementing systems has allowed her to: Step out of the overwhelm of working until 2am. Build and train a strong team with clear roles and processes. Delegate tasks she doesn't love (like airfares and bookkeeping) so she can focus on clients and sales. Create space for her family, herself, and even launching her own podcast, Travel Business Unlocked. This episode is a must-listen for any advisor who feels stuck, stretched too thin, or unsure how to move forward. Holly's story shows that the "unsexy" work of systems is what creates freedom, growth, and balance. Ros also highlights how you can take the same steps Holly did by joining the Systems Day in Sydney. This two-day live event is designed to help you map out your customer journey, build workflows, set up templates, and walk away with the tools to grow your business sustainably — without burning out. Learn more and book your seat: https://www.travelagentachievers.com/sydneysystems

What's it really like being married to a travel advisor? In this personal episode, Roslyn sits down with her husband, Clint, to share the real-life ups and downs of managing business, family and travel as a couple. From navigating time zones and guilt trips to bucket list dreams and business dinners on their anniversary, this episode shines a light on what it means to build a business and a life together. 🎧 For more tools & resources, visit: www.travelagentachievers.com

Feeling overwhelmed trying to do all the things in your travel business? In this episode, Ros chats with her General Manager, Redrose, about knowing when it's time to get help. With years of experience in outsourcing, offshore recruitment, and managing global teams, Redrose shares real-world advice on spotting the signs of burnout, how to start outsourcing with confidence, and what tasks travel advisors should stop doing to focus on growth. You'll hear: The biggest red flags that mean it's time to delegate The systems you need (and don't) before hiring Simple mindset shifts for solo advisors How to use our free resource: 50 Things You Can Outsource in Your Travel Business This is a must-listen if you're ready to scale your business without burning out and want the tools to do it smartly. Grab the free checklist and learn more at: http://travelagentachievers.com/99 Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app so you don't miss future episodes. If this resonated with you, please leave a review, it helps more travel professionals find us and grow stronger businesses. Ready to take the next step? Visit www.travelagentachievers.com for resources, tools, and to connect with our community.

AI isn't here to replace travel advisors, it's here to support you. In this episode, Ros chats with travel researcher, futurist, and AI strategist Bronwyn White about how to use human-first AI tools to streamline your content, save time, and attract high-value clients. With over 30 years in the industry (Qantas, Google, Tourism Australia), Bronwyn shares: How AI can save you hours on marketing What travellers really want (and how to speak their language) The biggest mistakes advisors make with AI How to turn your expertise into "ungoogleable" content that converts You'll walk away with actionable ideas to use AI in your business without sounding robotic and why now is the time to step up and stand out. Grab all the details, links and connect with us at: www.travelagentachievers.com/97

In this deeply inspiring episode of the Travel Agent Achievers Podcast, Ros welcomes Peter Baines OAM, a remarkable leader whose journey from crisis zones to creating a life-changing legacy will leave you feeling motivated and hopeful. Peter shares his incredible story, starting as a forensic investigator responding to some of the world's most devastating disasters, including the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand. It was in the aftermath of this tragedy that Peter's life took a transformative turn. Witnessing the unimaginable loss and heartbreak, he felt a calling to do more, leading him to create Hands Across the Water, a charity that has since raised over $40 million to support vulnerable children and provide them with education, opportunities, and hope for the future. Throughout their conversation, Peter and Roslyn explore the power of resilience, the importance of leading with purpose, and how small, meaningful actions can create a ripple effect of change. Peter's insights into leadership during times of crisis and his unwavering commitment to sustainability and long-term impact will resonate with anyone striving to make a difference in their work or life. This episode is more than a story, it's a reminder of the incredible things we can achieve when we align our actions with our values. Whether you're a travel professional, a business leader, or someone looking for inspiration, Peter's journey will encourage you to think bigger, act with intention, and create your own lasting legacy. Join us on this journey of hope, leadership, and transformation, and discover how you, too, can build a business and life that aligns with your personal values while making a meaningful impact in the world. Check out full details at: https://www.travelagentachievers.com/95