Ep 293 The Baton Pass

The restructure fails when judgment never transfers. In part two of this two-part series, Brianna introduces what she calls the baton pass: organizing a team around the phases of the client journey instead of around who's on the roster. She walks through her own four-person structure, from intake to concierge execution, and uses a Michelin-star dining mishap to show why transferring judgment, not just tasks, is what actually lets travel advisors step back.

Hiring help doesn't get you out of the middle of your business. Brianna breaks down the quality control trap, where a team member does the work, you check it, and the standard never leaves your head. She shares how she stopped double-checking final itinerary reviews and gave her client experience manager full ownership of arrival amenities. Then she asks three questions to find out whether your team owns outcomes or just completes tasks, with the fix coming in part two.

Most travel advisors have never read their own host agreement fine print. That gap can cost real money. Brianna sits down with Gunes Hopson, founder of GFH Law PLC and owner of Luxe Travel by Gunes, to break down real contract disputes she has handled, including hidden exclusivity clauses and non-competes that trap advisors mid-transition. Gunes also explains why AI cannot replace a lawyer's review of a legal document, and what actually happens when an LLC exists on paper but not in practice.

In this month's Shop Talk, Whitney and Brianna reconnect after five months apart and compare notes on what shifted. Whitney shares the delegation ceiling she hit this summer, from moving her team onto a shared inbox to splitting her support roles at inquiry-to-deposit and pre-departure. Brianna talks through taking June and July mostly off in Portugal and Spain, then coming home to a 50-person corporate offsite in Italy that fell in her lap. Together they get into what a $500,000 group program really costs in hours, why corporate planning committees move so slowly, and whether staying in your lane beats chasing a bigger number. The conversation wraps with both of them prepping for PURE in Marrakech, including conference nerves and the 72-out-of-700 appointment scramble.

In this conversation on DMCs, Whitney flips the script and chats with Hicham Mhammedi Alaoui, co-founder of Experience Morocco and The Travel Collection, to shine a light on the DMC side of working with travel advisors. They unpack how DMCs can create unique and memorable experiences without breaking the bank, how global expansion works behind the scenes, and what travel advisors should know to build successful partnerships. Hicham shares candid advice on communication, budgets, and the ever-evolving landscape of destination management, offering invaluable insights for both new and seasoned travel entrepreneurs.For the next several weeks, enjoy this replay of a listener favorite episode. We'll be back soon with new content!

How can travel advisors create partnerships with DMCs that feel more like collaborations and less like transactions? Joining Whitney for Part 2 of a two-part convo are seasoned travel advisor Kate Sullivan and newer advisor Anna Tretter to explore the intricacies of working with DMCs. They talk about the role DMCs play in the travel industry, especially in crafting experiences that go beyond the traditional "greatest hits." And they share tips on effective communication with DMCs, the benefits of using technology and collaborative platforms,. and pursuing transparency that builds trust with both the DMC partner and clients.For the next several weeks, enjoy this replay of a listener favorite episode. We'll be back soon with new content!

Sometimes you love them, sometimes they drive you crazy...this week, we're talking all about Destination Management Companies (DMCs)! Seasoned advisor Kate Sullivan and newer advisor Anna Tretter join Whitney to share their personal experiences, frustrations, and strategies when working with DMCs. Plus, they talk about the importance of transparency, effective communication, and how to build strong partnerships with DMCs to enhance client experiences. This is Part 1 of a two part conversation!For the next several weeks, enjoy this replay of a listener favorite episode. We'll be back soon with new content!

When a new inquiry comes in, how do you approach it? In today's episode, Jeremy Sulek of Jetset World Travel shares his less conventional approach to handling every inquiry and effectively booking clients. If you cautiously vet potential clients when inquiries come in, expecting them to prove that they are worth your time and energy, Jeremy will challenge your mindset. Learn how to maintain a positive outward posture, even with potentially unsuitable clients. Plus, learn strategies for restructuring qualification processes and approaching your travel business with a business mindset.For the next several weeks, enjoy this replay of a listener favorite episode. We'll be back soon with new content!

We asked listeners on our Instagram what topics you want to hear on the podcast, and the topic of "incentive travel" was one. So today, Brittney Tromanhauser of Avery Travel Group shares about her journey as a corporate incentive travel specialist. She discusses the transition from leisure travel to focusing on corporate group travel and the ins and outs of that sector.For the next several weeks, enjoy this replay of a listener favorite episode. We'll be back soon with new content!

How to pitch the media is a topic our guest on today's episode knows inside and out. Listen in as Jenn Lee, now President and CMO of Travel Planners International, lays out an easy-to-follow formula for reaching out to different media sources. Pitching the media, when done right, can help legitimize you, your business, and the business of travel advisors everywhere.For the next several weeks, enjoy this replay of a listener favorite episode. We'll be back soon with new content!