July 29, 2026 • 32 mins
Mentorship can be the difference between building a successful career in travel or leaving the industry altogether. In this episode, Dan sits down with Penny Spencer, Chair and Founder of the Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME), to discuss how the not for profit mentoring program has helped hundreds of travel professionals across Australia and New Zealand and why it's now launching in Canada.
Penny explains how the six month program matches mentors and mentees, why experienced leaders volunteer their time, and how mentorship helps professionals build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, overcome imposter syndrome, and prepare for the next stage of their careers.
She also shares what excites her most about bringing TIME to Canada and how stronger connections between Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can help develop the next generation of travel leaders.
Whether you're a travel advisor, tour operator, agency owner, supplier, or an emerging leader looking to grow your career, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes the greatest investment our industry can make is in its people.
Learn more attravelindustrymentor.ca.
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https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/
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SPEAKER_00 (00:05):
Hello, everyone, and welcome to a special spotlight
edition of Travel Trends.
This is your host, DanChristian, and today I have the
pleasure of speaking to PennySpencer, who is the founder and
chair of Time, which stands forthe Travel Industry Mentor
Experience.
She's based in beautiful Sydney,Australia.
I've known the organization formany years, but I'm just having
(00:26):
the chance to meet Penny nowfinally.
This organization has beenaround for 16 years, and I've
known many of the people thathave become mentors or mentees
as part of the organization.
And a good friend of mine, SteveFarelli, who is actually one of
the earliest in the programdating back to when Penny
started this, who is Australianbut now based in Vancouver,
Canada.
He's an industry colleague and agreat friend of mine, an avid
(00:48):
listener to the show.
He was very keen for us to havePenny on for all the reasons
that I absolutely supportedbecause ultimately they're
bringing they're coming toCanada.
And that's obviously where we'rebased in Toronto.
So I'm thrilled that Time iscoming to Canada.
And we're going to talk aboutthat with Penny here in a
moment.
But first, let's welcome Pennyto the show and hear more about
the backstory on Time inAustralia.
(01:08):
So, Penny, welcome to the TravelTrends Podcast.
Great to have you with us.
SPEAKER_01 (01:12):
Thanks, Dan.
I'm thrilled to be again.
SPEAKER_00 (01:14):
And Penny was kindly saying just as we uh started our
conversation, the number ofpeople in Australia that are
familiar with Travel Trends islike our third largest market
for our podcast.
And so I'm I am not only a bigfan of Australia and can't wait
to spend more time there.
And um, I've been there, livedin Australia for a number of
years, my time with LonelyPlanet, spent a lot of time in
Sydney of the TravelCorporation.
(01:35):
I know the Travel Corporation isone of the big partners of Time.
And you can see all the logosfor our listeners.
If you go totravelindustrymentor.com.au,
that is the main website at themoment.
The Canadian website is coming.
Um, but just so you can get somemore background on the
organization.
But Penny, tell everyone why youcreated this and give everyone a
bit of an overview of the uhTime organization and what you
(01:57):
guys do.
SPEAKER_01 (01:58):
Yeah, sure.
I'd love to.
Well, I created um Time 16 yearsago, and I was lying beside the
pool reading a Richard Bransonbook, having a gin and tonic,
and there was a lot of talk inhis book about mentoring.
And I had always been mentoredand have mentored throughout my
(02:18):
career, and I thought, you knowwhat, we need to really look at
this for the travel industry,you know, the financial
industry, lots of differentindustries have mentor programs,
but the travel industry didn't.
And um, I was inspired by hisbook and thought, okay, I'm
gonna do this.
So I got together with a fewindustry friends and said, This
(02:40):
is what I'm thinking.
What do you think?
Let's do it.
And everyone was on board.
So we started 16 years ago, webuilt uh a not-for-profit, we
created as a not-for-profit umassociation, and started with uh
a board and a committee, andaway we went.
SPEAKER_00 (02:59):
That's terrific.
And I know you are anaccomplished entrepreneur, you
also are the managing directorof Spencer Travel Holdings, and
you were named one of the top 30female entrepreneurs in
Australia, and also TravelWeekly's women in travel power
list, which is also very coolbecause obviously I'm a big
supporter of you know, beingraised by a single mom of um uh
(03:20):
female travel executives.
And so, like for me, theorganization you've built is uh
incredibly important, but alsoyour role in the industry.
And I wanted to just to touch onthat uh a little bit more first,
if you wouldn't mind, becausetell us a little bit about your
background in the travelindustry and your the the role
that you also hold today runningthat business as well as running
(03:41):
time.
SPEAKER_01 (03:42):
Yes, well, I started in the industry straight from
school.
I knew I wanted to be in travelwhen I was about seven years
old.
Uh my first flight, I was like,oh my God, I have to do
something in this industry,whatever it is, I don't know,
but I'm going to be in thetravel industry.
So straight out of school.
So I've been in the travelindustry quite some time.
(04:02):
And uh I really started by backin the day, a Girl Friday.
I still don't understand whythey ever named that title a
Girl Friday, but I was a GirlFriday, running around the city
picking up passports anddropping off tickets, and really
worked my way up then from youknow that to reception, to
domestic consultant, tointernational consultant, to
(04:25):
manager, and then eventually umstarted my own business 28 years
ago as a corporate agency, um,which I built and grew, and then
I started to do someacquisitions of leisure
agencies, and last year I soldthe corporate part of my
business, and now justconcentrating on leisure and
(04:46):
independent contract model.
SPEAKER_00 (04:48):
That's fantastic.
And that's where, you know,being an entrepreneur, knowing
what it's like to launch anorganization, having an
understanding of what's involvedin mentoring the next generation
of leaders in travel, male andfemale, obviously it's uh the
opportunities we've each beengiven over the years when we uh
have been presented with certainopportunities and you move into
a role, having the right mentoris so incredibly important.
(05:11):
How did you decide on thatspecific concept?
Um, obviously, you were likelyseeing people in the industry
that were trying to find theirway to grow their careers, but
and clearly this whole conceptof lifelong learning I know is a
big passion of yours.
Yes.
Um tell us a little bit aboutwhy you decided to create the
organization and then tell us alittle bit about some of the
(05:31):
success stories.
I know you've had about 200people go through the program.
SPEAKER_01 (05:35):
Yeah, well, actually 400 graduates in 16 years, 250
mentors.
Uh yeah, look, I had done a menta government mentor program
actually actually myself when Istarted the business, and I got
so much out of that.
And I realized uh that that thatstyle of um program really
(05:56):
worked.
So that's why I sort of moldedit the time program on that,
where we have a six-month periodof mentoring, one-on-one, 24
hours total over those sixmonths.
And that really gives you themomentum of having that mentor,
you know, constantly helpingyou, helping you grow your
(06:17):
career.
And um, you know, whatever it isthat you really want out of the
skills that you need, they helpyou do that.
SPEAKER_00 (06:25):
And given the number of people that have been through
the program, tell us a littlebit about why they would choose
to become a mentor to mentee.
Obviously, it createsopportunities and networking for
sure, but there is also uniquechallenges that travel
professionals face in theirroles as they try and understand
the industry.
And tell us a little bit aboutwhat the mentoring process
really helps address as itrelates to the travel industry.
SPEAKER_01 (06:47):
Yeah, so the mentees really uh initially we started
with the mentees being, youknow, they had to have at least
three to five years experiencein the industry.
Because what we found is mostmentees get to a point in their
career, say through three threeyears and go, okay, I want to
get to the next level.
How do I do that?
And then sometimes leave theindustry because they don't know
(07:11):
how to get to that next level.
So part of why I created it alsois retention, um, to ensure that
we keep great people within theindustry.
So that's where we went with theum actual how they get to that
point.
And then with the mentors, theyvolunteer their time for free.
So um we're very clear with thementees that you know you can't
(07:34):
the mentors are out.
But the mentors are all peoplethat want to give back to the
industry.
You know, some are retired, someare people that have just wanted
to always mentor.
So we've sort of got, you know,the mentees and the mentors
working together, and thatthat's how it works.
SPEAKER_00 (07:51):
And I want to speak about the mentors as well,
because you know, knowing bothmentees and mentors that have
been through time or are stillinvolved in time.
I mentioned uh Fiona Dalton, whoobviously was part of your
board, and she was a mentor, andI still remember her actively
talking about um her involvementin time when we were working
together.
And um and uh Cecilia, whoworked at AAT Kings, I know she
(08:13):
was uh a mentee.
And so I it was alwaysfascinating for me to hear the
stories when I was in Sydney,Australia, there, our office
there, of the people who wereinvolved.
And so finally have a chance tomeet you and understand the
background.
And what I wanted to alsounderstand is the mentor.
So mentees, I absolutely see thebenefit for them.
So the mentors, clearly, there'speople um in the industry that
(08:36):
have a uh a similar uh mindsetto yourself that they want to
give back.
And obviously that was the startof the Travel Trends podcast in
the beginning, is like, youknow, people like you and I that
want that love the industry,want to give back to the
industry, want to see otherpeople excel in the industry.
Um, what are some of the reasonsthat mentors choose to become
part of the time program?
SPEAKER_01 (08:54):
Well, a lot of the mentors say to me that they get
just as much out of the programas the mentees do because you
learn so much.
I mean, you know, some of thementors are, I don't know, 40
plus, let's say, been in theindustry quite some time, and
might feel a little bit stale,and they meet their mentee and
they learn so much, you know,they might show them how to do a
(09:17):
better LinkedIn post or whateverit might be.
So the mentors get just as muchout of the program, and that's
that's why we have multiplementors doing multiple
mentoring.
We've got uh we've actually gotsome mentors that have mentored,
I think, 10 or 12 times.
SPEAKER_00 (09:36):
Wow.
That's hugely encouraging.
That's and wonderful to hear.
I guess one of the things alongthe same lines is that when you
have, you know, when peoplethink of a mentor and a mentee,
someone that's had 20 yearsexperience in their career
versus, as you say, like two tofive, um, is it always the case
that it mentorship is forsomeone early in their careers,
or are you seeing people thatare transitioning into travel um
(09:58):
in their 30s or 40s that stillneed a mentor?
SPEAKER_01 (10:02):
Definitely, um, any age group needs a mentor mentor.
I mean, we've got people thathave done the program that are
in their 60s.
So uh it's it's open to any agegroup.
But I think um, you know, theother thing too is that what we
encourage at time is that yougrow within time as well.
(10:26):
So we've had mentees that arenow mentors that are now on the
committee that are alsosometimes on the board.
So they come through the theycome through the time program,
but then they come right throughto being on the board from being
a mentee.
So we love that part as well.
(10:47):
We've got two on the board atthe moment, moment that were
mentees.
SPEAKER_00 (10:52):
That is hugely inspiring, and obviously I'm
sure for you means so muchhaving created this 16 years
ago, and you know, it's almostlike that, you know, you've
graduated multiple generationsnow of people that have advanced
in the career, and and so that'sthat's uh that's really
wonderful, Penny.
I guess one other thing alongthe same lines, given that you
know you are have been uhfocused on the Australian
(11:14):
market, um, you're also in NewZealand as well.
Is that right?
We are.
SPEAKER_01 (11:18):
We started in New Zealand seven years ago, and
that's been truly successful.
We're a little bit nervous aboutit because you know it's a
little country, um, and thetravel industry is very tight
though over there, and thesupport has been incredible.
SPEAKER_00 (11:33):
Fantastic.
Well, and there's a lot ofsimilarities between New Zealand
and Canada, given our our bigbrother to the south of us, you
know, with um there's a there'sa kinship between Canadians and
Aussies for sure, but also withKiwis, definitely as well.
And so um so you have theAustralia program, the New
Zealand program, and now aboutto have the Canadian program.
So this is the first realinternational uh development for
(11:56):
time, is that right?
SPEAKER_01 (11:57):
Yeah, yeah, we're really, really excited about it.
And um, you know, Canada, as youjust said, very similar to
Australia and and New Zealand,very like-minded and a tight
travel industry as well, whichis why I feel like that was the
next step at the time.
SPEAKER_00 (12:14):
Fantastic.
No, it's it's a very excitingdevelopment, and congratulations
to you and the team.
I know we're having thisconversation, uh, not to
timestamp it, but in July of2026.
And I know you're coming acrossto Canada in September to
Toronto for the launch.
But tell everyone why you'vedecided to expand to Canada.
What was uh why now?
(12:35):
And what about the Canadianmarket was particularly
appealing to bring time hereversus um uh the US or any
other?
I can I can think of a few beingCanadian and loving Australia,
but I'd love to hear from yourvantage point.
Why Canada, why now?
SPEAKER_01 (12:50):
Yeah, okay.
So why now?
We celebrated 15 years last yearand we had a big party, which
was fantastic.
Um, and everybody that has beeninvolved in a time, you know, we
call it a the time family,really, the time community.
We're at the party, and um, youknow, a lot of people were
saying to me, what's next?
What's next?
What's the next 15 years?
(13:11):
Well, I might not be doing itfor the next 15, but um, who
knows?
Uh, and I thought, you know,what is next?
And for me, Canada was the nextbecause uh, as I said,
like-minded, similar industry.
We know a lot of like-mindedpeople within um, you know,
Australia, Canada.
And I feel also that probablyyour your industry in Canada
(13:35):
needs an Intel program becausethere isn't one.
SPEAKER_00 (13:38):
Yeah.
Yeah, no, I completely agree.
When I first uh learned aboutthis when I was having dinner
with Steve Farelli in Vancouver,and he mentioned to me um about
time coming to Canada, and hestarted, and I it hit me
immediately.
It was just like, well, whyhasn't this happened already?
Of course.
There's a like there's a lot ofthere's not only a kinship and a
lot of similarities between ourtwo industries, a lot of
international travel companiesthat are based in Australia open
(14:01):
up their offices in Canada, andyou can think of a few examples
of that.
Um, and the uh not only uh touroperators, but travel agencies,
you know, a lot of theirheadquarters for North America
are in Toronto.
There is obviously theCommonwealth and similar laws
and also business structure andand and there is a common bond
between Commonwealth countries,and um and and so as you were
(14:25):
deciding to uh make your forayinto Canada, that's the one
thing I would I'd love tounderstand is that the demand
for a mentoring program, whenSteve mentioned it to me, I was
like, of course, it makes totalsense.
Like, there's not anything likethis here, and there's so many
people in my uh in my networkthat I thought of right away
that could really benefit fromthis.
And so many of the youngergeneration that don't, you know,
(14:47):
they well, when I used to hearabout the program in Australia,
I was like, this is so valuable.
Um so tell us a little bit moreabout uh the demand that you
think um is here in Canada, andI'll I will add to why I think
it's going to be successful.
But um, what about the demand?
Like, was it just the fact thatthis keeps coming up, people
keep mentioning it to you?
(15:08):
Obviously, you've got peoplelike Steve that have been
through the program who are nowbased here.
So I'm sure there's otherexamples of other people that
have like moved to Canada whoare Australian or know the time
program.
SPEAKER_01 (15:18):
Yeah, look, I think Steve did have a a good
conversation with me a whileback about it, and um he did say
that there there was a need forit in Canada.
I I think there's a need for itanywhere, to be honest.
It does it's not just Canada,it's global.
I'm not necessarily going to goglobal, but um definitely I
(15:40):
think mentoring is neededeverywhere.
And as I said, you know, we needwe know people within the
industry that not only possiblywould get so much out of the
mentoring program, but amazingmentors in Canada as well.
SPEAKER_00 (15:55):
Yeah.
So, Penny, with the plans tocome to Canada, I want to make
sure all of our listeners,whether they be tour operators,
travel agencies that could bepartners, could be mentors, and
listeners to our podcast thatcould be travel advisors, people
working within travelorganizations that could really
benefit from this.
Tell us a little bit about howit's going to work in Canada.
I know there's a cost forpartners in Australia, and then
(16:17):
there's a cost for registrationfor mentees.
Tell our listeners a little bithow this is going to work as you
prepare to launch it here inCanada.
SPEAKER_01 (16:25):
Yeah, so the mentees uh fill out an expression of
interest, which is quite adetailed form, but we need to
have all of that detailedbecause uh when we do the
matching, we need to reallyunderstand what they want to get
out of the program.
So they fill out an expressionof interest.
The mentors also fill out anexpression of interest, and
(16:46):
there's a matching process.
And then once they're matched,there is a um induction and they
meet their mentor, and thenthey're obviously, as I said
earlier, 24 hours one-on-onewith them.
But throughout the program,there's also amazing networking
workshops, online workshops, andthen they graduate after six
(17:07):
months, and graduation speechesare incredible.
I mean, I think um every time Ihear a graduate speak, I'm like,
oh my God, this is incredible.
We've changed lives.
SPEAKER_00 (17:19):
Yeah.
Well, and those people becomethe all-stars within their
organizations.
And it's what I've seen is thatthe people who choose to
participate in programs likethis, these are the
up-and-comers, the next leaders.
And, you know, it's it's oftenwho I'm trying to speak to with
this podcast, is these are thedecision influencers that are
going to become the decisionmakers.
They're the ones that are notcurrently at the Focus Right
conference yet, but they want toget there.
(17:40):
They want to get on stage, theywant to be an executive in this
industry.
And this is one of the most uhpowerful ways for them to be
able to do that.
So that's why I'm so excited forit to uh for it to come to
Canada.
When you do launch, obviously,with that partnership, uh, the
idea of uh people filling thatout being matched with someone.
Let's talk about some of the thebenefits that you've seen and
(18:02):
the power of mentorship,specifically for the individuals
that are you know benefiting,because that uh you've
highlighted obviously thementors seem to love this whole
process as much and keep comingback as well to mentor others.
Um, but take us through whatyou've seen as the real benefit
for people being mentored inthis program and giving these
amazing speeches and then risingup in the industry.
(18:24):
What is happening during thatmentoring process that is like
strengthening those individualsand how they can contribute to
the travel industry?
SPEAKER_01 (18:31):
Yeah, look, it's it's confidence.
I have to say that the biggestthing that you see is the is the
confidence that they get fromhaving a mentor, having a
sounding board, having someonesupporting them, having someone
transfer their knowledge tothem.
And a lot of the EIs that I getare around, you know, I really
(18:51):
want to be a public speaker,public be a better public
speaker, I want to um haveconfidence, I want to lead
better.
Uh, and a lot of people that yousee that come out of the program
when they start.
So when we first induct them, weI always get everyone to go
around the room and talk for twominutes about why they're why
(19:12):
they've joined time and whatthey want to get out of the
program.
And you see everyone in the roomjust absolutely go stiff and
like, oh how am I gonna do this?
And then you see them at the endof the program six months later,
speaking at the graduation, andthe difference is incredible.
And um, I've got an an exampleactually of one of my own staff
(19:36):
who I put through the programand she couldn't even speak in
staff meetings.
She was just so always nervous.
If if she was tossed a questionin a staff meeting, she'd go
bright red and stutter.
And she went through the programand she uh delivered her uh
graduation speech beautifully.
And then they have anopportunity once they graduate
(19:59):
to MC a graduation, and sheemceed a graduation not long
after that.
SPEAKER_00 (20:05):
Yeah, that's a great example.
And you what you highlightedthere about public speaking is
certainly one of those thingsthat you don't often get taught
in school or university, um, butit's incredibly important in uh
in executive roles, you know, tobe able to get up on stage and
be able to not only um be ableto present uh um but to inspire
(20:26):
and to uh inform and engage.
Like it is such a skill, and youdo need to learn it.
Like it's one of those thingspeople often say to people who
do it quite regularly and lookcomfortable that you know this
must be something that you'rejust it's a natural gift.
And I think anyone um uh on thereceiving end uh end of that is
like there may be some naturalability, but really it's about
practice.
(20:46):
It really is, and it's somethingthat can be learned.
SPEAKER_01 (20:49):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (20:49):
What what are what are some of the other things,
Penny?
So obviously public speaking,that's a great example.
Um what are some of the other uhways that you've seen people
advance in their careers?
And because when you mentionedthings about, you know, that now
in the age of technology andlike when you're doing webinars,
obviously you're continuallymaking sure that people are
(21:10):
relevant to the industry and theroles they're doing.
What are some of the otherthings that you're seeing that
they're learning or um waysthey're developing?
Confidence and public speakingare obviously two huge
developments.
What other areas would youhighlight that people benefit
from?
SPEAKER_01 (21:24):
Uh I think there's also a big imposter syndrome
that that's going on in theworld right now.
And um I see a lot of thathappening where they don't think
they're good enough to be inthat role.
And I think having a mentorbrings that out of them and and
what I've seen from that as wellis that not only have they got
(21:46):
the confidence to say, Okay, I'mgood enough to be in this role,
but actually get a better role.
SPEAKER_00 (21:53):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (21:54):
So there's there's there's been a lot of that.
Um actually standing up andsaying, I'm I'm Good enough to
actually apply for this nextrole in my career.
Um, and that's what we want,obviously.
But um, I think also, you know,technology definitely um
conflict resolution.
People come to their mentors,obviously, when there's conflict
(22:17):
happening within their businessor even in their personal life.
We try not to have too much ofthe personal life um mentoring
because that's not really whatthey're there for.
But obviously, we know personaland business always cross.
Uh so you know, there'ssometimes a bit of that.
We've had um the latestgraduation actually uh uh
(22:39):
someone talked a lot abouthaving been in an abusive
relationship and how much amentor helped her get out of
that due to supporting herthrough that.
So it it it's so broad, there'sso much that comes out of it,
and you just never know whichway it's gonna go.
SPEAKER_00 (23:00):
Well, and that's where there's always that
crossover from personal andprofessional, because if you're
developing more confidence andand and and we carry so much of
our personal lives into ourwork, whether we realize it or
not, and this next generation,you know, there is no separation
of church and state when itcomes to work and work-life
balance.
You know, yeah.
So um the other thing I wantedto ask you, one one other thing
that stood out to me that youknow, there's that expression
(23:22):
about when people get moved upand out of organ organization,
some people get promoted.
And that so when you mentionedabout that imposter syndrome,
I've certainly seen countlessexamples in the corporate world
where people get promoted andthey're not they were great at
the role they were doing, butnow they're in over their head
or you know, their and I what Ithink is unfair when I see
people in those situations isthat some other people are just
happy to see them sink or drownbecause some of the corporate
(23:46):
culture.
Whereas a mentor, what theyactually need is someone who's
been in that role that can givethem a helping hand, help them
really understand their newrole, their new surroundings,
and how their role has changed,because it's very, as you know,
as you've made your way up thecorporate ladder, it's very
different when you have skillsets that you have to accomplish
tasks to all of a suddenmanaging other people and then
actually managing anorganization and the decision
(24:08):
making and what the newexpectations of you are in that
role changes.
You can't just be heads down atyour desk.
Uh, Jeff Element, who was agreat um mentor for me for many
years, he was the president ofTravel Corporation Canada.
I reported to uh to Jeff and toBrett Tolman, the CEO.
And the reason I mentioned Jeffin this instance is because he
was great at running the Torontooffice.
Everyone loved Jeff.
It was a great uh environment.
(24:29):
And one of the things he didvery well was the whole
management by walking around.
He spent an hour and a half inthe morning and an hour and a
half in the afternoon walkingthe office, talking to
everybody, cheering people up.
And it was like it was a keypart of his role.
And um, and and that was key forhim to lead the Canadian office.
And that's something that he wasan accountant.
He would otherwise, as he said,if he didn't get some of the
(24:50):
mentorship and training hereceived, he would have just
kept focusing on the numbers andspreadsheets and wouldn't have
left his office.
But he he needed to learn newskills, new behaviors that he
learned from his mentors, likeGuy Young.
And so this is where, again,there's so many ways that this
is going to be valuable.
Tell us a little bit, you know,as you now you know how
successful this has been inAustralia and New Zealand.
(25:12):
Obviously, you have a lot ofproud moments of what you've
accomplished over the years.
Tell us a little bit more aboutwhat excites you most about
bringing this to Canada becauseone thing I learned about Penny
as we were kicking off, youhaven't been to Toronto before.
You've been to Canada multipletimes, but this is going to be a
new city for you.
SPEAKER_01 (25:29):
Yeah, absolutely.
I'm so excited to get toToronto.
Um, I'm excited to build acommunity.
I think um the the thing thatI'm most proud of with Time is
uh the community that we'vebuilt.
You know, it is so strong.
And I say to mentees all thetime, use this community like
(25:49):
it's a safe place.
Everyone in the time communityis here to help each other.
And the interesting thing isthere's no conflict.
So the thing I loved most aboutour 15th celebration, 15th
birthday celebration, was theroom was full of competition.
You know, there was um Virginand Quantus, and there was um,
(26:12):
you know, I don't know, Carnivaland Rural Caribbean, you know.
Everyone everyone in that roomwas there to help everyone in
the room.
And everyone was hugging, andthere was no, oh my god, I can't
go over there because Quantus isover there.
So that's that's the communitywe've built, and um that's what
I'm looking forward to buildingin Canada.
SPEAKER_00 (26:34):
Fantastic.
And tell us a little bit aboutyou know, with the launch in
September, and there's clearly along-term view here, you're
gonna have a lot of support fromthe industry.
Many people who listen to thispodcast, you know, is that
Canada's the second largestmarket after the US.
So I'm sure many of Americanslistening to this might be
intrigued about this concept aswell.
But for the Canadians that aregonna start to benefit from
this, tell us about what youthink the first year and two
(26:56):
years.
Obviously, I'm not looking forthe five-year plan, but like
over the course of the nextcouple of years, what success
looks like for you launchingtime in Canada?
How, how are you gonna approachyear one and what does success
look like after a year or two inthis market?
SPEAKER_01 (27:09):
Yeah, so year one, the the launch will also be an
induction.
So that will be our firstprogram.
So program one in Canada.
And I hope to have at least fivementees on the first program.
So five mentees, five mentors,obviously.
And I would love to have fivepartnerships.
(27:30):
So um that that's the ideal.
So we've got till September toget that goal happening.
And then for year one, if we ifwe got five to ten mentees per
program, I'd be thrilled.
Uh New Zealand started out withuh I think four or five to start
with.
They are now putting 14 througheach program.
(27:54):
So as as the programs comealong, it grows because
obviously people start talkingabout it and everyone's like,
oh, I have to do that program.
Uh but if we can start with fivementees five mentees, five
mentors, and five partnerships,I'll be very happy.
SPEAKER_00 (28:12):
Well, that sounds very achievable, very realistic,
and I think you're gonna exceedthose expectations.
And I hope, you know, uh fromour listeners, I hope you get um
I I I hope you get two or threeas a result of this podcast and
this discussion, partners and uhmentors and mentees.
I, you know, when I mentionedJeff Element, I just realized
too that I know Steve met withhim when he was in Toronto, and
(28:33):
I know Jeff Element's now thechief operating officer at the
travel agent next door.
And one of the things I loveabout this industry is that I
always say, good people knowgood people, and you move
through different organizationsand you have different roles.
And those people, like aChristian Walters from Intrepid,
for example, he worked at TorRadar for many years, and these
people that you meet in yourjourney that you get on with,
you have great relationships.
(28:54):
The travel industry is so muchabout relationships, reputation,
and trust.
And so, you know, um having anorganization like this come to
Canada is hugely exciting.
Um, and I think it'll be a hugebenefit.
So I'm I'm looking to forward tosee it scale.
The one one uh two two lastquestions for you, Penny.
One thing in my mind jumped towas, you know, I was very
(29:16):
fortunate to have theopportunity to work in
Australia.
And as I said to you, I loveAustralia, would gladly divide
my time um over the course ofthe year between Canada and
Australia.
And I'm sure people joining theprogram uh would also like the
benefit of being able to work indifferent markets.
And we do see that in ourindustry, right?
You work for a travel companythat's global, you have those
types of opportunities.
(29:36):
Um, is there any way that withtime being in Canada and
Australia and New Zealand, thatthere might be some
cross-pollination oropportunities that are then
created by virtue of mentors inAustralia realizing someone
graduated from the Time programin Canada, opening up
opportunities for Canadians towork in Australia and
Australians to work in Canada?
SPEAKER_01 (29:55):
Yeah, absolutely.
As I say, the Time community ishuge and we have that between
Australia and New Zealand.
We also do the um, if we can'tfind the right match for a
mentor, we might have a mentorin New Zealand to mentor someone
in Australia, vice versa.
We can do the same with Canada.
(30:15):
Uh so you know, you can get thebest of best of all countries.
SPEAKER_00 (30:20):
That's really exciting.
Now, just to close off, for anyof our listeners, whether they
be a potential mentor or mentee,I'd love for you to leave them
with your message for gettinginvolved.
I know I've asked you a similarquestion already, but if for all
the travel professionalslistening to this as we prepare
to close off that are wonderingwhether they should become a
(30:41):
mentor or a mentee, what wouldbe your uh parting message for
them?
SPEAKER_01 (30:46):
Uh once we get the website up, to go onto the
website, follow us on LinkedInnow.
We have LinkedIn now, but oncethe website's up, which
hopefully is in the next twoweeks, go onto the website and
fill out an expression ofinterest.
It's an online form for bothmentors and mentees.
And um, yeah, let's get thisthis time in Canada happening.
SPEAKER_00 (31:09):
I was gonna say, let's get this party started.
SPEAKER_01 (31:12):
Yeah, exactly.
SPEAKER_00 (31:13):
Oh, that's great, Penny.
I'm uh I'm thrilled for you andthe team.
I'm obviously uh I can't wait touh to see you in September for
the launch, which is gonna be atIntrepid's office.
So they've kindly opened uptheir space.
They've done a number of eventswith us.
It's a beautiful space indowntown Toronto.
That uh for those of you whohave the privilege to be
involved and invited, obviouslyI would highly encourage you to
(31:35):
uh find out more informationabout that when the website's
live.
I will make sure, Penny, that asthis episode goes out, uh for
anyone listening to this, youcan just go to Travel Trends
Podcast, you can look at theshow notes, you'll find the link
to the website so that you canregister and plan to get
involved.
Um, but Penny, I'm so excitedfor you.
Congratulations again on theplans to launch in Canada, and I
can't wait to see you in acouple of months' time.
SPEAKER_01 (31:57):
Yeah, me too.
Thanks, Dan.
SPEAKER_00 (31:59):
Thank you to all of our listeners as well.
Obviously, this is a reallyexciting development.
I really appreciate PennySpencer taking the opportunity
to join us to give us thebackground on this amazing
organization that she created inSydney 16 years ago, and as you
heard, expanded to New Zealandand is now coming to Canada.
And I can't wait to see thesuccess of this program in the
(32:19):
years ahead.
So make sure that you do checkout Time Travel Industry Mentor
Experience on LinkedIn and checkout the website in the show
notes and make sure you registerto get involved.
Thanks again for joining us forthe Spotlight episode.
Safe travels.
Hello, everyone, and welcome to a special spotlight
edition of Travel Trends.
This is your host, DanChristian, and today I have the
pleasure of speaking to PennySpencer, who is the founder and
chair of Time, which stands forthe Travel Industry Mentor
Experience.
She's based in beautiful Sydney,Australia.
I've known the organization formany years, but I'm just having
(00:26):
the chance to meet Penny nowfinally.
This organization has beenaround for 16 years, and I've
known many of the people thathave become mentors or mentees
as part of the organization.
And a good friend of mine, SteveFarelli, who is actually one of
the earliest in the programdating back to when Penny
started this, who is Australianbut now based in Vancouver,
Canada.
He's an industry colleague and agreat friend of mine, an avid
(00:48):
listener to the show.
He was very keen for us to havePenny on for all the reasons
that I absolutely supportedbecause ultimately they're
bringing they're coming toCanada.
And that's obviously where we'rebased in Toronto.
So I'm thrilled that Time iscoming to Canada.
And we're going to talk aboutthat with Penny here in a
moment.
But first, let's welcome Pennyto the show and hear more about
the backstory on Time inAustralia.
(01:08):
So, Penny, welcome to the TravelTrends Podcast.
Great to have you with us.
SPEAKER_01 (01:12):
Thanks, Dan.
I'm thrilled to be again.
SPEAKER_00 (01:14):
And Penny was kindly saying just as we uh started our
conversation, the number ofpeople in Australia that are
familiar with Travel Trends islike our third largest market
for our podcast.
And so I'm I am not only a bigfan of Australia and can't wait
to spend more time there.
And um, I've been there, livedin Australia for a number of
years, my time with LonelyPlanet, spent a lot of time in
Sydney of the TravelCorporation.
(01:35):
I know the Travel Corporation isone of the big partners of Time.
And you can see all the logosfor our listeners.
If you go totravelindustrymentor.com.au,
that is the main website at themoment.
The Canadian website is coming.
Um, but just so you can get somemore background on the
organization.
But Penny, tell everyone why youcreated this and give everyone a
bit of an overview of the uhTime organization and what you
(01:57):
guys do.
SPEAKER_01 (01:58):
Yeah, sure.
I'd love to.
Well, I created um Time 16 yearsago, and I was lying beside the
pool reading a Richard Bransonbook, having a gin and tonic,
and there was a lot of talk inhis book about mentoring.
And I had always been mentoredand have mentored throughout my
(02:18):
career, and I thought, you knowwhat, we need to really look at
this for the travel industry,you know, the financial
industry, lots of differentindustries have mentor programs,
but the travel industry didn't.
And um, I was inspired by hisbook and thought, okay, I'm
gonna do this.
So I got together with a fewindustry friends and said, This
(02:40):
is what I'm thinking.
What do you think?
Let's do it.
And everyone was on board.
So we started 16 years ago, webuilt uh a not-for-profit, we
created as a not-for-profit umassociation, and started with uh
a board and a committee, andaway we went.
SPEAKER_00 (02:59):
That's terrific.
And I know you are anaccomplished entrepreneur, you
also are the managing directorof Spencer Travel Holdings, and
you were named one of the top 30female entrepreneurs in
Australia, and also TravelWeekly's women in travel power
list, which is also very coolbecause obviously I'm a big
supporter of you know, beingraised by a single mom of um uh
(03:20):
female travel executives.
And so, like for me, theorganization you've built is uh
incredibly important, but alsoyour role in the industry.
And I wanted to just to touch onthat uh a little bit more first,
if you wouldn't mind, becausetell us a little bit about your
background in the travelindustry and your the the role
that you also hold today runningthat business as well as running
(03:41):
time.
SPEAKER_01 (03:42):
Yes, well, I started in the industry straight from
school.
I knew I wanted to be in travelwhen I was about seven years
old.
Uh my first flight, I was like,oh my God, I have to do
something in this industry,whatever it is, I don't know,
but I'm going to be in thetravel industry.
So straight out of school.
So I've been in the travelindustry quite some time.
(04:02):
And uh I really started by backin the day, a Girl Friday.
I still don't understand whythey ever named that title a
Girl Friday, but I was a GirlFriday, running around the city
picking up passports anddropping off tickets, and really
worked my way up then from youknow that to reception, to
domestic consultant, tointernational consultant, to
(04:25):
manager, and then eventually umstarted my own business 28 years
ago as a corporate agency, um,which I built and grew, and then
I started to do someacquisitions of leisure
agencies, and last year I soldthe corporate part of my
business, and now justconcentrating on leisure and
(04:46):
independent contract model.
SPEAKER_00 (04:48):
That's fantastic.
And that's where, you know,being an entrepreneur, knowing
what it's like to launch anorganization, having an
understanding of what's involvedin mentoring the next generation
of leaders in travel, male andfemale, obviously it's uh the
opportunities we've each beengiven over the years when we uh
have been presented with certainopportunities and you move into
a role, having the right mentoris so incredibly important.
(05:11):
How did you decide on thatspecific concept?
Um, obviously, you were likelyseeing people in the industry
that were trying to find theirway to grow their careers, but
and clearly this whole conceptof lifelong learning I know is a
big passion of yours.
Yes.
Um tell us a little bit aboutwhy you decided to create the
organization and then tell us alittle bit about some of the
(05:31):
success stories.
I know you've had about 200people go through the program.
SPEAKER_01 (05:35):
Yeah, well, actually 400 graduates in 16 years, 250
mentors.
Uh yeah, look, I had done a menta government mentor program
actually actually myself when Istarted the business, and I got
so much out of that.
And I realized uh that that thatstyle of um program really
(05:56):
worked.
So that's why I sort of moldedit the time program on that,
where we have a six-month periodof mentoring, one-on-one, 24
hours total over those sixmonths.
And that really gives you themomentum of having that mentor,
you know, constantly helpingyou, helping you grow your
(06:17):
career.
And um, you know, whatever it isthat you really want out of the
skills that you need, they helpyou do that.
SPEAKER_00 (06:25):
And given the number of people that have been through
the program, tell us a littlebit about why they would choose
to become a mentor to mentee.
Obviously, it createsopportunities and networking for
sure, but there is also uniquechallenges that travel
professionals face in theirroles as they try and understand
the industry.
And tell us a little bit aboutwhat the mentoring process
really helps address as itrelates to the travel industry.
SPEAKER_01 (06:47):
Yeah, so the mentees really uh initially we started
with the mentees being, youknow, they had to have at least
three to five years experiencein the industry.
Because what we found is mostmentees get to a point in their
career, say through three threeyears and go, okay, I want to
get to the next level.
How do I do that?
And then sometimes leave theindustry because they don't know
(07:11):
how to get to that next level.
So part of why I created it alsois retention, um, to ensure that
we keep great people within theindustry.
So that's where we went with theum actual how they get to that
point.
And then with the mentors, theyvolunteer their time for free.
So um we're very clear with thementees that you know you can't
(07:34):
the mentors are out.
But the mentors are all peoplethat want to give back to the
industry.
You know, some are retired, someare people that have just wanted
to always mentor.
So we've sort of got, you know,the mentees and the mentors
working together, and thatthat's how it works.
SPEAKER_00 (07:51):
And I want to speak about the mentors as well,
because you know, knowing bothmentees and mentors that have
been through time or are stillinvolved in time.
I mentioned uh Fiona Dalton, whoobviously was part of your
board, and she was a mentor, andI still remember her actively
talking about um her involvementin time when we were working
together.
And um and uh Cecilia, whoworked at AAT Kings, I know she
(08:13):
was uh a mentee.
And so I it was alwaysfascinating for me to hear the
stories when I was in Sydney,Australia, there, our office
there, of the people who wereinvolved.
And so finally have a chance tomeet you and understand the
background.
And what I wanted to alsounderstand is the mentor.
So mentees, I absolutely see thebenefit for them.
So the mentors, clearly, there'speople um in the industry that
(08:36):
have a uh a similar uh mindsetto yourself that they want to
give back.
And obviously that was the startof the Travel Trends podcast in
the beginning, is like, youknow, people like you and I that
want that love the industry,want to give back to the
industry, want to see otherpeople excel in the industry.
Um, what are some of the reasonsthat mentors choose to become
part of the time program?
SPEAKER_01 (08:54):
Well, a lot of the mentors say to me that they get
just as much out of the programas the mentees do because you
learn so much.
I mean, you know, some of thementors are, I don't know, 40
plus, let's say, been in theindustry quite some time, and
might feel a little bit stale,and they meet their mentee and
they learn so much, you know,they might show them how to do a
(09:17):
better LinkedIn post or whateverit might be.
So the mentors get just as muchout of the program, and that's
that's why we have multiplementors doing multiple
mentoring.
We've got uh we've actually gotsome mentors that have mentored,
I think, 10 or 12 times.
SPEAKER_00 (09:36):
Wow.
That's hugely encouraging.
That's and wonderful to hear.
I guess one of the things alongthe same lines is that when you
have, you know, when peoplethink of a mentor and a mentee,
someone that's had 20 yearsexperience in their career
versus, as you say, like two tofive, um, is it always the case
that it mentorship is forsomeone early in their careers,
or are you seeing people thatare transitioning into travel um
(09:58):
in their 30s or 40s that stillneed a mentor?
SPEAKER_01 (10:02):
Definitely, um, any age group needs a mentor mentor.
I mean, we've got people thathave done the program that are
in their 60s.
So uh it's it's open to any agegroup.
But I think um, you know, theother thing too is that what we
encourage at time is that yougrow within time as well.
(10:26):
So we've had mentees that arenow mentors that are now on the
committee that are alsosometimes on the board.
So they come through the theycome through the time program,
but then they come right throughto being on the board from being
a mentee.
So we love that part as well.
(10:47):
We've got two on the board atthe moment, moment that were
mentees.
SPEAKER_00 (10:52):
That is hugely inspiring, and obviously I'm
sure for you means so muchhaving created this 16 years
ago, and you know, it's almostlike that, you know, you've
graduated multiple generationsnow of people that have advanced
in the career, and and so that'sthat's uh that's really
wonderful, Penny.
I guess one other thing alongthe same lines, given that you
know you are have been uhfocused on the Australian
(11:14):
market, um, you're also in NewZealand as well.
Is that right?
We are.
SPEAKER_01 (11:18):
We started in New Zealand seven years ago, and
that's been truly successful.
We're a little bit nervous aboutit because you know it's a
little country, um, and thetravel industry is very tight
though over there, and thesupport has been incredible.
SPEAKER_00 (11:33):
Fantastic.
Well, and there's a lot ofsimilarities between New Zealand
and Canada, given our our bigbrother to the south of us, you
know, with um there's a there'sa kinship between Canadians and
Aussies for sure, but also withKiwis, definitely as well.
And so um so you have theAustralia program, the New
Zealand program, and now aboutto have the Canadian program.
So this is the first realinternational uh development for
(11:56):
time, is that right?
SPEAKER_01 (11:57):
Yeah, yeah, we're really, really excited about it.
And um, you know, Canada, as youjust said, very similar to
Australia and and New Zealand,very like-minded and a tight
travel industry as well, whichis why I feel like that was the
next step at the time.
SPEAKER_00 (12:14):
Fantastic.
No, it's it's a very excitingdevelopment, and congratulations
to you and the team.
I know we're having thisconversation, uh, not to
timestamp it, but in July of2026.
And I know you're coming acrossto Canada in September to
Toronto for the launch.
But tell everyone why you'vedecided to expand to Canada.
What was uh why now?
(12:35):
And what about the Canadianmarket was particularly
appealing to bring time hereversus um uh the US or any
other?
I can I can think of a few beingCanadian and loving Australia,
but I'd love to hear from yourvantage point.
Why Canada, why now?
SPEAKER_01 (12:50):
Yeah, okay.
So why now?
We celebrated 15 years last yearand we had a big party, which
was fantastic.
Um, and everybody that has beeninvolved in a time, you know, we
call it a the time family,really, the time community.
We're at the party, and um, youknow, a lot of people were
saying to me, what's next?
What's next?
What's the next 15 years?
(13:11):
Well, I might not be doing itfor the next 15, but um, who
knows?
Uh, and I thought, you know,what is next?
And for me, Canada was the nextbecause uh, as I said,
like-minded, similar industry.
We know a lot of like-mindedpeople within um, you know,
Australia, Canada.
And I feel also that probablyyour your industry in Canada
(13:35):
needs an Intel program becausethere isn't one.
SPEAKER_00 (13:38):
Yeah.
Yeah, no, I completely agree.
When I first uh learned aboutthis when I was having dinner
with Steve Farelli in Vancouver,and he mentioned to me um about
time coming to Canada, and hestarted, and I it hit me
immediately.
It was just like, well, whyhasn't this happened already?
Of course.
There's a like there's a lot ofthere's not only a kinship and a
lot of similarities between ourtwo industries, a lot of
international travel companiesthat are based in Australia open
(14:01):
up their offices in Canada, andyou can think of a few examples
of that.
Um, and the uh not only uh touroperators, but travel agencies,
you know, a lot of theirheadquarters for North America
are in Toronto.
There is obviously theCommonwealth and similar laws
and also business structure andand and there is a common bond
between Commonwealth countries,and um and and so as you were
(14:25):
deciding to uh make your forayinto Canada, that's the one
thing I would I'd love tounderstand is that the demand
for a mentoring program, whenSteve mentioned it to me, I was
like, of course, it makes totalsense.
Like, there's not anything likethis here, and there's so many
people in my uh in my networkthat I thought of right away
that could really benefit fromthis.
And so many of the youngergeneration that don't, you know,
(14:47):
they well, when I used to hearabout the program in Australia,
I was like, this is so valuable.
Um so tell us a little bit moreabout uh the demand that you
think um is here in Canada, andI'll I will add to why I think
it's going to be successful.
But um, what about the demand?
Like, was it just the fact thatthis keeps coming up, people
keep mentioning it to you?
(15:08):
Obviously, you've got peoplelike Steve that have been
through the program who are nowbased here.
So I'm sure there's otherexamples of other people that
have like moved to Canada whoare Australian or know the time
program.
SPEAKER_01 (15:18):
Yeah, look, I think Steve did have a a good
conversation with me a whileback about it, and um he did say
that there there was a need forit in Canada.
I I think there's a need for itanywhere, to be honest.
It does it's not just Canada,it's global.
I'm not necessarily going to goglobal, but um definitely I
(15:40):
think mentoring is neededeverywhere.
And as I said, you know, we needwe know people within the
industry that not only possiblywould get so much out of the
mentoring program, but amazingmentors in Canada as well.
SPEAKER_00 (15:55):
Yeah.
So, Penny, with the plans tocome to Canada, I want to make
sure all of our listeners,whether they be tour operators,
travel agencies that could bepartners, could be mentors, and
listeners to our podcast thatcould be travel advisors, people
working within travelorganizations that could really
benefit from this.
Tell us a little bit about howit's going to work in Canada.
I know there's a cost forpartners in Australia, and then
(16:17):
there's a cost for registrationfor mentees.
Tell our listeners a little bithow this is going to work as you
prepare to launch it here inCanada.
SPEAKER_01 (16:25):
Yeah, so the mentees uh fill out an expression of
interest, which is quite adetailed form, but we need to
have all of that detailedbecause uh when we do the
matching, we need to reallyunderstand what they want to get
out of the program.
So they fill out an expressionof interest.
The mentors also fill out anexpression of interest, and
(16:46):
there's a matching process.
And then once they're matched,there is a um induction and they
meet their mentor, and thenthey're obviously, as I said
earlier, 24 hours one-on-onewith them.
But throughout the program,there's also amazing networking
workshops, online workshops, andthen they graduate after six
(17:07):
months, and graduation speechesare incredible.
I mean, I think um every time Ihear a graduate speak, I'm like,
oh my God, this is incredible.
We've changed lives.
SPEAKER_00 (17:19):
Yeah.
Well, and those people becomethe all-stars within their
organizations.
And it's what I've seen is thatthe people who choose to
participate in programs likethis, these are the
up-and-comers, the next leaders.
And, you know, it's it's oftenwho I'm trying to speak to with
this podcast, is these are thedecision influencers that are
going to become the decisionmakers.
They're the ones that are notcurrently at the Focus Right
conference yet, but they want toget there.
(17:40):
They want to get on stage, theywant to be an executive in this
industry.
And this is one of the most uhpowerful ways for them to be
able to do that.
So that's why I'm so excited forit to uh for it to come to
Canada.
When you do launch, obviously,with that partnership, uh, the
idea of uh people filling thatout being matched with someone.
Let's talk about some of the thebenefits that you've seen and
(18:02):
the power of mentorship,specifically for the individuals
that are you know benefiting,because that uh you've
highlighted obviously thementors seem to love this whole
process as much and keep comingback as well to mentor others.
Um, but take us through whatyou've seen as the real benefit
for people being mentored inthis program and giving these
amazing speeches and then risingup in the industry.
(18:24):
What is happening during thatmentoring process that is like
strengthening those individualsand how they can contribute to
the travel industry?
SPEAKER_01 (18:31):
Yeah, look, it's it's confidence.
I have to say that the biggestthing that you see is the is the
confidence that they get fromhaving a mentor, having a
sounding board, having someonesupporting them, having someone
transfer their knowledge tothem.
And a lot of the EIs that I getare around, you know, I really
(18:51):
want to be a public speaker,public be a better public
speaker, I want to um haveconfidence, I want to lead
better.
Uh, and a lot of people that yousee that come out of the program
when they start.
So when we first induct them, weI always get everyone to go
around the room and talk for twominutes about why they're why
(19:12):
they've joined time and whatthey want to get out of the
program.
And you see everyone in the roomjust absolutely go stiff and
like, oh how am I gonna do this?
And then you see them at the endof the program six months later,
speaking at the graduation, andthe difference is incredible.
And um, I've got an an exampleactually of one of my own staff
(19:36):
who I put through the programand she couldn't even speak in
staff meetings.
She was just so always nervous.
If if she was tossed a questionin a staff meeting, she'd go
bright red and stutter.
And she went through the programand she uh delivered her uh
graduation speech beautifully.
And then they have anopportunity once they graduate
(19:59):
to MC a graduation, and sheemceed a graduation not long
after that.
SPEAKER_00 (20:05):
Yeah, that's a great example.
And you what you highlightedthere about public speaking is
certainly one of those thingsthat you don't often get taught
in school or university, um, butit's incredibly important in uh
in executive roles, you know, tobe able to get up on stage and
be able to not only um be ableto present uh um but to inspire
(20:26):
and to uh inform and engage.
Like it is such a skill, and youdo need to learn it.
Like it's one of those thingspeople often say to people who
do it quite regularly and lookcomfortable that you know this
must be something that you'rejust it's a natural gift.
And I think anyone um uh on thereceiving end uh end of that is
like there may be some naturalability, but really it's about
practice.
(20:46):
It really is, and it's somethingthat can be learned.
SPEAKER_01 (20:49):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (20:49):
What what are what are some of the other things,
Penny?
So obviously public speaking,that's a great example.
Um what are some of the other uhways that you've seen people
advance in their careers?
And because when you mentionedthings about, you know, that now
in the age of technology andlike when you're doing webinars,
obviously you're continuallymaking sure that people are
(21:10):
relevant to the industry and theroles they're doing.
What are some of the otherthings that you're seeing that
they're learning or um waysthey're developing?
Confidence and public speakingare obviously two huge
developments.
What other areas would youhighlight that people benefit
from?
SPEAKER_01 (21:24):
Uh I think there's also a big imposter syndrome
that that's going on in theworld right now.
And um I see a lot of thathappening where they don't think
they're good enough to be inthat role.
And I think having a mentorbrings that out of them and and
what I've seen from that as wellis that not only have they got
(21:46):
the confidence to say, Okay, I'mgood enough to be in this role,
but actually get a better role.
SPEAKER_00 (21:53):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (21:54):
So there's there's there's been a lot of that.
Um actually standing up andsaying, I'm I'm Good enough to
actually apply for this nextrole in my career.
Um, and that's what we want,obviously.
But um, I think also, you know,technology definitely um
conflict resolution.
People come to their mentors,obviously, when there's conflict
(22:17):
happening within their businessor even in their personal life.
We try not to have too much ofthe personal life um mentoring
because that's not really whatthey're there for.
But obviously, we know personaland business always cross.
Uh so you know, there'ssometimes a bit of that.
We've had um the latestgraduation actually uh uh
(22:39):
someone talked a lot abouthaving been in an abusive
relationship and how much amentor helped her get out of
that due to supporting herthrough that.
So it it it's so broad, there'sso much that comes out of it,
and you just never know whichway it's gonna go.
SPEAKER_00 (23:00):
Well, and that's where there's always that
crossover from personal andprofessional, because if you're
developing more confidence andand and and we carry so much of
our personal lives into ourwork, whether we realize it or
not, and this next generation,you know, there is no separation
of church and state when itcomes to work and work-life
balance.
You know, yeah.
So um the other thing I wantedto ask you, one one other thing
that stood out to me that youknow, there's that expression
(23:22):
about when people get moved upand out of organ organization,
some people get promoted.
And that so when you mentionedabout that imposter syndrome,
I've certainly seen countlessexamples in the corporate world
where people get promoted andthey're not they were great at
the role they were doing, butnow they're in over their head
or you know, their and I what Ithink is unfair when I see
people in those situations isthat some other people are just
happy to see them sink or drownbecause some of the corporate
(23:46):
culture.
Whereas a mentor, what theyactually need is someone who's
been in that role that can givethem a helping hand, help them
really understand their newrole, their new surroundings,
and how their role has changed,because it's very, as you know,
as you've made your way up thecorporate ladder, it's very
different when you have skillsets that you have to accomplish
tasks to all of a suddenmanaging other people and then
actually managing anorganization and the decision
(24:08):
making and what the newexpectations of you are in that
role changes.
You can't just be heads down atyour desk.
Uh, Jeff Element, who was agreat um mentor for me for many
years, he was the president ofTravel Corporation Canada.
I reported to uh to Jeff and toBrett Tolman, the CEO.
And the reason I mentioned Jeffin this instance is because he
was great at running the Torontooffice.
Everyone loved Jeff.
It was a great uh environment.
(24:29):
And one of the things he didvery well was the whole
management by walking around.
He spent an hour and a half inthe morning and an hour and a
half in the afternoon walkingthe office, talking to
everybody, cheering people up.
And it was like it was a keypart of his role.
And um, and and that was key forhim to lead the Canadian office.
And that's something that he wasan accountant.
He would otherwise, as he said,if he didn't get some of the
(24:50):
mentorship and training hereceived, he would have just
kept focusing on the numbers andspreadsheets and wouldn't have
left his office.
But he he needed to learn newskills, new behaviors that he
learned from his mentors, likeGuy Young.
And so this is where, again,there's so many ways that this
is going to be valuable.
Tell us a little bit, you know,as you now you know how
successful this has been inAustralia and New Zealand.
(25:12):
Obviously, you have a lot ofproud moments of what you've
accomplished over the years.
Tell us a little bit more aboutwhat excites you most about
bringing this to Canada becauseone thing I learned about Penny
as we were kicking off, youhaven't been to Toronto before.
You've been to Canada multipletimes, but this is going to be a
new city for you.
SPEAKER_01 (25:29):
Yeah, absolutely.
I'm so excited to get toToronto.
Um, I'm excited to build acommunity.
I think um the the thing thatI'm most proud of with Time is
uh the community that we'vebuilt.
You know, it is so strong.
And I say to mentees all thetime, use this community like
(25:49):
it's a safe place.
Everyone in the time communityis here to help each other.
And the interesting thing isthere's no conflict.
So the thing I loved most aboutour 15th celebration, 15th
birthday celebration, was theroom was full of competition.
You know, there was um Virginand Quantus, and there was um,
(26:12):
you know, I don't know, Carnivaland Rural Caribbean, you know.
Everyone everyone in that roomwas there to help everyone in
the room.
And everyone was hugging, andthere was no, oh my god, I can't
go over there because Quantus isover there.
So that's that's the communitywe've built, and um that's what
I'm looking forward to buildingin Canada.
SPEAKER_00 (26:34):
Fantastic.
And tell us a little bit aboutyou know, with the launch in
September, and there's clearly along-term view here, you're
gonna have a lot of support fromthe industry.
Many people who listen to thispodcast, you know, is that
Canada's the second largestmarket after the US.
So I'm sure many of Americanslistening to this might be
intrigued about this concept aswell.
But for the Canadians that aregonna start to benefit from
this, tell us about what youthink the first year and two
(26:56):
years.
Obviously, I'm not looking forthe five-year plan, but like
over the course of the nextcouple of years, what success
looks like for you launchingtime in Canada?
How, how are you gonna approachyear one and what does success
look like after a year or two inthis market?
SPEAKER_01 (27:09):
Yeah, so year one, the the launch will also be an
induction.
So that will be our firstprogram.
So program one in Canada.
And I hope to have at least fivementees on the first program.
So five mentees, five mentors,obviously.
And I would love to have fivepartnerships.
(27:30):
So um that that's the ideal.
So we've got till September toget that goal happening.
And then for year one, if we ifwe got five to ten mentees per
program, I'd be thrilled.
Uh New Zealand started out withuh I think four or five to start
with.
They are now putting 14 througheach program.
(27:54):
So as as the programs comealong, it grows because
obviously people start talkingabout it and everyone's like,
oh, I have to do that program.
Uh but if we can start with fivementees five mentees, five
mentors, and five partnerships,I'll be very happy.
SPEAKER_00 (28:12):
Well, that sounds very achievable, very realistic,
and I think you're gonna exceedthose expectations.
And I hope, you know, uh fromour listeners, I hope you get um
I I I hope you get two or threeas a result of this podcast and
this discussion, partners and uhmentors and mentees.
I, you know, when I mentionedJeff Element, I just realized
too that I know Steve met withhim when he was in Toronto, and
(28:33):
I know Jeff Element's now thechief operating officer at the
travel agent next door.
And one of the things I loveabout this industry is that I
always say, good people knowgood people, and you move
through different organizationsand you have different roles.
And those people, like aChristian Walters from Intrepid,
for example, he worked at TorRadar for many years, and these
people that you meet in yourjourney that you get on with,
you have great relationships.
(28:54):
The travel industry is so muchabout relationships, reputation,
and trust.
And so, you know, um having anorganization like this come to
Canada is hugely exciting.
Um, and I think it'll be a hugebenefit.
So I'm I'm looking to forward tosee it scale.
The one one uh two two lastquestions for you, Penny.
One thing in my mind jumped towas, you know, I was very
(29:16):
fortunate to have theopportunity to work in
Australia.
And as I said to you, I loveAustralia, would gladly divide
my time um over the course ofthe year between Canada and
Australia.
And I'm sure people joining theprogram uh would also like the
benefit of being able to work indifferent markets.
And we do see that in ourindustry, right?
You work for a travel companythat's global, you have those
types of opportunities.
(29:36):
Um, is there any way that withtime being in Canada and
Australia and New Zealand, thatthere might be some
cross-pollination oropportunities that are then
created by virtue of mentors inAustralia realizing someone
graduated from the Time programin Canada, opening up
opportunities for Canadians towork in Australia and
Australians to work in Canada?
SPEAKER_01 (29:55):
Yeah, absolutely.
As I say, the Time community ishuge and we have that between
Australia and New Zealand.
We also do the um, if we can'tfind the right match for a
mentor, we might have a mentorin New Zealand to mentor someone
in Australia, vice versa.
We can do the same with Canada.
(30:15):
Uh so you know, you can get thebest of best of all countries.
SPEAKER_00 (30:20):
That's really exciting.
Now, just to close off, for anyof our listeners, whether they
be a potential mentor or mentee,I'd love for you to leave them
with your message for gettinginvolved.
I know I've asked you a similarquestion already, but if for all
the travel professionalslistening to this as we prepare
to close off that are wonderingwhether they should become a
(30:41):
mentor or a mentee, what wouldbe your uh parting message for
them?
SPEAKER_01 (30:46):
Uh once we get the website up, to go onto the
website, follow us on LinkedInnow.
We have LinkedIn now, but oncethe website's up, which
hopefully is in the next twoweeks, go onto the website and
fill out an expression ofinterest.
It's an online form for bothmentors and mentees.
And um, yeah, let's get thisthis time in Canada happening.
SPEAKER_00 (31:09):
I was gonna say, let's get this party started.
SPEAKER_01 (31:12):
Yeah, exactly.
SPEAKER_00 (31:13):
Oh, that's great, Penny.
I'm uh I'm thrilled for you andthe team.
I'm obviously uh I can't wait touh to see you in September for
the launch, which is gonna be atIntrepid's office.
So they've kindly opened uptheir space.
They've done a number of eventswith us.
It's a beautiful space indowntown Toronto.
That uh for those of you whohave the privilege to be
involved and invited, obviouslyI would highly encourage you to
(31:35):
uh find out more informationabout that when the website's
live.
I will make sure, Penny, that asthis episode goes out, uh for
anyone listening to this, youcan just go to Travel Trends
Podcast, you can look at theshow notes, you'll find the link
to the website so that you canregister and plan to get
involved.
Um, but Penny, I'm so excitedfor you.
Congratulations again on theplans to launch in Canada, and I
can't wait to see you in acouple of months' time.
SPEAKER_01 (31:57):
Yeah, me too.
Thanks, Dan.
SPEAKER_00 (31:59):
Thank you to all of our listeners as well.
Obviously, this is a reallyexciting development.
I really appreciate PennySpencer taking the opportunity
to join us to give us thebackground on this amazing
organization that she created inSydney 16 years ago, and as you
heard, expanded to New Zealandand is now coming to Canada.
And I can't wait to see thesuccess of this program in the
(32:19):
years ahead.
So make sure that you do checkout Time Travel Industry Mentor
Experience on LinkedIn and checkout the website in the show
notes and make sure you registerto get involved.
Thanks again for joining us forthe Spotlight episode.
Safe travels.
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