Episode 8 - Mentorship Matters: Building Success Together
Description
Connect and get in touch with HollyDay Travel
Connect and get in touch with Kim Wethmar
People and Links mentioned in this episode:
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TIME Programme - get in touch with TIME Programme at time@travelindustrymentor.com.au
EPISODE SUMMARY
• Topic: The Power of Mentorship in Travel Business
• Host: Holly Velardo from Holiday Travel (Port Noarlunga, South Australia)
• Guest: Kim Wethmar - Former CEO, TIME Programme Board Member, Business Mentor
Kim Wethmar's Background
• Former CEO who grew corporate travel business from £50M to £300M TTV with 96% client retention
• Led teams of 200+ people, introduced automation and bio-analytics at scale
• 25+ years across account management, operations, and executive leadership
• Telstra Businesswoman of the Year NSW finalist
• Runs "The Asking Leader" coaching business
• Current TIME Programme board member
How Holly and Kim Met - TIME Programme
• TIME: Travel Industry Mentor Experience led by Penny Spencer
• One-on-one mentoring across all travel industry sectors
• Kim volunteers as mentor, Holly was mentee
• Programme connects emerging leaders with experienced mentors
Kim's Mentoring Philosophy
• Core mission: Turn ambition into action through simple systems
• Greatest joy: Seeing people realise their full potential
• Approach: "No BS" direct communication style
• Why she mentors: Paying forward the mentorship she received in her career
• Energy source: Watching mentee ideas click into profitable plans
Holly's TIME Journey
First TIME Experience (Post-COVID)
• Mentor: Matt Lewis
• Challenge: Overwhelmed with sudden booking influx after COVID
• Outcome: Scaled from solo operation to 5 team members in 6 months
• Scholarship: Won scholarship for first programme
Second TIME Experience (with Kim)
• Clear goal: Increase revenue by 50%
• Challenge: Self-doubt and mental blocks despite business growth
• Timeframe: 3 years more advanced than first programme
• Pairing: Penny Spencer
Kim's Mentoring Approach
The Three Cs of Mentorship
• Clarity: What to do next, stop doing, or start doing
• Cadence: Rhythm and discipline of showing up prepared
• Courage: Using someone else's belief until yours catches up
Key Tools and Frameworks
• One Page Business Plan: From "Traction" by Gino Wickman (mandatory reading)
• Urgent vs Important: Framework for prioritising tasks
• Time management strategies
• Strength identification
• Employee engagement techniques
Transformational Impact on Holly
Personal Development
• Changed internal self-talk and self-perception
• Overcame self-doubt and vulnerability
• Learned to think differently about others and possibilities
• Built genuine self-belief
Business Structure
• One Page Plan: Daily morning routine, weekly accountability
• Planning discipline: No excuses approach to structure
• Accountability: Weekly meetings with homework assignments
• Strategic thinking: Focus on important vs urgent tasks
Leadership Growth
• Understanding of delegation needs
• Focus on building business rather than working in it
• Clear goal-setting and achievement tracking
• Improved team communication and vision sharing
The Mentoring Relationship
• Kim's Preparation and Care
• Mentee-Driven Process
TIME Community Benefits
• Generous community: Travel attracts "best humans"
• Global expansion: Beyond Australia and New Zealand
• Networking: Valuable connections and relationships
• Support system: Ongoing community beyond programme
• Scholarship opportunities: Financial assistance available
Kim's Leadership Philosophy
• Self-Discipline as Foundation
• Personal Growth Commitment
Key Takeaways
• Mentorship value: Essential for business and personal growth
• Planning importance: Structure and discipline create momentum
• Community power: Travel industry's generous, supportive nature
• Continuous learning: Even successful leaders need mentors
• Action orientation: Turn ambition into measurable results
United States
