Making the leap into entrepreneurship is never easy, especially when you're leaving behind a career you've known for years. In this episode, Meredith welcomes Travel MBA graduate Ashley Carlson, founder of Carlson Travel Co., to share how she transitioned from elementary school teacher and stay-at-home mom to luxury travel entrepreneur.

Ashley reflects on the mindset shifts, branding decisions, and uncomfortable moments that helped shape her business, from investing in a professional brand and website to speaking at local events and attracting clients beyond her personal network. She also shares how the skills she developed in the classroom continue to influence the way she serves her clients today.

If you've ever wondered whether you're ready to take the leap, this conversation is a reminder that confidence isn't something you wait for. It's something you build by taking action.

📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-freechapter

🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/yz462bhx

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🔗 Ashley's Website: https://carlsontravelco.com/

🔗 Ashley's LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mtpdjk9c

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by returning guest John Rees, founder of J5 Luxury Travel Tailors.

After leaving a successful career in day trading, John built a thriving luxury travel business centered around his passion for travel and a commitment to exceptional client experiences. In this conversation, he reflects on how his role has changed as the business has grown, from handling nearly every aspect himself to building a talented team he trusts to deliver at a high level. He shares lessons learned about leadership, delegation, and creating a company culture that allows both the business and the people within it to thrive.

They also discuss the realities of scaling a travel business, the importance of focusing on your strengths, and why helping others grow has become one of the most rewarding parts of John's entrepreneurial journey.

John's story offers valuable insight for advisors looking to build a business that is not only successful, but also sustainable, fulfilling, and aligned with the life they want to create.

📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-freechapter

🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/yz462bhx

🔗 John's Website: https://www.j5travel.com/

🔗 John's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/j5travel

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway welcomes back Nicole Shipper, founder of TBN Travel Curators, for her second appearance on the podcast.

Since her last conversation with Meredith, Nicole has navigated a major rebrand, continued growing her team, and faced the new challenges that come with scaling a business beyond herself. Together, they discuss what it really takes to grow a travel business while maintaining the personal service clients expect.

They also explore:

• The decision to rebrand and how to know when your business identity no longer reflects your vision

• The opportunities and challenges of building a team of independent contractors

• Creating systems and processes that maintain a consistent client experience

• How hiring a customer care manager helped Nicole focus on her strengths

• Transitioning to new technology and workflows to support business growth

• Balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and a business in a season of rapid change

Nicole’s story offers an honest look at the evolving challenges that come with success and the leadership shifts required at each stage of growth.

Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/4pbvtr8f

Nicole's Website: https://tbntravelcurators.com/

Nicole's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-shipper-a6a8b619/

TBU Live Tickets: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/event

Promocode: PODCAST