We can all give back to a business travel industry that gives us so much – and you’ll love what it does for your career
I get so many comments from industry peers who say to me: “How do you manage it all?” It is true I am very active in the industry on a local and national level; I sit on multiple boards, write for this magazine, mentor, participate in multiple webinars each year and speak at multiple industry events.
When I started in this business over 30 years ago, I had no idea on how much impact it would have on my life, and how much I could impact others and give back. I have been blessed to travel the world, meet amazing people and experience things that many others never will. I am grateful for these opportunities. And that is why I give so much of my personal time and energy to advancing the industry.
Sad to say, I actually do want to retire someday!
But that’s later. For now I want to talk about how this incredible industry is so driven by the amazing people who volunteer to support one another and the profession we’re in. If I ever have a question or idea, I know that there are tons of people that I can network with and find the answers I am looking for.
I find these volunteers at local GBTA chapters. This is where I started my volunteerism. It is a great way to get involved as little or as much as you like. Even if you have just a couple hours a month to give, the local chapters are a great place to start. These volunteers spend countless hours educating other industry members and providing networking opportunities between buyers and suppliers.
If you have a desire to impact the industry in a specific area, the GBTA committees are doing amazing work and they are always looking for volunteers. The committee work really drives some great innovations in the industry.
Another exciting opportunity to impact important issues in the industry is through advocacy and government relations. We have to be diligent and protect our interests when it comes to legislation that impacts our travelers and our travel programs. These are just a few ways to give back. One area that I am truly proud of is the mentoring work I have done. My mentee has grown and developed her career and is now giving back through multiple volunteer activities in the industry. She is a future leader in this industry. So if you have time and you are a seasoned veteran like myself, I would encourage you to get involved in a mentoring program. We need fresh young blood in this business.
Our leading industry associations are run by a large volunteer population and these volunteer opportunities provide amazing gateways for career advancement. The more involved I got, the more doors opened for me.
I am not really sure what I would do with all my new-found time if I wasn’t volunteering in the business travel industry – I think I might get bored! Actually, I would probably be out volunteering to save children and animals.
For other volunteers like myself, thank you for giving of your time and intellectual talent – you have truly made a difference in our profession. If you are just starting out in the industry and looking for a place to contribute, seek out your passion and the opportunities will find you! Become involved and you will be rewarded.
No matter how large or small the contribution of your time, I thank you!
Right now, I am writing this on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I could be doing a ton of other things, but I have a voice and I want to use that voice to encourage the spirit of volunteerism within the business travel industry. It’s the holiday season and as I reflect upon my career, I know that I am so lucky to be involved in such an amazing industry with so many amazing people!