Episode 226 Shop Talk: First class flights & surprise staffing changes
“My business didn’t fall apart. Not because I had it all together—but because my systems did.”
Summary:
Shop Talk is where we talk about what is going on in our travel businesses, getting honest about the day to day and big picture successes and struggles. Brianna recaps her epic Emirates first-class experience—secured via a flurry of points and last-minute magic—while Whitney walks us through losing both her employees in five weeks, onboarding overseas hires, and simplifying systems without skipping a beat. If you’re navigating growth, hiring, or unexpected transition, this conversation will meet you right where you are.
About the Hosts:
Whitney Shindelar is the Owner and Principal Travel Advisor at Undiscovered Sunsets, founder of The Hive, and the creative force behind Masters in Travel, a podcast and community empowering travel advisors to thrive. With a background in luxury hospitality and a passion for culturally rich, unhurried travel, she brings deep industry insight and collaborative energy to everything she builds.
Brianna Glenn is the founder of boutique travel agency Milk + Honey Travels and co-owner of Masters in Travel, where she blends her passion for entrepreneurship, branding, and community. A former professional track and field athlete turned travel advisor, she now helps others dream big and thrive in the travel industry.
Key Takeaways:
How strategic travel routing can elevate your brand experience
Hiring overseas? Understand the different agency models before committing
Developing clear SOPs and workflows to soften the blow of team transitions
No one is irreplaceable—how to build systems, not dependencies
Related Episodes:
🎧 Episode 206 How to Set CEO-Worthy Goals for Your Travel Business
🎧 Episode 211 Defining Your Travel Brand: How to stand out in a saturated market
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