From banking to dream-making – how one risk manager found her true calling with Travel Counsellors

After more than 30 years in finance, working as a risk manager in the wealth management division of a large bank, Colette Milliken was used to making sure everyone else played by the rules. “I had the difficult job of keeping private bankers on the straight and narrow,” she laughs. But after decades of spreadsheets and compliance reports, she felt it was time for something new - something that made her truly happy.

“I almost took a job in travel as part of the YTS scheme in 1987, but when I was offered a junior post in a stockbrokers, that won. Then, travel became my passion outside of work. When I left finance, I decided that I wanted to have a job that was for me – one that made me feel joy and fulfilment. And what better way to do that than helping others make those dreams come true?”

Exploring her options

When Colette began looking at her options, she came across Travel Counsellors through a franchise information pack provided as part of her exit from finance – so she began to research her options. “I looked at one other travel business, but it turned out to be a pyramid scheme. I also explored a local travel agency, but neither felt right. What stood out to me about Travel Counsellors was the supportive community and ongoing training opportunities.”

How attending a Discovery Day was a game-changer

To help make the decision together, she attended a Travel Counsellors Discovery Day in July with her husband. “I’d already decided this was what I wanted to do, but I felt it was important for him to be fully supportive. The Discovery Day gave him the confidence and understanding he needed — and by the end, he was 100% by my side.”

Making the transition

Transitioning from a salaried career to running her own business was a big step. “The only thing I worried about was not earning right away,” she admits. “I’ve been earning for four decades, so adjusting to that mindset was a change. But I knew I had the means and motivation to make it work.”

The recruitment and induction process made that switch easier than she expected. “It’s been amazing,” she says. “Julia in the Franchise Sales team was so patient while I made my decision, and Kristina’s energy during training was awesome. You really feel supported every step of the way.”

An exciting future ahead

Now, as she builds her travel business, Colette is loving the freedom, creativity, and personal connection that come with helping clients turn their dreams into reality. Her advice to others thinking about a similar change?

“If you can, just do it! Life’s too short to wonder ‘what if?’”

Are you ready to make a change? If you want to find out how Travel Counsellors can help you turn your passion for travel into a thriving business, book onto one of our upcoming Discovery events for a no-pressure insight into our community.