“Having ADHD, freedom is a key value for me” – Chris is thriving thanks to being able to run his business his way

We recently caught up with Chris Donovan, one of our business Travel Counsellors who’s been with us for four years. In that time, he’s worked his way up to become one of our best-performing Gold franchisees. He’s done that while managing his ADHD and credits our flexible model for giving him the autonomy he needs to thrive.

Let Chris’ story inspire you to take the leap and become your own boss.

Great to meet you, Chris. How have you built your business since starting your journey as a corporate Travel Counsellor back in 2019? Do you have a secret to success?

For me, the cornerstone of success lies fundamentally in unwavering consistency. Over the past four years, I've dedicated myself to executing exceptional quality in my services every day.

What does high performance mean to you?

High performance embodies a commitment to focus, discipline, and consistency in daily tasks - all aimed at realising objectives. It's about relentlessly pursuing excellence and stretching beyond conventional limits. It’s an ever-evolving mindset. In essence, high performance is not just about reaching goals, but about continually raising the bar, challenging the status quo, and persistently striving for higher levels of accomplishment.

In your opinion, what’s the best thing about being a Travel Counsellor?

Having ADHD, freedom is a key value for me. I find it difficult to adhere to rigid routines, so I enjoy having a work environment that’s flexible and autonomous. This is where the Travel Counsellors franchise model truly shines as an ideal platform for entrepreneurs like me, who thrive under conditions where self-direction is actively encouraged. In a franchise, the framework is already established, but there’s plenty of opportunity for me to personalise my ways of working in ways that suit me and my clients. This balance is crucial. The autonomy is liberating. I can tackle my working day in a way that aligns with my ADHD – turning what might be seen as a limitation into an asset.

How has being a Travel Counsellor transformed your life?

It’s brought significant improvements to my work-life balance. This has been wonderfully beneficial, particularly in terms of being able to spend quality time with my young family. It’s opened up more opportunities to be present and engaged in my family life – something that’s incredibly important to me. There’s a certain fulfilment and feeling of ease that comes from being able to manage your professional responsibilities while also being there for those precious moments at home.

What are your business goals for the year ahead?

I want to achieve £5 million in sales and be a contender for the top Corporate Travel Counsellor at the 2024 annual conference.

We’re looking forward to seeing what you go on to achieve, Chris! Lastly, why would you recommend Travel Counsellors to fellow business travel professionals who want to work for themselves?

Travel Counsellors offers an exceptional platform for budding travel entrepreneurs who are eager to set up a successful business. For me, the platform stands out due to its comprehensive blend of support and autonomy, allowing you to truly tailor your business to your vision. Your efforts and dedication directly correlate to the levels of success you achieve. The more time and care you invest, the greater rewards you’re likely to reap.

But what truly sets Travel Counsellors apart is the incredible support of its community. This isn't just about having access to resources and tools; it's about being part of a network of experienced and like-minded professionals. This community aspect is invaluable, especially in the dynamic and often challenging world of business travel. Whether you're dealing with the complexities of travel regulations, needing advice on expanding your clientele, or looking for innovative travel solutions, there's always someone within the community to turn to.

Are you a seasoned business travel professional wanting the flexibility to be in charge of your working day, your targets, and your earnings? We’re growing our community of Travel Counsellors, and we’d love to have you on board. Register your interest and a member of our New Franchise team will be in touch to find out a bit more about you and your experience in business travel. We look forward to hearing from you!