Meet our Relationship Management Team: Gemma Fletcher

Our ‘Meet the Relationship Managers’ blog series continues, and in September we’re shining the spotlight on Gemma Fletcher – a hugely valued member of the team with almost two decades of service here at Travel Counsellors!

Hi Gemma! You’ve been at Travel Counsellors for 17 years – what do you love about working here?

It’s all about the people, the culture, and the community. The Relationship Management team are amazing. They are my work family! The Travel Counsellors community is so supportive. Everyone wants everybody to succeed, whether you’re a head office colleague or a business owner.

Tell us a bit about what you do day to day as a Relationship Manager

It’s such a diverse role, but predominantly I spend my time coaching our Travel Counsellors. Each coaching call is unique, and that’s what’s great about my job. No two days are the same. As a team, we want to ensure every Travel Counsellor feels supported on their business journey and that they are achieving their professional goals and ambitions.

The Relationship Management team are all ILM Level 5 qualified business coaches and Mental Health First Aiders. We support our Travel Counsellors, no matter the size of their businesses, through both the good times and the tough.

What part of your role do you enjoy the most?

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a Travel Counsellor succeed. I love seeing them achieve their business goals and flourish in confidence - and knowing my coaching session has really benefitted them. Our Travel Counsellors are so inspiring. They can literally change their lives with the businesses they build.

What’s the secret to building strong relationships with our Travel Counsellors?

We’re committed to helping our Travel Counsellors succeed. They are our customers, and we put them first so they can put their customers first.

As relationship managers, we’re there to listen, to guide, to be positive, to counsel, to encourage, to challenge, to celebrate, and to pick them up if they are having a bad day.

I’ve been here 17 years, and I have incredible relationships with so many Travel Counsellors. I still get such a kick when a successful business owner wants to book a session with me as they value my role, my skillset, and my time.

A Travel Counsellor can book a one-on-one coaching call with the Relationship Management Team at a day and time that suits them. They can have a coaching call as often as they would like.

What’s been your highlight over the last 17 years?

Wow, there have been so many! I feel really privileged to have had so many opportunities. Ten years ago, when Travel Counsellors had an Australian office, I was lucky enough to work over there and coach the Aussie business owners for a period of time. I’ve been fortunate to have been on two Gold trips, which were a chance to spend quality time with our Travel Counsellors. Gaining my ILM Level 5 in Coaching and Mentoring is another highlight. Lastly, I present Gold TCTV every month, and I feel very proud that we’ve created a regular, engaging show for our most successful franchisees.

What do you think sets Travel Counsellors apart from other travel franchises on the market?

Firstly, you won’t find a culture and community like Travel Counsellors anywhere else! You’ll have the backup of our support teams. Plus, we have an amazing platform, which includes, Phenix - our dynamic packaging and booking tool. Phenix allows the Travel Counsellor to be the tour operator and put together bespoke itineraries that are tailored to every customer – leveraging a huge portfolio of incredible product. Phenix also lets our Travel Counsellors earn great margins. Our supplier partners will also echo our reputation in the travel industry.

Why would you recommend Travel Counsellors to anyone who’s serious about setting up their own travel business?

Travel Counsellors has a business model that puts the customer first. We have incredible community support, with amazing technology and uncapped earning potential.

You’ll also receive fantastic intensive training. You’ll get a certified mentor for your first six months from a successful and experienced Travel Counsellor, and the Relationship Management team will support you from day one. In return, we ask that you commit to your business full-time with a winning, positive mindset. We’re really open around the fact that the first year will be the most challenging, but you’ll reap the rewards in the years to come!

The great thing about joining Travel Counsellors is that, although you’re running your business for yourself, you’re never by yourself. Gemma and our other Relationship Managers are just one call away, ready to support you with whatever you need to get the best out of your business. And with over 2,000 other business owners cheering you on, you’ll feel unstoppable. Ready to get started? Get in touch today!