Behind the Big Desk

Calum is a multi-award-winning travel leader, currently the Managing Partner of BTC Global, a consultancy helping businesses optimise their travel programmes, specifically those without dedicated Travel Managers. With deep expertise in crisis management, policy design, and cost optimisation, Calum has spent years helping companies bring value to their travel programmes, most notably as the former...

This week on Behind the Big Desk, Dani Ives is joined by young founder Justine Palefsky, CEO and co founder of Kindred, the global home swapping community giving members access to beautiful homes in more than 150 cities at a fraction of traditional travel costs. Justine shares how Kindred grew from idea to global community and why a new generation of entrepreneurs is putting human connection and t...

Abby is joined by co hosts Dan Hayward and Dani Ives to unpack what generational differences at work really look like from the big desk. Drawing on Dans conversation with recruitment expert Emma Gregory and Danis discussion with wellbeing specialist Aron Jamson, the three hosts share their own experiences of hiring, supporting and leading across age groups, and ask what needs to change if organisa...

In this episode Emma joins Dan to share what she is really seeing across the generations in the recruitment market. From Gen Z to Gen X, she lifts the lid on what candidates want, where expectations clash and how employers are getting it wrong and right. If you want a clear view from someone in the middle of the talent conversation every day, this one is for you

Aron Jameson went from trainee to Head of Operations at ATPI, with experience across three major TMCs, then founded AJW to turn talk into action on workplace wellbeing. In this episode he and co host Dani Ives explore what leaders can do today, from simple rituals to NLP informed coaching, so wellbeing becomes something companies live, not just say. A sharp, practical listen for anyone responsible...

The desk just got bigger. I am thrilled to welcome Daniel Hayward and Dani Ives as co-hosts, two sharp minds who bring different lenses and a shared love of getting things done. Together we are opening the season to a conversation that matters, how generations work side by side, where it rubs, where it shines, and how leaders can help mixed teams thrive. Expect real stories, practical tools, and h...

In this episode of Behind the Big Desk, Abby sits down with Claire Herbert, Sales Director at Flight Directors, for a refreshingly honest chat about leadership, personality, and the power of showing up as your true self.  From owning the room to challenging perceptions with the question “Am I intimidating, or are you intimidated?”, Claire brings insight, energy, and plenty of personality to the ta...

In this episode of Behind the Big Desk, we sit down with aviation enthusiast Dean Mitchell to trace his lifelong passion for flight, from childhood plane-spotting to his current role shaping airline operations and explore how his knack for genuine relationship building has fueled every career milestone. Dean shares real-world stories of partnerships that unlocked new opportunities and underscores...

Get ready to swap the conference table for sun, sand and surf in this special “Behind the Big Desk” episode with James Marchant, Head of Business Development at easyJet. We took our cameras to the beach to uncover how James navigates the fast lanes of aviation, turning bold ideas into partnerships ready for the runway and breakthroughs driven by data, all while balancing the ripple effects of sust...

In this episode of Behind the Big Desk, we sit down with Edward Leigh — Chair of Azure Luxury Travel and Founder of Independents Powered by Azure — to explore how he’s flipping the traditional travel model on its head. With over 30 years of leadership in both luxury and corporate travel, Edward shares how he’s putting power back in the hands of independent agents, creating a new standard of suppor...

Behind the Podcast: Chris Airey – A Journey of Purpose and Progress In this powerful episode of Behind the Podcast, we sit down with Chris Airey, the visionary founder of Diversity Travel. Chris shares his inspiring journey from the ground up, revealing how his values shaped a business that puts ethical trading, diversity in the workplace, and inclusive travel at its core. From redefining the work...

This episode features the brilliant Dani Ives, a dynamic leader whose passion and energy have always left a lasting impression. Abby had the pleasure of working closely with Dani and was instantly struck by her commitment, positivity, and ability to bring people together. Their collaboration was a reminder that leadership isn’t always about what you can teach someone, but just as often, about what...

This week, we’re joined by Dave Clare, a well-known figure in travel, media, and events. With a career that’s taken him from the press rooms to the global stage of event planning, Dave has spent decades bringing people together across borders, cultures, and industries. Whether telling stories that inspire wanderlust or curating events that connect the very heart of the travel community, his career...

In this episode of Behind the Big Desk, I’m joined by Matt Gatenby, Senior Partner at Travlaw LLP, one of the UK’s leading travel law specialists. Matt has spent decades advising businesses across the travel industry on everything from regulation and compliance to risk management and commercial contracts. His deep understanding of the unique challenges facing the sector makes him one of the most r...

In this episode of Behind the Big Desk, we dive into the dynamic career of James Diaz, a leader who started as an entrepreneur, transitioned into the corporate world, and is now making the leap back into entrepreneurship. James shares the lessons he learned from building his first business, what drew him into the structure and scale of corporate leadership, and why he’s now returning to the fast-p...

In the first episode Behind the Big Desk, we’re thrilled to welcome Dame Irene Hays, a renowned leader in the travel and business sectors. Dame Irene’s remarkable career and her unique perspective on leadership make her an ideal guest to discuss the personal and professional challenges of leading at the highest levels.