Homework, hustle and “never switching off”: Envoyage’s winners share their secrets

We asked a handful of Envoyage’s top-performing agents and agencies to share their best advice, what winning meant to them, and a little bit of personality besides. What came back was equal parts practical wisdom and pure entertainment. “Just do it”: advice for going independent The advice on taking the leap into independence came thick and fast, and refreshingly free of corporate polish. “Don’t think about it, just do it,” said Wendy Murray, independent travel consultant. Leoni Visser of Global Explore was slightly more measured: “Make sure you have a good support structure: for finance and assistance when you’re away or need to be out of the office.” Liezel Gouws of Elevate Travel put it in business terms: “Know your worth and don’t be afraid to charge for it. You are selling clients your knowledge, expertise, time and peace of mind.” Galatia Chadwick of Approver Travel didn’t sugarcoat it: “Back yourself but be prepared to work harder than you ever have before. Going independent gives you incredible freedom, but with that freedom comes responsibility for absolutely everything.” The one thing everyone agreed on: you never switch off Ask independent agents what they wish they’d known before going out on their own, and all of them landed on almost exactly the same warning, without comparing notes. “You never really switch off.” Staying motivated (without losing your mind) The coping mechanisms were wonderfully varied. Wendy Murray leans on self-belief: “Believe in your worth, don’t let the tail wag the dog: remember you are the professional, and will always be there with the right info, more than the internet.” Leoni Visser swears by rewarding herself: “Always put a luxury goal in place, whether it’s a new fancy coffee machine or the cruise you’ve always wanted to do, something you can experience or physically see, and then work for it. You have to spoil yourself with at least one nice thing to feel rewarded.” Liezel Gouws’s rule is refreshingly simple: “Do not work in your pyjamas.”