Three behind-the-scenes lessons from recent Accelerate Hot Topic Trainings
Instagram and other social media platforms show us the glossy side of business: a client’s dream trip, a perfectly branded logo, a glimpse of “success.” But what doesn’t often make it to the feed? The behind-the-scenes work that makes that success sustainable.
At Gifted Travel Network, we believe the strongest businesses are built from the inside out. That’s why professional development isn’t just a bonus: It’s our foundation. Through programs like Travel MBA and Accelerate, we guide advisors through the essential (but often less glamorous) layers of running a business: refining leadership, managing risk, and stepping fully into ownership of your brand and your vision.
Our Hot Topic Trainings are designed to meet advisors at this deeper level. In the first half of 2025, we covered topics that don’t regularly trend but matter more than ever. Here are three takeaways that every advisor should know. No hashtags, filters, or trending sounds required.
1. When You Know Your Wiring, You Lead Differently
Featuring Sandhya Sudhakar, Enneagram Expert and Leadership Coach
In our Enneagram workshop with Sandhya Sudhakar of Self at Work, we explored how different Enneagram types are motivated, how they respond to stress, and how understanding these patterns can unlock better communication with clients, your team, your family, and yourself.
One major aha was that sometimes what looks like procrastination or overthinking is actually a nervous system response to stress. The more you understand your default pattern (and others’ patterns) under pressure, the more power you have to respond with intention, not reactivity.
“The Enneagram helps you become aware of your internal operating system—what drives your behavior, especially under stress—so you can pause and choose a different response,” Sandhya explained. “That’s where real growth happens.”
Whether you’re a perfectionist Type One or a visionary Type Seven, using tools like the Enneagram can help you move from self-criticism to self-leadership. That shift can change everything.
2. Legal risk isn’t the problem. Unmanaged risk is.
Featuring Tom Carpenter, Travel Industry Attorney and Advisor
This session was a masterclass in protecting your business without losing sleep (or your savings account). From client agreements to credit card authorizations, Tom reminded us that risk isn’t something to fear. Rather, it’s something to manage.
He emphasized the importance of building safeguards into your workflow before something goes wrong. Waiting until a crisis hits? That’s too late.
One specific tip: “Disclose who you’re booking through,” Tom urged. “If your invoice just says ‘Hotel in Rome,’ and there’s a problem, guess who’s now the tour operator? You.”
Tom also urged advisors to tighten up their client agreements, use tech tools that document consent, and never skip a credit card authorization, even if your client says “just charge the card on file.” These aren’t just legal best practices. They’re how you protect your business for the long haul.
3. Your brand is your most valuable asset. Treat it like one.
Featuring M.J. Williams, Intellectual Property Attorney
Earlier this year, M.J. Williams broke down what it really means to own your brand, from the names you use to the content you create. She clarified the difference between copyright and trademark, outlined how to protect your work when collaborating with others, and offered clear steps to safeguard your intellectual property as your business grows.
This isn’t just theoretical: It’s highly relevant. For example, one advisor in our network recently received a Google Alert indicating that another business in the industry was preparing to launch under the same name. It was likely unintentional, but it could have led to serious brand confusion or even a legal battle. A simple trademark search by that other advisor early on could have prevented the close call.
“Your business name might be deeply meaningful to you,” M.J. shared, “but if someone else has already filed a trademark, they may have the right to tell you to stop using it.”
At GTN, we’re proud to offer the kind of trainings and resources that help advisors navigate situations like this one with clarity and confidence before they become costly or complicated.
As M.J. explained, it’s not just about protecting your content from others. It’s also about ensuring you can confidently claim what’s yours.
The Bottom Line: Real Growth Requires Real Tools
The most important work you do as a business owner rarely shows up in your Instagram grid.
At GTN, we’re proud to guide advisors through the layers of business that matter most. The ones that don’t always look flashy, but create real, lasting momentum. Whether it’s understanding your leadership wiring, strengthening your contracts, or protecting your brand identity, these are some of the tools that create true stability and success.
After all, growth isn’t just about getting noticed. It’s about getting grounded. So, whether you’re anchoring your brand, protecting your work, or learning to lead with intention, you’re doing important work to build something that lasts.
While that kind of growth may not trend on social media, it’s exactly what sets you apart.
