Highlights from Ensemble’s 2017 Executive Retreat

Building an individual's self-esteem is a leader’s most important job—one that’s accomplished through understanding the importance, formation and reshaping of that confidence, according to John Casey, a career development expert.

Casey was a guest educator at Ensemble Travel Group’s 2017 Executive Retreat for U.S. members, held earlier this month at Wild Dunes Resort, outside of Charleston.

The annual event is part of Ensemble’s series of professional development forums to help agency owners and teams advance their executive expertise in the business of travel.

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The director of corporate learning for 2logical, Casey’s two-day workshop, “The Art of Leadership & Science of Management,” was built around research, case studies and one-on-one interviews with Ensemble members conducted in advance of the retreat.

“The business world is full of good managers, but to be an effective leader is a totally different mindset and focus,” said Libbie Rice, co-president. “John Casey was a master at helping our members bridge that gap by recognizing those differences and then providing a roadmap to the ultimate leadership level for their respective agencies.”

Michael Benz of Professional Travel in Cleveland, OH agreed with Rice: “While my industry and product knowledge is strong, I was interested in evaluating and improving my leadership skills and learning some modern techniques to apply.

“The anecdotes and examples provided by John and the other owners and managers really connected theory with workplace realities. I was excited to use the strategies right away in my interactions with the leisure travel team,” added Benz.

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In addition to Casey’s training, attendees participated in one-on-one partner meetings, a state-of-the-organization update by Rice and Co-President Lindsay Pearlman, as well as well as a team-building scavenger hunt, which ended with a dinner at the historic Thomas Bennet House in downtown Charleston.

John Casey will also be the guest educator at the 2017 Ensemble Executive Retreat for Canadian members, which is set for April 23 to 26 at Queen's Landing in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON.