The Business Travel People Awards
The Appointment Group’s Jodie Edwards-locke received the Rising Star accolade at the The Business Travel People Awards 2017
You received the Rising Star award in 2017. How did that feel? It felt absolutely amazing. I was completely shocked and totally honoured to have been chosen, even just as a finalist. The winners trip to Abu Dhabi was incredible and I got to meet some wonderful people. I wasn’t sure what would happen to my career after returning from maternity leave, but I’ve continued to take on new challenges and roles since returning and the Rising Star award was incredibly special to me and made me realise I’d done well and that my career in travel wasn’t yet over!
Tell us about your new role at The Appointment Group? My role now as Managing Director of The Appointment Group (TAG) in London is really varied and has daily challenges. I work alongside great people from our various trading divisions as well as all of our support services, so I get to have a broad overview of how all areas are performing. I’m integral to changes that we’re looking at making in order to keep the business continually evolving.
The Business Travel People Awards recognise outstanding individuals and teams across all aspects of the supplier element of corporate travel management whose professionalism and business excellence make them stand out from their industry peers. The 2018 awards are open for nominations until March 6 I would strongly encourage as many people as possible to get involved and nominate themselves or colleagues”
Your rise through the business has been rapid – what do you attribute it to? Working really hard and always asking for more challenges and responsibility, being a team player and grasping opportunities with both hands – even if they’re daunting. It’s also down to working with great people in the business, recognising fresh talent and wanting to retain them by keeping them motivated. I’ve been extremely lucky to have been given so many amazing opportunities at TAG.
What do you think of The Business Travel People Awards in general? I think they’re an excellent way to recognise your star performers in a business and retain them. It can boost morale and is great PR not only for the individual but also for the business in return. It doesn’t cost anything except a little of your time in writing the nomination, which is worth every penny.
And as the Rising Star winner you’re now on this year’s judging panel – are you looking forward to that? I’m really excited to be involved in the judging this year. I can’t wait to read the nominations and then see the happy faces of the finalists and winners at the ceremony in May. I would urge as many people as possible to get involved and nominate yourselves or your colleagues.
What advice would you give to others entering the awards? Don’t be shy! Tell us what you’ve done to go above and beyond, what your team achieves on a daily basis that may differ from others, and what really makes you shine brightly. The more detail the better as it will give us detailed insight of the nominee and help us decide on the worthy shortlist and deserving winners. There are new categories this year – the Best Newcomer award and Champion of Champions accolade so there are even more opportunities to win.