Behind the Big Desk

S2- EP02- Living Wellbeing at Work, Aron Jameson joins Dani Ives

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 for people and performance.

S2- EP01- The Desk Just Got Bigger

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 honest debate, pace versus patience, texts versus calls, data versus instinct. Some weeks you will hear the three of us together, other weeks one of us will sit down with a guest who has something useful to teach across ages. Our promise is simple, respectful discussion, clear takeaways, and a space where experience and fresh perspective meet.
Pull up a chair, invite a colleague from another generation, and let us find better ways of working together.

EP10: Claire Herbert: Sales, Sass, and Showing Up Authentically

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 table.  Recorded over tea (after cocktails the night before), this episode is a celebration of women who lead without losing themselves in the process.  A bold and brilliant way to wrap up the season – tune in now.

EP09: Dean Mitchell: Kindness rules!

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 why trust and collaboration are indispensable in aviation. We also dive into his unwavering commitment to accessible travel, examining the mobility, sensory, and cognitive barriers still facing passengers and spotlighting the innovative approach he’s leading to make air travel truly inclusive for everyone.

EP08: James Marchant's Secret

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 sustainability. With waves lapping in the background, James shares sun-drenched stories of forging unexpected alliances, charting growth in turbulent markets and keeping customers flying high on innovation. It is the same big desk wisdom you love, now with a fresh saltwater twist—perfect for anyone curious about the future of travel or just craving a laid-back conversation that goes beyond the usual corporate script. Kick off your shoes, tune in and let James Marchant show you how easyJet makes big moves under the wide open sky.

EP07: Edward Leigh Is Breaking Travel as We Know It

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 support, commercial strength, and true autonomy.
We talk leadership legacy, disrupting outdated systems, and what it really means to champion others in business. This is a must-listen for anyone ready to challenge the norm and lead with purpose.

EP06: Chris Airey: Supporting Those Who Support Others

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 workplace model to championing underrepresented voices, Chris offers an open and engaging conversation about building a business that truly makes a difference. If you're passionate about purpose-led leadership and creating meaningful impact, this episode is a must-listen.
🎧 Tune in now – your perspective on modern business might just change.
#DiversityInBusiness #EthicalLeadership #NewWorkplaceModel #BehindThePodcast #myexecuk

EP05: Dani Ives: Old School Meets New Rules

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 they can teach you.
It's an absolute joy for Abby to welcome Dani onto the podcast for a candid conversation exploring generational differences in leadership, what it truly means to lead in today’s world, and the pivotal moments that inspired Dani to step into leadership herself. Get ready for an inspiring and insightful episode with one of the most vibrant voices in business travel.

EP04: Dave Clare’s Bold Take: Travel Is a Movement, Not a Market

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 has always been about creating experiences and lasting connections.
In this episode, Dave shares his journey through the evolving world of travel, the lessons learned along the way, and how at every turn it’s always been about people, places, and the power of bringing them together.

EP03: Matt Gatenby: Meet the Lawyer Making Sure Travel Doesn’t Fall Apart

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 respected voices in travel law today.
We’ll be diving into the legal landscape shaping the industry right now, discussing everything from protecting customer money, trust accounts, and escrow, to what operators and consultants should really be thinking about as they plan for growth in an ever-changing market.
If you’re in the travel sector, whether running a business, advising clients, or just curious about the legal framework behind the scenes, this episode is packed with insight you won’t want to miss.