Behind the Big Desk

Episode 05: Dani Ives

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.

Episode 04: Dave Clare

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.

Episode 03: Matt Gatenby

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.
Let’s get started.

Episode 02: James Diaz

In this episode of Behind the Big Desk, we dive into the dynamic career of James Diaz, a leader who started as an entrepreneur, transitioned into the corporate world, and is now making the leap back into entrepreneurship.
James shares the lessons he learned from building his first business, what drew him into the structure and scale of corporate leadership, and why he’s now returning to the fast-paced, high-stakes world of entrepreneurship. We explore the highs and lows of both paths, the skills that translate between the two worlds, and what it takes to take the leap—twice.
If you’ve ever wondered about the trade-offs between running your own business and leading within a corporate structure, this episode is packed with real-world insights, reflections, and strategies for navigating both.

Episode 01: Dame Irene Hays

In the first episode Behind the Big Desk, we’re thrilled to welcome Dame Irene Hays, a renowned leader in the travel and business sectors. Dame Irene’s remarkable career and her unique perspective on leadership make her an ideal guest to discuss the personal and professional challenges of leading at the highest levels.