As Nikki Parsons concludes her two-year term as Chair of the ITM Board, we sat down to reflect on the legacy, challenges, and highlights of her time leading the organisation through a period of positive transformation.
 

Reflecting on your two years as ITM Chair, what achievements are you most proud of?

As I took over as Chair, I was keen for us to be bold, try new things, hear diverse perspectives, see different faces and tackle some tricky topics. I believe we made positive progress in these areas, and I hope our members benefitted accordingly.

We did a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure the Board was able to continue to work effectively. With a large 18-person Board and an ever-dynamic industry, this was key.

Some of the achievements include:
  • An externally facilitated strategy day with Wharton Consulting, which delivered a 5-year transformation plan for ITM
  • Delivering our first stand-alone Annual General Meeting (AGM) where we shared ITM’s plans and direction with our membership. 
  • The new Governance and Nominations Committee (GNC) successfully recruited three new directors, bringing fresh faces and perspectives to the team
  • We had the Articles of Association updated and reviewed by a third-party expert company secretaries firm, aligning ITM’s constitution with current best practices

I trust I leave the Board, and consequently ITM, well positioned for continued success.

What was the most challenging moment during your tenure, and how did you overcome it?

Before I started as Chair, I was very mindful of the quite significant public speaking requirement, which was not something I had done a lot of. I was therefore really keen to improve my skills and confidence in this area.

I did some research and was recommended an amazing course at RADA called ‘Executive Presence for Women.’ After an immersive four-day course, I left with such a helpful toolkit for public speaking—and a whole host of other situations—which I was grateful for every time I had to get up on stage as Chair.

How did your previous experience on the ITM Board shape your approach as Chair?

Having the experience as an Associate for several years and then as a Director gave me a front-row seat to what it felt like to be part of those teams, and what I had needed from the Chair/Board at that time.

I observed an opportunity to provide greater clarity on future direction, and more structured roles and responsibilities, to better empower the teams to be able to deliver independently. This, along with the results of the Board self-evaluation, informed most of the projects we worked on.

What advice would you give to your successor as they take on the role?

Every Chair brings their own unique skills and experience to the role, and we were very thoughtful in our recruitment effort to ensure this matched with what we felt ITM needs going forward. My advice, therefore, would simply be: be yourself and enjoy it, as two years flies by.

What will you miss most about being ITM Chair?

It’s a real privilege to get to work with a diverse cross-section of industry colleagues as part of the Board, helping to steer a well-loved organisation like ITM on its journey in an ever-competitive landscape. Working in a team with other travel professionals on strategic projects bigger than any one travel programme has been really enjoyable. I will miss the big-picture strategy work and, of course, the wonderful people I was lucky enough to work with.

How has your perspective on the business travel industry evolved during your leadership journey?

I think being on the Board and in the Chair role specifically affords you the opportunity to zoom out from the day to day. It demands that you think bigger and longer-term, which is exciting and challenging given how dynamic the industry is. The different types of conversations you are privy to across a breadth of suppliers and travel managers help to inform this view and are always fascinating.

I learnt a huge amount personally and professionally during the two-year term, so thank you to everyone who humoured my curiosity and stopped to have a chat. I leave energised by the fast-paced evolution of the industry, amazed by the technology we have coming, inspired by the leaders charting a course for success through ever-turbulent skies, and still loving the energy and positivity of the travel community.

Looking back, what has been your favourite moment as ITM Chair, and why does it stand out to you?

I don’t think there was just one favourite moment. I will remember lots of small moments of authentic connection and support from the wonderful people in our community and the many learning opportunities being in the role afforded me.

I would like to close by recognising and thanking the Board and ITM team for their hard work, partnership and generous support. Thanks for embracing the change and dreaming big.