The 'Responsible' Breakfast: the courage to follow your heart

At this month's Chamber Breakfast, I had the privilege of attending my first Chamber Breakfast, and what an inspiring debut it was! We were fortunate to hear from Tim Williamson, Director at Responsible Travel, who shared his remarkable journey from wine merchant to responsible travel expert. As many of us know from our own experiences, no path is a straight line, and if it is, it’s probably not worth talking about anyway. There were definitely a few important lessons along Tim’s journey that we could all learn from or relate to, one of those in Tim’s words being, “the courage to follow your heart”. 

A pivotal adventure

Tim’s early career in the travel industry was as a Marketing & Product Director with First Choice which then became TUI. Tim often made the long commute to Luton for work, a sacrifice that took precious time away from his family. It sounded as though it was a necessary but reluctant choice, a common struggle many of us face in balancing professional demands with personal life. 

What seemed like a very pivotal time for Tim was after the decision was made for him to leave TUI, it gave Tim, his wife and his kids an opportunity for adventure and to do something they wouldn’t forget: a year of volunteering at a preschool in Swaziland. This experience was transformative, not just for those they helped, but for Tim and his family as well. Tim introduced us to the concept of the “Win win of volunteering,” emphasising how much everyone stands to gain from such experiences. Reminding us that volunteering is not only about aiding others but also about the personal growth and fulfilment that comes from it.

Returning and redirecting

Despite this profound experience, Tim’s return to the UK saw him commuting again, this time to Luton for Monarch Airlines. Something it seems he can laugh about now but if you believe in fate it seems like the powers that be were telling him that this wasn’t the direction for him. As Tim said, following your heart takes “courage”.

It was a challenging period, marked by what could be described as strong turbulence within the company, although I think a few other choice words were used. It was Tim’s job to ultimately let a large amount of staff at Monarch Airlines go. So, on his commute to the HQ in Luton for what was going to be a less than enjoyable day, just to make sure Tim really found the courage to follow his heart, he was drenched by a bus at the side of the road. An unpleasant and soggy day of doing an unwanted task that left an image in his mind that he won’t forget.

Finding Responsible Travel

Luckily during this tumultuous time, Tim encountered Justin Francis, the Co-Founder of Responsible Travel, a company dedicated to travel that supports local communities and preserves nature. This discovery was pivotal, as it clearly aligned perfectly with Tim’s values and aspirations.

Eventually, Tim mustered the courage to join Justin and the team at Responsible Travel, embracing a role that resonated deeply with him and allowed him to make a meaningful impact. This decision marked a significant shift in his career, driven by a desire to contribute positively to the world.

The power of volunteering

Volunteering has since become a cornerstone of Tim’s life. His family is actively involved with charities such as Sussex Nightstop, which supports youth homelessness by providing them with temporary accommodation. Tim’s passion for volunteering was evident in his voice, highlighting its importance and the mutual benefits it offers. He also addressed a concerning trend which I personally was unaware of: the drastic drop in volunteering in the UK.

Tim proposed several solutions to counter this decline, particularly within the business community. He suggested that companies encourage employee volunteering, an idea that resonated with many in the room. Brighton Chamber’s extensive network, which also includes around 50 charities, presents a perfect starting point for businesses looking to get involved. If this is something you're interested in I imagine the charities would love to talk and I’m sure the Brighton Chamber team can help make connections.

Practical volunteering tips

Some practical advice was offered by Tim and others in the room for integrating volunteering into busy schedules. One suggestion was to offer just an hour or two of your time, which can often be more manageable and sometimes actually more valuable for charities than a full day. Another tip for accountability was to ask employees to simply share their volunteering experiences, fostering a culture of giving and community engagement within the workplace.

A Personal Reflection

For me, the key takeaway from Tim’s talk was the importance of having the courage to follow your heart and pursue something meaningful. Also, his message about the “Win win of volunteering” particularly resonated with me. It’s a reminder that helping others can enrich our own lives in unexpected ways. Something I’m finding this community is already great at.

Conclusion

Tim Williamson’s journey from a wine merchant to a champion of responsible travel is a testament to the power of following your heart and the profound impact of volunteering. His story is a call to action for all of us to find ways to give back, support our communities, and embrace paths that align with our values.

As we left the breakfast, I was filled with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration. Tim’s talk was more than just a recounting of his journey; it was a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we have the courage to follow our hearts.

Many thanks to Matt Smart from Glass House Marketing for summarizing Tim's talk- you can find out more about Glass House Marketing here. With special thanks also to Tim Williamson for being our May Chamber Breakfast speaker. Read more about Responsible Travel on their website.

And, if you'd like to come along to one of our monthly Chamber Breakfasts to network with over 70 other Brighton businesses, and hear from an inspiring speaker, head over to our events calendar. 

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk