From Enduring to Enjoying: Rethinking Work Travel

This week reminded me just how far I’ve come, not just professionally, but personally, in how I approach my work, my energy, and even travel itself.
 
I had the great pleasure of delivering my Mental Resilience Masterclass to Chair David Harding and his Vistage Group in Brighton. The session took place at the iconic Amex Stadium, home of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, and what a brilliant setting it was.
 
The group itself was exceptional. A room full of high-achieving Managing Directors, fully engaged, open, curious, and generous with their feedback. I’m always humbled when senior leaders tell me how helpful and relevant a session has been. It never gets taken for granted.
 
What struck me most, though, was the contrast with my early days delivering to Vistage groups. Back then, I wasn’t very good. I had full-blown imposter syndrome, felt like I was winging it, and if I’m honest, I didn’t enjoy the experience. The feedback reflected that.
 
Fast-forward to today, and the difference is night and day. My masterclass has evolved, my confidence has grown, and my delivery is far more authentic. Now it feels like a shared experience; we feed off each other’s energy, and I absolutely love it.
 
 
What’s also changed is how I travel.
 
Instead of rushing down at the last minute, I left home around 10 am and arrived in Brighton early afternoon. I went straight to the stadium to get my bearings, then checked into the hotel. I treated myself to a lovely room overlooking the ocean – not as an indulgence, but as a deliberate choice to enjoy the whole experience.
 
I had time to relax, reset, and later enjoyed a lovely evening meal with David. No stress. No rushing. Just presence.
 
The following day, after delivering the three-hour session and enjoying lunch with the group, I headed to Crawley for a second night. Years ago, I would have driven straight home and endured 4–5 hours of stop-start traffic on the M25 and M1, arriving exhausted.
 
 
Now I do something different.
 
I turn these trips into mini-breaks.
 
I checked into the hotel in Crawley, just south of the M25, mid-afternoon, relaxed in my room, went for an early curry (Butter Chicken, naan, pilau rice – I’m a creature of habit), then called Julie at 7 pm to talk through the day. Lights out at 9 pm. Up at 4 am. Seven solid hours of sleep.
 
At 4.30 am, I was on the road.
 
 
And this is where the magic happens.
 
Cruising along the M25 and M1 at a steady 70mph, no traffic, no braking, just music and flow. Two of the busiest motorways in the country are completely clear. Heaven.
 
I was home by 7.30 am, energised, calm, and with a full productive day ahead. I started the morning with my positive affirmations and visualising my Vision Board, which always lifts my energy and sharpens my focus. Then I wrote this blog.
 
 
3 Key Learnings

• Design your experience, don’t endure it. Small changes in timing, rest, and environment can transform how you feel. 
• Confidence is built through repetition and reflection. Growth comes from staying in the game long enough to evolve. 
• Energy management beats time management. How you travel, sleep, and recover matters as much as what you deliver. 

 
It’s incredible how a few thoughtful adjustments can completely change the experience.
 
I used to hate long trips.
 
Now, I genuinely look forward to them.
 
It’s the difference between enduring an experience and enjoying it. And the only thing that changed was a few intentional adjustments.
 
 
Thoughts for the Week 

1. Where are you currently “pushing through” when a redesign would serve you better?
2. What one routine could you change to turn stress into enjoyment?
3. How might slowing down slightly help you perform better overall? 

 
Well, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful weekend and keep believing.
 
Warm regards.

John

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