One More for the Road: A Final Conversation with TLN's Christine James

After 27 years with Travel Leaders Network and more than four decades in travel, Christine James reflects on the people, lessons and experiences that shaped her career — and the meaningful new chapter waiting beyond October 30.


Certain people in the industry have a way of making you feel as though you’ve known them forever, even if you’ve only just met.

Christine James is one of those people.

In all the times I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with Christine, whether at an industry event or sitting down for a conversation, I’ve watched her light up a room without ever trying to command it. She has an extraordinary ability to make people feel welcome, to turn introductions into conversations and conversations into friendships.

And as she prepares to retire from Travel Leaders Network on October 30, after 27 years with the organization and more than four decades in the travel industry, it’s something I know we’ll collectively miss.

But before stepping away, James shared one final conversation with TravelPulse Canada. One more for the road.

What emerged was more than a reflection on a successful career. It was a conversation about the people who shape us, the strength we find in one another, the importance of knowing when to begin again, and the kind of legacy that cannot be captured in a job title.

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James is still getting used to the idea.

“I don’t think it will fully sink in until days, or perhaps even weeks, after my official retirement date. When you’ve operated at a fast pace for so many years, it naturally takes time to slow down.”

As October 30 approaches, she says the emotions are understandably mixed.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside such dedicated, talented, and passionate people throughout my career. At the same time, I know I’ll miss the daily interactions and connections that have meant so much to me over the years.”

The Best Measure of Success Is Often Someone Else's

Twenty-seven years is a long time to spend with one organization. Long enough to witness an industry reinvent itself several times over, to navigate crises that once seemed unimaginable, and to see generations of travel advisors build businesses and careers of their own.

But ask her what stands out most, and she doesn’t begin with awards, titles or milestones.

She talks about people.

“There have been countless memorable moments throughout my career, but what still gives me the greatest sense of pride is seeing the positive impact we have on our members and supplier partners.

“Whether it’s hosting an event, launching a new initiative, or hearing directly from advisors about how we’ve helped them grow their businesses, those moments never get old. The genuine appreciation and success of the people we serve have always been the most rewarding part of my work.”

It would be easy to dismiss that as the gracious answer of a seasoned executive. But she doesn’t simply know people in this industry. She remembers them, takes an interest in them and makes them feel that their success matters. And that is why, as she prepares to leave, the messages she’s received have meant so much.

Women Shaping Travel: ‘Stronger When We Support One Another’ — TLN’s Christine James

“I have been truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of well wishes and expressions of gratitude I’ve received, particularly from travel advisors whom I’ve had the privilege of supporting and advocating for throughout my career.”

She has a way of making people feel seen, regardless of their position or experience. And in a business built on human connection, that may be among the most valuable qualities a leader can possess.

“I sincerely believe that strong relationships are the cornerstone of success, both personally and professionally. If that’s how people remember me, I would be very grateful.”

We suspect she needn’t worry about that.

The Influence of Good Leadership

Earlier this year, James spoke with TravelPulse Canada for its Women Shaping Travel series, sharing her belief that women are stronger when they support one another.

As she prepares to retire, that conviction remains unchanged.

"Women make up a significant part of our industry, and my belief remains the same today as it was earlier this year: we’re stronger when we support one another.

“I have tremendous admiration for the many women I’ve worked with throughout my career who lead, mentor, encourage, and champion one another every day. Their support, friendship, and example have made a lasting difference in my life and career.”

When asked whether there was someone who had particularly influenced the leader she became, she recalled a woman whose example left a lasting impression.

“One leader in particular stands out. She led by example, always gave credit where credit was due, and never sought the spotlight for herself.

“Her leadership style left a lasting impression on me and helped shape the kind of leader I wanted to become. It’s a lesson I’ve carried with me throughout my career and one I’ve tried to pay forward to others.”

It's a deceptively simple philosophy, but an important one. There’s something powerful about a leader who understands the value of making space for others.

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It isn't always about being the loudest voice in the room or the person receiving the applause. Sometimes, it's about recognizing someone else's contribution, offering encouragement when it's needed most, or creating opportunities for others to succeed.

And maybe the most lasting influence a leader can have is not in what they achieve themselves, but in the qualities others choose to carry forward because of them.

Through the Hardest Days

Few industries have been tested quite like travel.

During James' career, the industry has navigated the aftermath of September 11, a global pandemic that brought international travel to a near standstill, and an evolving landscape of geopolitical uncertainty.

There were moments, she admits, when the path forward was difficult to imagine.

“To say our industry has faced its share of challenges and setbacks would be an understatement,” she told TravelPulse Canada.

“What continually inspired me, however, was our industry’s resilience. Time and again, we’ve adapted, learned, and emerged stronger. Watching the travel community come together in the face of adversity has been both humbling and motivating.”

It’s a perspective earned through experience, and one she hopes the industry will carry forward long after her departure.

“To the Canadian travel industry, I would simply say: continue to be as resilient, adaptable, and passionate as you’ve always been. Those qualities have carried us through every challenge and will continue to drive our success in the future.”

Knowing When It’s Time

There’s something reassuring about leaving a place you’ve helped build when you know it’s in good hands.

James is stepping away at a time when Travel Leaders Network is performing well, and she is optimistic about what comes next for the organization and its Canadian members.

“With industry-leading tools, innovative technology, and valuable resources, the organization will continue helping Canadian advisors grow and thrive.”

But there's another consideration, one that becomes increasingly important after decades spent moving at the pace of an industry that rarely slows down.

Time.

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“As much as I love what I do, I felt the timing was right to embrace a different pace of life, spend more quality time with family and friends, and enjoy travelling simply for the joy of it, without an agenda or the constant pull of checking emails.

“Knowing the organization is in such a strong position gives me tremendous confidence as I step away.”

And while she will undoubtedly miss the people, there are a few things she won’t be sorry to leave behind.

“What won’t I miss? Waking up at ‘dark-thirty’ to catch an early morning flight, or unpacking and repacking luggage during back-to-back business trips. I’ve certainly earned a break from that routine.”

Anyone who has spent enough time travelling for work can appreciate that sentiment.

There’s a difference between seeing the world and having the time to truly experience it. James has spent much of her life doing the former. Now, she gets to enjoy more of the latter.

And with 95 countries already visited, she has a very specific goal in mind.

“Joining the Century Club by reaching 100 countries is a personal goal I’d still love to achieve.”

Five more countries. This time, perhaps, without an overflowing inbox waiting at the other end.

L–R: Cory Voss, Travel Leaders Group; Pam Young, Internova Travel Group; Lindsay Pearlman, Travel Leaders Network; Christine James, Travel Leaders Network; Stephen McGillivray, Internova Travel Group (Photo Credit: Natasha Lair-McKenty)

Sometimes Our Hardest Chapters Give Us a New Purpose

But amid the plans for travel, family, friends and long-postponed personal projects, James shared something that gives this next chapter a particularly meaningful dimension.

In 2007, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer.

Nearly two decades later, she hasn’t forgotten the comfort she found in the experiences of other women who had faced the same diagnosis.

“In retirement, I hope to dedicate some of my time to supporting women facing a similar diagnosis. If sharing my experience can help even one person feel less alone, that would be incredibly meaningful to me.”

For someone whose professional life has been defined by relationships, mentorship and helping others find their footing, it’s only natural that her next chapter would include extending that same kindness.

There’s a quiet generosity in wanting to take one of life’s most difficult experiences and use it to make someone else’s journey a little less lonely.

Retirement isn’t about what she’s leaving behind. It’s also about the difference she still hopes to make.

The Christine We Might Have Known

Of course, we couldn’t let James go without asking one final, slightly unexpected question.

After decades of interviews, speeches and industry conversations, was there something nobody had ever asked her that she wished they had?

“I have absolutely no regrets about the career path I’ve chosen, but if I hadn’t worked in the travel industry, my second choice might have been hosting a television show like ‘What Not to Wear.’ I’ve always enjoyed helping women feel confident and look their best.”

And even in that alternate career, the underlying motivation sounds familiar.

Helping others feel their best.

Some things, it seems, have little to do with the career we choose and everything to do with who we are.

One More for the Road

When asked what advice she would give the Christine James who began this journey 27 years ago, she didn't mention ambition, professional milestones or the importance of climbing the corporate ladder.

“To the Christine James who started this journey 27 years ago, I would say, 'Surround yourself with people whose qualities you admire and aspire to emulate. The people you choose to learn from and grow with will have one of the greatest influences on your success and happiness.”

It’s thoughtful advice, and the most fitting way to reflect on a career that has always seemed to be about people first.

Careers are built through decisions, opportunities and hard work. But they're also shaped by the people who encourage us, challenge us, believe in us and sometimes show us the kind of person we want to become.

Her departure will mean one less familiar face at conferences, one less warm greeting across a crowded room and one less leader whose presence never felt like an obligation.

The Canadian travel industry will miss her.

But if there's one thing her career has demonstrated, it's that the influence of a good leader doesn't end when they walk out the door.

From all of us at TravelPulse Canada, thank you for reminding us that the most meaningful part of any journey will always be the people we meet along the way. We wish you all the best on the road ahead.

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