125. Exit Route 1 - The Internal Consultant - The Soft Landing

January 2008. The key moment when I finally took the leap and set up shop as a consultant. I remember I signed my first hotel group as an internal consultant, and it became the safest bet I ever made.  Here's why this could be your softest landing from operations hell to strategic freedom.  If you’re tired of juggling 10 jobs while your talent gets wasted on putting out operational fires and handling guest complaints. If you’re ready to escape the crystal ceiling but terrified about finding your first consulting clients, in this episode, I reveal the exact strategy I used 18 years ago to transition from operations to strategy, without the terrifying leap into the unknown.  Here are the 3 things you'll discover:  1. Why the internal consultant route is your safest bet You're leveraging years of built trust and proven results to naturally evolve your role from operations to strategy, creating a win-win where they keep amazing talent and you escape the operational trap.  2. What your new life actually looks like You'll design wellness concepts and strategic systems instead of covering shifts, though transitioning from constant operational buzz to independent strategic work requires adjustment while maintaining financial security.  3. When this strategy fails  This approach fails when you lack established relationships or face complex ownership structures where multiple property owners won't pay for strategic work they expect the management company to provide.  By the end of this episode, you'll understand exactly how to position yourself as the internal wellness strategist for your current hotel group, why this is the smartest first step toward consulting freedom, and whether your current situation makes this strategy viable or if you need to consider the other exit routes we'll cover. _______Are you ready to take wellness to the next level?Here are 2 ways I can help:1️⃣  WHO: Wellness directors who want to join 1% of wellness leaders📌 WHAT: The Wellness Asset AcademyA 10-week online group programme where I guide you through my 7-step ESSENCE framework. Achieve higher pay and secure a genuine seat at the hotel’s big table—so wellness is no longer the most neglected area in the hotel.→  Join the waitlist here.2️⃣  WHO: Owners of small, independent hotels with a strong wellbeing focus📌 WHAT: Asset Builder MentorshipExclusive 6-month 1:1 mentorship programme to master creating a wellness asset, build a proud team, and deliver transformative experiences for your guests.→  Become a steward of true hospitality.💡 Why work with me?I know what works with wellness and I also know what doesn’t. I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t need to – saving you thousands of dollars on bad decisions.✅ #1 best-selling author, global wellness expert ✅ 40+ projects in 20+ countries across Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific ✅ Top brands: Abadía Retuerta, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Accor, Six Senses Resorts & Spas ✅ Interviewed over 150+ hoteliers worldwide