Work + Wander

For the first full Work + Wander episode on location, Jess and Jay head to Myrtle Beach to sit down with Aaron Evans, Director of Sales & Marketing. Aaron shares the story of how a $50 interview outfit turned into a life-changing career — and how he now helps others do the same. From leadership to mindset to unforgettable travel moments, this episode is all about what’s possible when you bet on yourself.

We took Work + Wander on the road.Recorded on location in Myrtle Beach, this episode marks the start of our new “On Location” series. Jay and Jessica are joined by Angela Small for a quick, unscripted conversation covering travel, career, and a fast-paced Suitcase Sprint — all recorded just feet apart for the first time.A short episode, and a preview of what’s to come.

In this episode of Work + Wander, hosts Jessica Badlam and Jay Cocorullo sit down with Louis Acosta, Senior Vice President of Sports, Entertainment, Event Marketing and Sales at Travel + Leisure Co.From launching his career on the beaches of Cozumel to leading large-scale, best-in-class events across the industry, Louis shares how a passion for hospitality turned into a career built on creating unforgettable experiences.The conversation explores what it really takes to design moments that go beyond the expected — from bucket-list events and exclusive partnerships to the idea that “better is better.” Louis also reflects on how travel shapes perspective, why experiences matter more than ever, and how meaningful moments can leave a lasting impact long after the trip ends.Plus, stay tuned until the end for an exciting announcement you won’t want to miss — and hear why the best trip is always the next one.Hot Jobs from your hosts:Jessica: https://c.flockity.com/c/TNLJessicaJay: https://c.flockity.com/c/TNLJay

Sales manager Faizzan Sadruddin joins Work + Wander to share how he went from a new sales agent to a team leader at Travel + Leisure Co. and why referrals, mentorship, and a positive culture make all the difference.Faizzan also shares stories from his honeymoon adventure across Africa, including gorilla trekking in Uganda, a safari in Kenya, and time in Zanzibar. It is a conversation about career growth, building strong teams, and the unforgettable travel experiences that make it all worthwhile.

Join us as we explore Tatum Diamond’s journey from guest services to general manager at Marble Falls in Texas. Tatum shares the leadership lessons she’s learned along the way, the impact of working across different resorts, and how small moments with guests can shape unforgettable experiences.She also talks about building strong teams, creating a culture where employees and guests thrive, and how her team brings Travel + Leisure Co.’s mission to life every day. As Tatum puts it, it’s about creating a movement that truly makes it feel like we’re on vacation.Along the way, she shares favorite travel memories, hidden gems, and the destinations still on her bucket list.

Join us as we explore Jim Kidd’s 20-year journey in talent acquisition at Travel + Leisure Co. As Senior Director of Talent Acquisition, Jim has helped shape the strategy behind hiring top-performing sales talent across the organization. In this episode, we discuss his leadership lessons, how recruitment strategies have evolved over time, what separates good candidates from great ones, and why vacations remain essential for well-being.

Jeff Weiss joins Jess and Jay to talk about the people behind the vacation and what it takes to build teams that deliver memorable, hassle-free guest experiences.As Talent Acquisition Manager for Resort Operations Recruiting at Travel + Leisure Co., Jeff shares how strong service cultures are built, why the smallest details often matter most, and how recruiting in unique and remote destinations shapes the way teams operate.From warm chocolate chip cookies in San Francisco to ice scrapers in Flagstaff, we explore how thoughtful touches create lasting impressions—and how a first job in resort operations can grow into a lifelong career helping put the world on vacation.

Miranda Mayer is helping shape what’s next as Brand Manager for Eddie Bauer Adventure Club, one of Travel + Leisure Co.’s newest and most exciting brands. In this episode of Work + Wander, Miranda shares her non-linear career journey, how creativity and brand storytelling intersect, and why stepping outside your routine — through travel, nature, and new experiences — fuels both personal and professional growth. We also talk about what it’s like building a brand from the ground up and what adventure really means in today’s world.

In this episode of Work and Wander, hosts Jay Cocorullo and Jessica Badlam welcome Candice Gholston, the new area vice president of sales and marketing for the South Florida region. They discuss Candice's journey from a sales rep in Williamsburg to her current leadership role, emphasizing the importance of team culture, personal growth, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation also touches on travel experiences, preferences, and advice for those looking to build a career in the industry.

In this special holiday episode of Work + Wander, Jay and Jessica trade career stories for cozy conversations about holiday travel. From Christmas markets and winter wonderlands to warm-weather escapes and unexpected destinations, they share what’s trending — and what’s personally inspiring — this season. It’s festive, fun, and full of wanderlust to close out the year.

Careers, like travel, aren’t about shortcuts. In this episode of Work + Wander, Petru Binzari shares lessons on leadership, growth, and the experiences — both on the job and along the way — that help you see further than your current role and think differently about what comes next.

In this episode of Work + Wander, Jay and Jessica sit down with Christine Allen, Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition & Corporate HR at Travel + Leisure Co. Christine shares her 11-year journey with the organization, from her early days in HR and recruiting to leading enterprise-wide talent strategy. They discuss leadership, building strong teams, how travel shapes perspective, and what it really takes to grow a meaningful career. Plus, a fun rapid-fire segment and Christine’s take on what it means to help people experience the joy of travel.

In this inspiring episode of Work + Wander, Jay and Jessica sit down with Lisbeny Duran, Manager of Learning & Development at Travel + Leisure Co. Lisbeny shares her path to becoming a leader in Learning & Development and how her passion for helping others grow has shaped her career. She talks about finding purpose in learning, the power of empathy in leadership, and why taking initiative is often the first step toward success.Plus, the team swaps travel stories — from Smoky Mountain getaways to cultural adventures and relaxing escapes. Whether you’re looking for career inspiration or just love hearing stories about growth and discovery, this episode is full of warmth, insight, and genuine passion for helping others thrive.

From deep dish debates to dream destinations, Jay and Jessica head to the Windy City to chat with Matt Taylor, the opening General Manager of the new Sports Illustrated Resort Chicago. Matt shares his journey from aspiring professor to hospitality leader, his Disney roots, and what it’s like to launch an entirely new resort brand in one of America’s most iconic cities.Along the way, we talk leadership lessons, Chicago favorites, and his wandering win—a day spent among redwoods and vineyards that proves the best trips mix a little nature and a little Napa.

Even the best trips have their never-again moments. In this episode, Jay and Jess share some hilariously horrifying travel stories — from being escorted off a plane like fugitives, to bears outside the tent, to squid-related airport chaos, and ER trips gone wrong.Buckle up, tray tables up… and enjoy the misadventures that make us laugh only after a strong drink and a few years have passed. 🧳😬Where career stories meet dream destinations — and sometimes, absolute chaos.🎧 Listen now, if you dare.

In this episode of Work + Wander, Jay and Jess chat with Lillian Baker, Corporate Responsibility Performance Analyst at Travel + Leisure Co., who turned her internship into a full-time career. Lillian shares her journey from masters graduate to full-time associate, what it’s like to make an impact through corporate responsibility, and her advice for anyone looking to turn an internship into a launchpad. Plus, she takes us along on a dream trip through the South of France — complete with great food, wine, and a heatwave.

Join us as we sit down with Edwin Pierre-Louis, multi-site General Manager for Club Wyndham National Harbor and Club Wyndham Old Town Alexandria. Edwin shares his journey from starting at La Belle Maison in New Orleans to leading teams that create unforgettable guest experiences in the D.C. area. He dives into his philosophy of leadership, how he develops his team, and the small details that make a big difference in hospitality. Plus, Edwin takes us along on his personal adventures—from a dream anniversary trip to Costa Rica to his favorite city escapes—while sharing travel tips, guilty pleasures, and insights on making every guest feel truly cared for.

In this episode of Work + Wander, Jay Cocorullo and Jessica Badlam sit down with Caitlyn Ledden, Assistant General Manager at Club Wyndham Kingsgate. Caitlyn shares how the Leadership Development Program kickstarted her career, the mentors who guided her along the way, and what drives her as she works toward her dream of becoming a General Manager. She also takes us beyond the resort with stories of travel adventures — including an unforgettable stop to pet lambs on the side of an Irish road.

In this episode of Work + Wander, hosts Jay Cocorullo and Jessica Badlam chat with Jonathan Topolosky, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Margaritaville Vacation Club. Jonathan shares how he got his start in real estate and construction, grew his career, starting at National Harbor before moving down to Clearwater Beach, FL, and ultimately found his most recent role at Travel + Leisure Co.’s corporate headquarters in Orlando. He reflects on a family trip to Hawaii that sparked his passion for the power of leisure travel, and how that experience continues to shape his leadership today.

Our journey begins! Meet Jay and Jessica as they launch Work + Wander — the podcast where career stories meet dream destinations.Full Description:In our very first episode of Work + Wander, hosts Jay Cocorullo and Jessica Badlam introduce the podcast, share the story behind its creation, and give you a sneak peek at what’s to come. You’ll hear about our mission to connect career journeys with dream destinations, and how conversations with inspiring colleagues will bring Travel + Leisure Co.’s “Put the World on Vacation” vision to life.From personal stories to professional insights — and a little wanderlust along the way — this is your passport to the people, places, and possibilities that make our company so unique.