Why Leadership is Like a Road Trip (and How to Make Sure You’re in the Driver’s Seat)
Have you ever been on a road trip where everything went exactly as planned? No wrong turns, no questionable gas station stops, no unexpected detours?
Yeah… me neither.
Leadership—and especially leadership in the bank travel industry—works the same way. You can map out the perfect plan, but unexpected obstacles (and sometimes unexpected people) always show up along the way. The question isn’t ifchallenges will happen; the question is how you’ll lead through them.
As we gear up for the Heritage Clubs International Conference, I want you to start thinking about how you’re leading—both in the office and on the road. Because the way you lead your team and the way you lead your travel club members directly impacts their experience, their trust, and ultimately, your success.
1. Every Leader Needs a GPS (or at Least a Clear Destination)
Would you ever take a group on a trip without an itinerary? Probably not. Yet, so many leaders wing it when it comes to their leadership style.
Great leadership starts with clarity.
- What’s your vision for your bank’s travel club?
- What kind of leader do you want to be—on the road and in the office?
- Are you making decisions with the end goal in mind, or just reacting to whatever comes next?
At the conference, we’ll dive deep into how to build a clear leadership roadmap—one that works whether you’re planning a new travel program or navigating a last-minute itinerary change.
2. Your Travel Companions Matter (More Than You Think)
You’ve probably taken a trip with someone who made the experience better—the kind of person who keeps the energy up, solves problems, and turns any situation into an adventure.
You’ve also probably traveled with someone who… well, let’s just say made the trip feel longer than it actually was.
The same applies to leadership. Who you surround yourself with will make or break your success. The strongest leaders don’t just manage people—they build the right teams, remove toxic influences, and create environments where everyone thrives.
At the conference, we’re going to talk about:
✅ How to surround yourself with the right people (and avoid the wrong ones)
✅ The tough (but necessary) leadership decisions that define your success
✅ How to keep your team engaged and motivated—whether in the office or on the road
3. Unexpected Detours Can Be Your Greatest Advantage
Ever had a trip take an unexpected turn, only to realize later that the “detour” led to the best part of the journey?
The same happens in business and leadership. The best leaders aren’t the ones who avoid obstacles; they’re the ones who adapt, pivot, and turn challenges into opportunities.
A few questions to think about before the conference:
- When was the last time something didn’t go according to plan in your travel club or business?
- How did you handle it?
- What did you learn from it?
At the conference, I’ll be sharing real-world strategies for leading through uncertainty—so you can face any challenge with confidence.
Get Ready to Lead with Clarity, Confidence, and Connection
Leadership isn’t just about where you’re going—it’s about how you get there and who you bring along for the ride.
At the Heritage Clubs International Conference, we’re going to unpack what it really takes to be a leader in motion—so you can lead your team, your travel club, and yourself with purpose.
I can’t wait to see you there. Come ready to engage, laugh, and level up your leadership.
See you soon,
Michael King
About Michael King
Michael King is an award-winning executive coach and the founder of Teams.Coach, Gawker Traffic, and CatalystCo. With two master’s degrees in Leadership and Executive Coaching from Bellevue University, he helps high-performing executives simplify complexity, optimize their leadership, and build teams that actually work.
A certified executive coach, Michael has spent years guiding Fortune 500 leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams through the real work of leadership—creating clarity, building systems, and driving results without the burnout.
When he’s not coaching, Michael is an accomplished singer/songwriter and music producer with over 100 published songs to his credit. He’s also a Ducati aficionado, a die-hard Apple fan, and probably has a Starbucks in his hand right now.
