In this episode of Talk’n TRM, host Bex Deadman is joined by Martijn van der Voort, a dynamic Travel Technologist known for his ability to craft and execute digital strategies that drive integration, efficiency, and profitability across the travel ecosystem.

Martijn brings a wealth of expertise shaped by years of working closely with C-suite leaders, technology partners, and global travel stakeholders. He thrives on uncovering synergies that elevate people, processes, and products. With Lean Six Sigma certification and a passion for challenging the status quo, Martijn is recognised for transforming complex operational challenges into streamlined, impactful solutions.

In this episode, Martijn shares insights into the evolving intersection of travel, technology, and risk management, exploring how smart digital strategy supports safer, more efficient travel programmes.

Contact Bex:

bex.deadman@assent1.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/bex-deadman-aka-travel-risk-bex-70b92419/ www.assent1.com

Contact Martijn:

In this episode of Talk’n TRM: The Traveller Files, Bex and Jessica Inglis delve into a harrowing business trip experience that began with severe jet lag and escalated into a debilitating case of food poisoning during a trip to India. They discuss the importance of staying vigilant about what you eat and drink while traveling, and the critical need for preparation and awareness to ensure safety on the road.

Amidst the recounting of this ordeal, Bex shares the poignant story of Simone White, who tragically passed away from methanol poisoning after consuming counterfeit alcohol in Laos. The episode also highlights a campaign raising awareness of methanol poisoning, inspired by a traveller’s tragic experience. For more information, listeners can visit:

https://linktr.ee/simonewhitemethanolawareness

In this episode of Talk’n TRM, host Bex Deadman is joined by Thierry Montrieux, a highly accomplished international operations executive with over 30 years of experience in medical assistance, emergency response, and global healthcare logistics. Thierry has led high-performing teams across the medical, aviation, insurance, corporate assistance, and travel risk management sectors, delivering critical care solutions in fast-paced and complex environments worldwide.

Thierry shares his journey into the world of travel risk management, highlighting how his experience in medical assistance and crisis response shaped his approach to protecting travellers. He discusses the importance of inclusion in travel, ensuring safety and care considerations are designed for diverse traveller profiles.

With his strategic mindset and operational expertise, Thierry explores how organisations can respond swiftly and effectively to medical emergencies, health-related travel risks, and complex global incidents. He also talks about the role of innovation, telemedicine, and data-driven decision-making in future-proofing travel and healthcare operations.

Contact Bex:

bex.deadman@assent1.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/bex-deadman-aka-travel-risk-bex-70b92419/ www.assent1.com

Contact Thierry:

In this episode of Talk’n TRM: The Traveller Files, Bex shares a story that is equal parts shocking and mortifying. Imagine arriving at your hotel room after a long day, only to find your boss—naked—inside. What follows is a whirlwind of misunderstandings, frantic apologies, and a stark reminder of how quickly a business trip can spiral into chaos.

Bex is joined by Jessica Inglis to reflect on the situation, discussing hotel key safety, the importance of communication, and how even the most awkward travel moments can offer lessons for employees and organisations alike.

Email bex@8phaseconsulting.com for the employee travel tips PDF.

Share your perspective with Bex on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/talk-n-trm-the-podcast/about/

Contact Bex:

bex.deadman@assent1.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/bex-deadman-aka-travel-risk-bex-70b92419/ www.assent1.com

Clemark Studios - https://www.clemarkgroup.com/studio/

In this episode of Talk’n TRM, host Bex Deadman is joined by Jade Oakley, Founder of We Move Travel, a data-driven travel platform dedicated to making travel safer, more inclusive, and more personalised for underrepresented groups.

Jade shares her personal story of a hotel stay gone wrong, where an incorrect check-in led to a frightening incident, her door being opened in the middle of the night by a security guard. When she shared her experience on LinkedIn, the response was overwhelming, with many travellers coming forward to say they had experienced similar situations.

Jade is also an advocate for safety differences for different demographics and why travel risk management can’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. Jade and Bex explore how organisations and travel providers can build more depth and empathy into their risk management strategies, ensuring that all travellers, regardless of gender, background, or identity, feel safe and supported.

Jade also talks about how her work with We Move Travel aims to fill critical gaps in travel data, using technology and insight to create safer and more equitable travel experiences for everyone.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of diversity, inclusion, and travel risk management, and how the industry can evolve to protect all travellers, not just the majority.

Contact Bex:

bex.deadman@assent1.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/bex-deadman-aka-travel-risk-bex-70b92419/ www.assent1.com

Contact Jade:

In this episode of Talk’n TRM: The Traveller Files, Bex is joined by Jessica Inglis to unpack a story that takes “open-plan” a little too far. Picture this: you’re on a business trip, sharing a hotel room with a colleague, only to discover the bathroom door is made of clear glass. No frosting. No privacy. Just awkward compromises and towel improvisation.

Bex and Jessica explore the very real challenges that come with situations like this, from blurred personal boundaries with coworkers to the responsibility hotels have to ensure guests are comfortable and respected.

This story isn’t just about bad design; it’s about dignity, responsibility, and the duty of care that both hotels and companies hold for their people when they’re on the road.

Share your perspective with Bex on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/talk-n-trm-the-podcast/about/

Contact Bex:

bex.deadman@assent1.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/bex-deadman-aka-travel-risk-bex-70b92419/ www.assent1.com

Clemark Studios - https://www.clemarkgroup.com/studio/

In this episode of Talk’n TRM, host Bex Deadman is joined by Shawn Woods, Co-Founder and Partner at Parascape Consulting Ltd.

Shawn’s career journey has been anything but ordinary. A former Naval Warfare Officer with the Royal Canadian Navy, he went on to manage security in the agriculture sector before designing critical infrastructure security across the globe. Today, he works with leaders to build resilient, people-focused organisations equipped to face the world’s toughest challenges.

In this conversation, Shawn shares his holistic perspective on travel risk management, explaining why, more often than not, incidents stem from bad management rather than bad luck. He also explores his philosophy that good security is generous, a proactive, supportive framework that enables people to operate confidently and safely rather than restrictively.

Contact Bex:

bex.deadman@assent1.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/bex-deadman-aka-travel-risk-bex-70b92419/ www.assent1.com

Contact Shawn:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parascapeconsulting/

Clemark Studios - https://www.clemarkgroup.com/studio/

In this episode of Talk’n TRM: The Traveller Files, Bex is joined by Jessica Inglis to unpack a surprisingly common business travel dilemma: the expectation to eat breakfast with colleagues. For some, it’s a chance to connect and strategize before the workday begins. For others, mornings are sacred—quiet time for coffee, reflection, and personal space before a day full of client interactions.

Together, Bex and Jessica explore how this small ritual highlights a bigger issue: the blurred boundaries of business travel. When you’re away from home, are you expected to always be “on”? Where does personal time end and work time begin?

Tune in as they discuss the unspoken rules of travel mornings, the pressure to conform to group expectations, and why protecting personal boundaries might be just as important as professional performance.

Share your perspective with Bex on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/talk-n-trm-the-podcast/about/