We recently connected with Mark Allvey and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mark, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
Throughout my 55-year journey across diverse cultures and continents—I was lucky enough to live in Singapore, India, Indonesia, Canada, and London—I’ve not only experienced the richness of different cultures but have also, always enjoyed taking the ‘leap of faith’ I always ask myself ‘if I do this what’s the worst case scenario’ and if I’m ok with it then I take the risk. I remember attending a seminar in Singapore when I was younger, and the presenter said ‘do something that scares you every day’ – I try to achieve that and find that eventually my comfort zone gets bigger. Sometimes it’s okay to challenge the rules and break the status quo.
I think each country I lived in presented its own set of challenges, forcing me to adapt, learn, and take calculated risks in unfamiliar environments.
When I arrived in Singapore and inherited a team of 32 people, having only ever managed 3 people! In a strange country. I’d worked in hotels before but only in regional roles. So here I was: SE Asia a team all speaking Mandarin and an 800 bedroom hotel to fill!! For the first 3 months I just wanted to get back on the plane and go home. The team didn’t trust a ‘guilo’ But I persevered. I took a personal interest in each one of them and strived to make their working lives better. They went from resentment and distrust to the most loyal team and when I left for Vancouver 5 years later they all lined up outside the hotel to say goodbye, some in tears. I hope that was sadness and not the relief I was leaving!!
Now to 2019 when I made a pivotal move of establishing a travel business in the midst of a global pandemic, with my business partner, i think this highlights my commitment to taking risks, especially in adverse circumstances. While the world grappled with uncertainty, I saw an opportunity to innovate and thrive. This venture’s success underlines the effectiveness of starting with small risks—testing the waters and gradually building confidence.
I also have a habit of not accepting the first, second, or even third ‘no’ from anyone. Rejection is not a roadblock but should be seen as a stepping stone. The persistence to hear ‘yes’ on the fifth attempt or beyond is very motivating.
In conclusion, I would say my ability to take risks has evolved through a combination of innate curiosity, a rebellious spirit, and a proactive pursuit of personal growth. Living in diverse cultures, breaking daily norms, and seizing opportunities even in the face of adversity have collectively shaped my resilience and willingness to embrace risks.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I wasn’t overly academic at school. I didn’t go to university instead I was keen to travel the world. I feel that my success has come more from an outgoing, friendly personality, combined with optimism, common sense and a level of confidence. (And of course, unique product knowledge for what I do at Untold Story Travel) I treat everyone as a friend even on the first time of meeting them and I think that has stood me well. I am energetic and spontaneous. Sometimes a little too spontaneous, and there is always a consequence to that.
Of course, I have self-doubts like everyone else does, but I’ve always had faith in ability to achieve the things I set out to achieve and I think with the right mindset and passion anything is possible
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on
Clarity of vision
Unwavering passion and determination
Respect, transparency and honesty with yourself and others
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I take time out. I like to swim and this focuses me. As I get into a hypnotic rhythm I have time to think and things become much clearer. I also reason with myself, life is short and nothing is worth too much stress.
My mantra always: ‘don’t sweat the small stuff!’
Image Credits
untold story ltd
