36. The Details That Separate Good Trips From Great Ones | Katie Bean Travels | B Student Podcast
Wed Feb 04 2026
Luxury travel, leadership, and culture collide in a powerful conversation with Katie Bean, founder of Katie Bean Travels, on the B Student Podcast.
Born and raised in England and now leading a boutique luxury travel agency in the U.S., Katie shares how cultural differences around work, rest, and travel shaped her belief that luxury is the absence of worry. This conversation explores why true luxury isn’t excess or extravagance, but thoughtful planning, presence, and the freedom to disconnect from daily demands.
Betsy and Katie unpack what separates good from great in both business and service, including why soft skills matter more than résumés, how empowering teams creates unforgettable client experiences, and why relationship-first leadership consistently outperforms transactional thinking. Katie also shares real-world stories that show how small, intentional moments can turn customers into lifelong advocates.
The conversation expands into emerging luxury travel trends, from wellness-focused retreats and tech-free vacations to private, highly curated experiences that prioritize connection, time, and peace of mind. Katie also explains how learning to say “no” helped her refine her business, elevate her brand, and better serve the clients she’s uniquely designed to support.
This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, leaders, and travelers who want to build businesses with heart, create meaningful experiences, and redefine success beyond hustle and accumulation.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Welcome + introduction to Katie Bean03:00 Growing up in England and the role of travel in family life06:05 Cultural differences between U.S. and UK views on work and rest09:10 Defining luxury as the absence of worry12:15 What truly differentiates a luxury travel advisor15:20 Hiring for care, passion, and soft skills over résumés18:25 Moving from good to great through empowered teams21:30 Leadership, culture, and playing the long game24:35 What modern luxury travel looks like today27:40 Wellness, tech-free travel, and presence as luxury30:45 Saying no, refining your niche, and boutique business growth33:50 Final insights on brand, care, and where to find Katie Bean
Connect with Katie at:
Website: https://www.katiebeantravels.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiebeantravels/
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Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you.
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Connect with Betsy Gardner:
Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/
Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/
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Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/
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Luxury travel, leadership, and culture collide in a powerful conversation with Katie Bean, founder of Katie Bean Travels, on the B Student Podcast. Born and raised in England and now leading a boutique luxury travel agency in the U.S., Katie shares how cultural differences around work, rest, and travel shaped her belief that luxury is the absence of worry. This conversation explores why true luxury isn’t excess or extravagance, but thoughtful planning, presence, and the freedom to disconnect from daily demands. Betsy and Katie unpack what separates good from great in both business and service, including why soft skills matter more than résumés, how empowering teams creates unforgettable client experiences, and why relationship-first leadership consistently outperforms transactional thinking. Katie also shares real-world stories that show how small, intentional moments can turn customers into lifelong advocates. The conversation expands into emerging luxury travel trends, from wellness-focused retreats and tech-free vacations to private, highly curated experiences that prioritize connection, time, and peace of mind. Katie also explains how learning to say “no” helped her refine her business, elevate her brand, and better serve the clients she’s uniquely designed to support. This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, leaders, and travelers who want to build businesses with heart, create meaningful experiences, and redefine success beyond hustle and accumulation. Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome + introduction to Katie Bean03:00 Growing up in England and the role of travel in family life06:05 Cultural differences between U.S. and UK views on work and rest09:10 Defining luxury as the absence of worry12:15 What truly differentiates a luxury travel advisor15:20 Hiring for care, passion, and soft skills over résumés18:25 Moving from good to great through empowered teams21:30 Leadership, culture, and playing the long game24:35 What modern luxury travel looks like today27:40 Wellness, tech-free travel, and presence as luxury30:45 Saying no, refining your niche, and boutique business growth33:50 Final insights on brand, care, and where to find Katie Bean Connect with Katie at: Website: https://www.katiebeantravels.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiebeantravels/ ----------------------------------- Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you. ----------------------------------- Connect with Betsy Gardner: Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/ Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/ -------------------------------- Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/