Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jennifer Olsen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jennifer, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Success is built on a foundation of self-belief, strategic thinking, collaboration, and effective leadership. Believing in yourself and your ideas is paramount—your independent mind and unique perspectives have value. If you are passionate about an idea, chances are others will be too. The key is to trust in your vision and commit to it. However, success also requires facing your fears head-on. What’s holding you back? Is it the risk of losing money or the time investment required? Identifying these fears allows you to create actionable plans to mitigate risks and move forward with confidence. Equally important is recognizing that you don’t have to do it alone. Seeking help, asking questions, and leveraging the knowledge of others will provide you with a clearer roadmap to your goals. Lastly, understanding leadership is crucial—leading is not about dictating but about fostering collaboration while ensuring ideas align with the strategic direction. A great leader empowers others to contribute while steering the vision toward success. No one builds alone; it takes a team to bring a dream to life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

With a lifelong passion for service and process efficiency, I have found the perfect fit in the travel industry—where I get to provide both while engaging in meaningful conversations that enhance people’s lives. Travel should be exciting, not overwhelming, and that’s exactly where Mind at Ease Travel comes in. True to our name, we take the stress out of booking by offering expert guidance and personalized service at no additional cost to our clients.

We listen first—understanding what our clients truly want—then craft tailored travel experiences that align with their vision. Whether it’s a romantic cruise to celebrate a milestone, a multi-generational family adventure, or group travel for friends, churches, business conferences, and book clubs, we design 100% custom itineraries for a one-of-a-kind journey. But we don’t stop there. We go the extra mile, offering suggestions beyond the expected to create a richer, more fulfilling travel experience.

At Mind at Ease Travel, we believe that value is more than just price—it’s about creating lasting memories. Travel is not just our business; it’s our passion. Every day, we get to talk about incredible destinations, help people make lifelong memories, and ensure every journey is seamless, enjoyable, and truly unforgettable.

Come visit us at www.mindateasetravel.com. There you can find our instagram and facebook pages to follow for more details on travel options, advise and just fun :)

Any advice for managing a team?

A successful team isn’t managed—it’s led. Processes and strategies can be managed, but people need leadership. For me, leadership means setting clear goals and then empowering my team with the autonomy to determine how best to achieve them. When team members feel that their ideas matter, they are far more engaged and committed than if they were simply following orders. If an idea doesn’t align with the strategy, it becomes an opportunity for discussion and growth rather than just correction.

Challenging my team is another key to building morale. Encouraging them to think critically and ask questions strengthens their ability to make independent decisions in the future. Growth comes from engagement, and engagement comes from knowing that your contributions are valued. Recognizing and appreciating the team’s efforts fosters a culture where people feel seen, heard, and motivated to give their best.

Lastly, transparency is essential—not everything needs to be shared, but providing insight into the bigger picture helps reinforce commitment to the collective vision. When people understand their role in the organization’s success, they don’t just work for the team; they work with it. True leadership is about cultivating an environment where each person feels empowered, valued, and motivated to achieve shared success.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

At Mind at Ease Travel, our best source of new clients comes from networking, word-of-mouth referrals, and delivering an exceptional level of service that turns first-time clients into lifelong ones. Networking isn’t just about events—it’s about everyday interactions. I firmly believe that every conversation is an opportunity to build relationships and expand my reach. Whether it’s through formal networking groups, social media engagement, or simply talking to people I meet in daily life, I make it a point to connect.

Just the other day, I was on a plane chatting with the gentleman next to me about the California fires near his home. By the end of our conversation, I casually mentioned my travel agency, gave him my card and let him know I’d be thrilled to assist him, his family, or his friends with their future travel needs. Could he become a client? Maybe. But for me, it’s not just about securing a booking—it’s about consistently growing my network and staying top of mind.

Referrals are another powerful way we grow. Family planners, group administrators, and those who coordinate travel for others are key connections. A single introduction can lead to multiple future bookings, whether for a family getaway, a business retreat, or a church group excursion. By focusing on authentic connections and delivering an unmatched level of service, Mind at Ease Travel doesn’t just gain new clients—we build lasting relationships that continue to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mindateasetravel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jolsenjax
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.olsen.963
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mind-at-ease-travel-saint-johns

Image Credits

Headshot credit – Photography by Leah
Logo design credit – Moxie Design