‘Ambition drives progress’ – motivational speaker Gerry Duffy at Travel Centres 2025

Gerry Duffy motivational speaker speaking at Travel Centres 2025 conference in Lawlor’s Hotel, Naas

Motivational speaker Gerry Duffy told the Travel Centres 2025 conference in Naas that ambition drives progress and requires constant new targets. Specific goals include expanding holiday ranges, increasing turnover, or improving profitability. Surroundings influence outcomes; associate with achievers.

Mr Duffy, who worked in the travel industry for 15 years and is best known for completing 32 marathons in 32 days in 32 counties, outlined principles for business excellence drawn from endurance sports and personal experience. Duffy completed marathons, Ironman events, and 32 marathons in 32 days. He progressed to 10 Ironman-distance triathlons in 10 days. Businesses must set specific goals for 2026 or risk stagnation.

Mr Duffy told the Travel Centres 2025 conference in Naas tRelationships with suppliers and staff development remain vital. A company sold for over 100 million euro now invests in people after prior owners neglected training.

Duffy demonstrated growth through discomfort by instructing attendees to move seats. Failure provides lessons; early business struggles taught financial management. Mindset determines response to challenges. The pandemic tested travel firms severely, yet many persist. Focus counters distractions; avoid tasks that deviate from core objectives.

Key takeaways from his talk included the pursuit of excellence, setting precise 2026 goals, choosing influential associates, embracing discomfort, accepting failure, and maintaining mindset. Use existing resources efficiently through small adjustments for multiplication effects. Technical expertise supports but mindset leads.

Gerry Duffy shared These rinciples apply to travel agencies planning expansion or new divisions. If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re end up somewhere else. Failure is okay”