
S1E11 - From History Books to Booking Tours: Chris MacNeil's London Journey
04/02/25 • 42 min
Meetings and Miles - https://www.linkedin.com/company/meetingsandmiles/
Hosts:
Pamela Wilton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelawilton/
Mark Peters - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdpeters17/
Guest: Chris MacNeil https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissmacneil/
https://www.bespokelondontours.co.uk/
In this episode of Meetings of Miles, hosts Pamela and Mark introduce their fascinating guest, Chris MacNeil. Chris shares his unique background, starting as a historian in Canada before moving into the tech world, and eventually becoming a tour guide in London. He recounts his journey from Ottawa to Halifax, his initial challenges in finding work as a historian, and how he pivoted to start his own company teaching people how to use the internet. Chris also delves into his transition from the tech industry in Canada and the UK to running bespoke walking tours in London. He explains how his extensive travel experience and love for history enhance his ability to provide engaging tours, especially for corporate clients. The episode concludes with Chris highlighting the importance of human connection in travel and the deeper understanding it brings to life and history.
00:00 Welcome to Meetings of Miles
01:20 Introducing Our Guest: Chris MacNeil
02:08 Chris MacNeil's Journey from Historian to Tech Entrepreneur
03:40 Building an Internet Company in the 90s
08:13 Expanding Horizons: Travel and Business Ventures
12:21 Transition to London and New Ventures
18:32 Becoming a Tour Guide in London
21:37 Client Hospitality and Donor Engagement
22:20 Facilitating Connections and Bonding
22:28 Understanding Client Needs
23:30 Tour Themes and Practicalities
25:35 Storytelling and Personal Connections
30:43 Cultural Differences in Business Travel
37:24 The Joy of Travel and Human Connection
38:21 Conclusion and Contact Information
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Meetings and Miles - https://www.linkedin.com/company/meetingsandmiles/
Hosts:
Pamela Wilton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelawilton/
Mark Peters - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdpeters17/
Guest: Chris MacNeil https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissmacneil/
https://www.bespokelondontours.co.uk/
In this episode of Meetings of Miles, hosts Pamela and Mark introduce their fascinating guest, Chris MacNeil. Chris shares his unique background, starting as a historian in Canada before moving into the tech world, and eventually becoming a tour guide in London. He recounts his journey from Ottawa to Halifax, his initial challenges in finding work as a historian, and how he pivoted to start his own company teaching people how to use the internet. Chris also delves into his transition from the tech industry in Canada and the UK to running bespoke walking tours in London. He explains how his extensive travel experience and love for history enhance his ability to provide engaging tours, especially for corporate clients. The episode concludes with Chris highlighting the importance of human connection in travel and the deeper understanding it brings to life and history.
00:00 Welcome to Meetings of Miles
01:20 Introducing Our Guest: Chris MacNeil
02:08 Chris MacNeil's Journey from Historian to Tech Entrepreneur
03:40 Building an Internet Company in the 90s
08:13 Expanding Horizons: Travel and Business Ventures
12:21 Transition to London and New Ventures
18:32 Becoming a Tour Guide in London
21:37 Client Hospitality and Donor Engagement
22:20 Facilitating Connections and Bonding
22:28 Understanding Client Needs
23:30 Tour Themes and Practicalities
25:35 Storytelling and Personal Connections
30:43 Cultural Differences in Business Travel
37:24 The Joy of Travel and Human Connection
38:21 Conclusion and Contact Information
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode

S1E10 - Discovering the Magic of Travel with Sean Meister
Discovering the Magic of Travel with Sean Meister
Meetings and Miles - https://www.linkedin.com/company/meetingsandmiles/
Hosts:
Pamela Wilton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelawilton/
Mark Peters - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdpeters17/
Guest: Sean Meister - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanmeister/
In this episode of Meetings and Miles, hosts Pamela and Mark welcome special guest Sean Meister. Sean, a proud Nova Scotian, talks about his work as the founder and executive director of Global Blue Nosers, a non-profit aimed at building a worldwide professional community of Nova Scotians. He shares heartfelt stories about his travels, his passion for airports, and the importance of family travel. The discussion touches on his efforts to connect Nova Scotians globally, his memorable trips, and the profound impact travel has had on his personal and professional life. Sean’s infectious enthusiasm for travel and his insights offer a fresh perspective on embracing the possibilities and magic of business travel.
00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Catch-Up
01:15 Introducing the Guest: Sean Meister
02:05 Sean Meister's Background and Global Blue Nosers
03:45 Goals and Vision of Global Blue Nosers
06:37 The Concept of Kitchen Parties
08:01 Sean's Travel Experiences and Favorite Airports
18:12 Family Travels and Memorable Trips
20:53 A Memorable Trip to Germany
22:26 Special Bonding Moments with My Daughter
25:30 The Magic of Family and Business Travel
29:03 The Loneliness of Business Travel
32:22 Embracing Your Roots While Traveling
36:39 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode

S1E12 From Baghdad to Business Class: Fadi Toma's Global Adventures
Meetings and Miles - https://www.linkedin.com/company/meetingsandmiles/
Hosts:
Pamela Wilton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelawilton/
Mark Peters - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdpeters17/
Guest: Fadi Toma https://www.linkedin.com/in/fadi-toma/
In this episode of 'Meetings and Miles,' co-hosts Pamela and Mark discuss their weekends filled with sports and personal achievements before introducing their guest, veteran business traveler Fadi Toma. Fadi shares insights from his 12 years in international travel for work, including his transition from political studies to working in international education. Fadi's stories span from packing mistakes and retail therapy in Lagos to narrowly escaping border shutdowns during the onset of COVID-19. The conversation highlights the unique challenges and unexpected moments that come with business travel, including a harrowing flat tire incident in India and the constant evolution of packing strategies. The episode wraps up with Fadi's advice for new business travelers to 'roll with the punches' and enjoy the journey.
00:00 Welcome and Weekend Recap
01:12 Pamela's Frisbee Adventures
02:59 Introducing Our Guest: Fadi Toma
03:48 Fadi's Background and First Business Trip
06:32 Packing Tips and Travel Stories
13:18 Favorite Destinations and Airports
16:41 The Realities of Business Travel
19:25 Balancing Work and Vacation
19:47 Experiencing the Onset of COVID-19 Overseas
21:32 Navigating Travel Restrictions and Returning Home
27:23 Unexpected Adventures and Mishaps
33:35 Final Thoughts and Advice for Business Travelers
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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