When Anne Wild & Associates joined the Travel Lifestyle Network (TLN) over 15 years ago, the agency was at a turning point. With its travel and destination marketing offering growing rapidly, Managing Director Anne Wild saw an opportunity to align with like-minded agencies around the world – organisations that also valued deep market insight and client-centred service.
At first, TLN seemed like a valuable marketing differentiator, a way to stand out from competitors in Australia by offering global reach through trusted partners. But over time, Wild discovered that its greatest advantage was something less tangible but far more powerful than expected: a culture built on sharing.
In an industry often defined by competition and confidentiality, TLN’s open exchange of ideas has created something rare: a network where member agencies elevate one another through generosity.
The superpower effect
One of TLN’s unique strengths lies in what Wild describes as every agency’s “superpower.” Some members excel in creative activations; others lead on crisis communications or have pioneered influencer marketing strategies well ahead of their time. What makes this especially valuable is how often those strengths are shared freely across markets.
“Those just starting out can learn directly from members already kicking goals in that space,” explains Wild.
Rather than gatekeeping expertise, TLN encourages members to bring their best thinking forward, transforming individual specialisations into shared advantages for all agencies involved. This collaborative mindset allows each member agency to stay agile and informed while building confidence through proven approaches from peers they trust.
From silos to synergy
Knowledge can be siloed or slow-moving in traditional agency structures (whether standalone firms or holding companies). Within TLN, it flows quickly because it’s fuelled by trust.
Business development meetings are held regularly across regions. Webinars explore everything from AI integration to pitching best practices. And annual general meetings offer space for honest case study exchanges, including lessons learned when things didn’t go according to plan.
“The success of this network has always been sharing, whether that be best practice case studies, creative concepts or even business tools,” says Wild.
This freedom creates synergy: not collaboration for convenience’s sake but intentional co-creation between professionals who deeply respect each other’s expertise.
Where people become your greatest asset
While business referrals are part of what makes TLN practically useful, Wild believes one of its most valuable aspects isn’t commercial at all: it’s emotional support amongst peers who face similar pressures as owner-led businesses operating independently around the world.
“No one is trying to impress anyone else… we’re all here to learn something useful from each other.”
That spirit extends beyond founders into teams themselves: Staff exchanges between member agencies give junior professionals international exposure, while knowledge-sharing sessions help entire teams stay ahead without reinventing wheels market by market. These experiences deepen commitment and foster purpose within each organisation connected through TLN membership.
A smarter way forward
As communications continues evolving – driven by data, new platforms, and rising client expectations – Wild sees networks like TLN becoming increasingly important as learning ecosystems capable of adapting fast without losing focus on people-first values: trust, collaboration, and mutual respect amongst equals.
“We’ve gained clients through our partnerships,” she reflects. “But more importantly… we’ve gained confidence and connection.”
For independent agencies looking toward international growth without sacrificing authenticity (or simply seeking inspiration beyond their borders), TLN proves what happens when you build your culture around contribution instead of competition:
You grow together – and everyone benefits.