Your Career Podcast — Jane Jackson
248 Steve Hui – CEO IFLYFLAT
Overview
In this episode of "Your Career Podcast," host Jane Jackson interviews Steve Hui, the founder and CEO of iFLYflat, Australia's leading rewards flight team. Steve shares his unique career journey, which began with a background in accounting and led to his entrepreneurial venture after experiencing redundancy from Macquarie Group. He discusses how his frequent travels for work ignited his passion for maximising frequent flyer points, ultimately inspiring him to help others fly in style without breaking the bank.
Listeners will learn about the services offered by iFLYflat, including the Flight Points Concierge and Points Optimiser, designed to assist clients in booking flights using their accumulated points. Steve also provides valuable insights on how to effectively accumulate and utilise frequent flyer points, making business class travel accessible to more people. With a blend of personal anecdotes and expert advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their travel experiences through smart point management.
Quotes
"I always thought about things differently so maybe I had a mindset that it will be different." - 00:04:20
"I think it's just about, I really like observing people's behaviours and what drove them and why they did this, why they did that." - 00:06:03
"If I could help people do the same thing, there must be a business in that." - 00:15:40
"If you never have to because you've solved the price problem, then you never have to fly economy again." - 00:25:51
"It's about diversification if you can, that you can have points that can fly you on the date you want to fly because someone will have a seat." - 00:28:38
"If the problem of price and comfort is solved, then the whole idea is that you could go for two days." - 00:33:18
"Every trip you take you never come back going oh that was a waste of time." - 00:33:50
Timestamps
00:00:25 - Interview with Steve Hui
Introduction of Steve Hui, founder and CEO of iFlyFlat, and his background.
00:02:26 - Steve's Early Career Aspirations
Discussion about Steve's childhood aspirations and his unique mindset.
00:04:34 - Career Journey Progression
Steve shares his educational background and early career choices.
00:08:01 - Transition to Macquarie Group
Steve's experience at Macquarie Group and his role in accounting operations.
00:11:06 - Redundancy and New Beginnings
Steve's redundancy from Macquarie and how it led to his entrepreneurial journey.
00:14:15 - Taking Time Off
Steve's six-month break after leaving Macquarie and his travels.
00:16:19 - Formation of iFlyFlat
How Steve's experiences and insights led to the creation of iFlyFlat.
00:19:17 - Growth of iFlyFlat
The evolution of iFlyFlat and the services offered to clients.
00:21:04 - Maximising Frequent Flyer Points
Advice on how to effectively use and maximise frequent flyer points.
00:22:19 - Accumulating Points Without Business Travel
Tips for individuals who don’t travel for work on how to accumulate points.
00:24:32 - Choosing the Right Airlines
Discussion on which airlines are more generous with points.
00:29:41 - Maximising Your Points Strategy
Strategies for planning and maximising points for travel.
00:32:04 - The Rewards of Travel
The benefits of using points for travel and the freedom it provides.
00:34:01 - Conclusion and Resources
Wrap-up of the conversation and how to connect with Steve Hui and iFlyFlat.