What do handwritten airline tickets, offshore oil rigs, and a mythical Greek creature have in common? They’re all a part of Bob Westendarp’s journey building Griffin Global Group into the world’s largest marine travel agency.
When Bob first stepped into the travel business, it wasn’t as a seasoned executive; it was as an accountant looking for free flights. But what started as a small side project with his wife quickly grew into a pioneering venture that redefined global crew logistics.
By spotting an untapped niche in marine and offshore travel, Bob helped transform Griffin into a 22-country operation with 32 offices, moving nearly a quarter of the world’s ship crews across oceans.
In this conversation, Bob sits down with Matt and Ward to share the lessons learned from decades of reinvention. He explains why trust and communication matter more than hierarchy, how cultural differences can derail — or define — international partnerships, and why a unified global brand became the secret to Griffin’s explosive growth.
Bob also reflects on navigating succession planning, managing shareholder rivalries across continents, and ultimately selling Griffin to its largest competitor.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Building Trust and Communication in Business
00:56 Introducing Bob: From Accountant to Travel Agency Leader
02:11 The Journey of Griffin Global Group
04:59 Challenges and Growth in the Marine Travel Industry
10:25 Global Expansion and Branding
12:18 The Importance of a Global Brand and Unified Vision
14:32 Cultural Differences in Global Business
22:45 The Sale and Legacy of Griffin
24:52 Lessons Learned and Advice for Future Executives
32:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Topics Discussed:
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About Rethink Change:
When growth is stagnant, culture’s a mess, the brand’s adrift, and the board wants miracles by Monday, Pennebaker’s podcast, Rethink Change, is where innovators and disruptors go for clarity.
Hosted by Founder Ward Pennebaker and President Matt Pennebaker, this podcast delivers sharp insights from battle-tested leaders who’ve navigated chaos and turned challenge into momentum. You’ll hear from executives from startups to global behemoths, from a wide range of industries. No fluff. All results. These conversations reveal what actually works, enabling you to think differently and act smarter.
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