Business Class is a podcast for those looking to make a living in tourism and traveling well. We host smart conversations with interesting people who built satisfying careers in the tourism workplace.
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All In, hosted by speaker and life strategist Levi Schroder, is a podcast that brings you an inspiring person or message to help you discover how to unlock your inner purpose and start living your life with intention. From some of the world’s top leadership speakers, to professional athletes, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and everything in between, Levi is sitting down with influencers who want to show you how you can change the world by using the gifts that you have. The goal of All In ...
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Game Changer: How Sports Tourism Fuels Community Growth with John David, Sports ETA
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In this episode of the Business Class Podcast, host Steve Ekstrom sits down with John David, President and CEO of Sports ETA, to explore the dynamic intersection of sports tourism and adventure. John shares the rich history of the Sports Events and Tourism Association, detailing its evolution from a small group of 12 sports commissions in 1992 to a…
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Colin Carson: Cultivating Local Pride for Sustainable Tourism
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In this episode of the Business Class podcast, host Steve Ekstrom talks with Colin Carson, CEO of Tourism Prince George, a destination nestled in the heart of British Columbia. Colin shares insights into his journey from university to Denmark to China and back to Canada, all while discovering his passion for tourism. They discuss the importance of …
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Discovering Tampa Bay: A Treasure Awaits with Santiago Corrada
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Just days before the destination marketing community converges on the vibrant landscape of Tampa Bay for the annual Destinations International Conference, Steve Ekstrom revisits his engaging conversation with Santiago Corrada, President & CEO at Visit Tampa Bay. Santiago shares his passion for the industry, his insights on the rebranding journey th…
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Beyond Bourbon Street: Navigating New Orleans Tourism with Alice Glenn
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Welcome to another episode of the Business Class Podcast with your host, Steve Ekstrom. Today, we delve into the vibrant world of destination marketing with a special guest who knows it intimately. Joining us from the heart of New Orleans is Alice Glenn, Executive Vice President of New Orleans and Company. Alice brings a wealth of experience shaped…
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Building Networks and Giving Back: A Conversation with Keith Douglas
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In this episode of a podcast hosted by Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and Co-founder of the Nonprofit Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org, Keith Douglas from KD & Co Advisors discusses the importance of spontaneous networking, community involvement, and sustainability within the tourism industry. They delve into the successes of Out Professionals, a network…
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John Marshall: Empowering Local Stakeholders for Sustainable Cultural Tourism
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In this episode, Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and Co-Founder of Tourism Academy, has a conversation with John Marshall, Founder and Chief Stewardship Officer at NYC Borough Pass. John shares his extensive journey in the tourism industry, the creation and mission of the NYC Borough Pass, and his efforts to promote and preserve New York City's diverse cultur…
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5 Critical Career Skills Learned While Waiting Tables
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The following broadcast is an excerpt of a recent live lecture presented by The Tourism Academy's Stephen Ekstrom to a group of entry-level hospitality students studying hotel and restaurant skills to aid in sustainable tourism development of their communities, which border on UNESCO World Heritage sites. Steve Ekstrom, CEO and co-founder of the To…
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Work With A Purpose: Cassandra McAuley of MMGY Global
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Join us for an insightful conversation between Stephen Ekstrom, CEO of Tourism Academy, and Cassandra McAuley, industry expert and managing director at MMGY Global, as they delve into their unique career journeys and the transformative power of storytelling in tourism. In the first segment, Cassandra shares his diverse path from the science center …
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Tourism Culture & Heritage with Richard Peterson
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Richard Peterson, President of the U. S. Cultural and Heritage Marketing Council, shares insights on cultural tourism, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, community engagement, and visitor experiences. He discusses the intersection of culture and heritage in tourism, the evolving traits of cultural travelers, and the significance of local e…
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Unveiling Springfield: A Journey in Destination Leadership with Mark Hecquet
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In this captivating episode of the Business Class Podcast, host Stephen Ekstrom delves into the dynamic world of destination marketing with a special guest, Mark Hecquet, President & CEO of the Springfield Missouri CVB. Mark shares his remarkable journey from his roots in London to his pivotal role in shaping the tourism landscape of Springfield. W…
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Out of This World Maverick: Exploring Creativity with Mary Quinn Ramer of VisitLEX
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Join us on this episode of the Business Class Podcast as we dive into the fascinating world of destination marketing with Mary Quinn Ramer, President of VisitLEX, the destination marketing organization in Lexington, Kentucky. Mary Quinn shares her journey into the DMO space, from her beginnings in PR & Communications to her current role leading Vis…
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Stewardship With Doug Price of Visit Colorado Springs
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An interview with Doug Price, President and CEO of Visit Colorado Springs, discussing his career journey in the tourism industry, sustainability efforts in Colorado Springs, key trends in tourism, advice for entering the field, and leadership style. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement in tourism, career growth opportunities in the…
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Journeys of Authenticity: Insights from Destination DC's CEO, Elliott Ferguson
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In this episode, join us for an insightful conversation with Elliott Ferguson, CEO of Destination DC, as we delve into the profound impact of travel on shaping our perceptions and fostering connections across cultures. Ferguson shares his perspective on the transformative power of travel, emphasizing how it enables us to appreciate both our differe…
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Navigating Conservation and Commerce with Domenic Bravo & Stephen Ekstrom
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In this captivating episode of the Business Class Podcast, host Stephen Ekstrom sits down with the esteemed guest, Domenic Bravo, CEO of Visit Cheyenne, for an insightful conversation on destination marketing and navigating the complexities of environmental conservation and economic impact in a politically charged landscape. Domenic Bravo shares hi…
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How well do you know Fred Dixon, the next CEO of Brand USA?
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In this podcast episode, Fred Dixon, the newly appointed CEO of Brand USA, shares insights into his journey in the tourism industry and his vision for the future. Growing up in the hospitality business, Fred initially wanted to be a lawyer but found his passion in tourism, particularly in destination marketing organizations (DMOs). He reflects on t…
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The Heart of Tourism with Tammy Canavan, CEO of Visit Seattle
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Welcome to another episode of the Tourism Academy Podcast! I'm your host, Stephen Ekstrom, the CEO and co-founder of Tourism Academy. Today, we have a fascinating interview with Tammy Canavan, President & CEO of Visit Seattle, a seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) space. In this enl…
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Journey Through Tourism with Tony Lyle of Visit Galveston
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In this captivating episode of the Tourism Academy's Business Class Podcast, your host, Stephen Ekstrom, sits down with Tony Lyle, the Executive Director of Visit Galveston. Join them as they explore Tony's remarkable trajectory from a ski rep in Vermont and Tahoe to leading tourism efforts in the charming town of Galveston. Tony shares insights in…
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30 Under 30 With Karly Dwenger, Travel Butler County
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Welcome to a new episode of the Tourism Academy's Business Class Podcast, where we connect with inspiring individuals in the tourism industry. In this episode, we had the honor of speaking with Karly, the Senior Marketing Manager of Travel Butler County and a proud member of Destination International's prestigious "30 under 30." Karly shared her in…
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From Art History to Destination Marketing: Kristin McGrath's Journey
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Welcome to another exciting episode of "Business Class," the podcast that delves into the hidden stories and insights of the tourism industry. I'm your host, Stephen Ekstrom, CEO of Tourism Academy, and today, we have a remarkable guest, Kristin McGrath, the Executive Director of Visit Pasadena, the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau. Kristin ha…
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Journey into Travel PR: Unveiling the World with Julie Freeman
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In this captivating episode of the Tourism Academy Podcast, your host, Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and co-founder of Tourism Academy, embarks on a thought-provoking conversation with Julie Freeman, the EVP & Managing Director of MMGY NJF. Join us as we dive deep into Julie's extraordinary journey in the tourism industry and unveil the intricacies of trave…
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US Travel's Geoff Freeman on Leadership and Industry Transformation
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In this captivating episode of the Tourism Academy's Business Class Podcast, your host, Stephen Ekstrom, the CEO and co-founder of The Tourism Academy, delves into a fascinating conversation with Geoff Freeman, President & CEO of the US Travel Association. Get ready to explore Geoff's remarkable journey and insights into the world of travel and lea…
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Destination Insights: Unveiling Cincinnati with Julie Calvert, CEO of Visit Cincy
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Join us in this captivating podcast episode as The Tourism Academy's Stephen Ekstrom dives into the vibrant city of Cincinnati with a remarkable guest, Julie Calvert, President & CEO of Visit Cincy. Julie's journey into destination marketing is a fascinating tale of serendipity, starting as a journalist and eventually leading her to helm one of the…
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Crafting Hospitality Futures: A Conversation with Dr. Robert Donato
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In this enlightening episode, join us as we delve into hospitality and tourism with Dr. Robert Donato, Assistant Professor and Hospitality Program Manager at R. Motwani Family Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Broward College. Dr. Donato, a New York native who found his way to Broward County and back, shares his incredible journey from…
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Rebranding Destinations & the Heart of Tourism with See Monterey's Rob O'Keefe
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In this episode of the Tourism Academy podcast, join your host, Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and co-founder of Tourism Academy, as he sits down with Rob O'Keefe, the driving force behind See Monterey's remarkable rebranding journey. Rob, the mastermind behind "Find Your Way Here," shares insights into his inspiring career and the pivotal moments that broug…
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Paul Ouimet: Journey through a Luminary's Career
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In this episode, join The Tourism Academy's CEO & co-founder, Stephen Ekstrom, as he sits down with Paul Ouimet from MMGY NextFactor, a distinguished figure in the tourism industry, and explore his illustrious career's fascinating twists and turns. From aviation and transportation to a pivotal role in founding a consultancy specializing in border p…
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Journey to TripAdvisor: Steve Paganelli's Insights on Travel, Relationships, and Making an Impact
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29:36
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In this episode of Business Class by The Tourism Academy, we sit down with Steve Paganelli, Head of Americas at TripAdvisor, for a candid conversation about his journey in the travel and tourism industry. While today, he's at the forefront of one of the most influential travel platforms, Steve's path to this role was anything but conventional. Stev…
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Stacy Ritter, Visit Lauderdale: When Tourism Meets Politics
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Join The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Stacy Ritter, a dynamic leader representing Visit Lauderdale, a community of 2 million people speaking 147 languages. With a background in politics and a passion for her community, Stacy shares insights into the intersection of tourism and politics, highl…
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From Childhood Dreams to Tourism Innovation: Cleo Battle's Journey
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Join us for an enlightening episode of the Tourism Academy's Business Class Podcast as we sit down with Cleo Battle, CEO of Louisville Tourism. Cleo's journey from childhood aspirations to becoming a dynamic leader in the tourism industry is nothing short of inspiring. Cleo dreamt of becoming a firefighter as a child, driven by his innate desire to…
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Liz Bittner: Exploring Lifelong Learning and Unveiling the Power of Travel
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In this captivating episode of the Tourism Academy's Business Class Podcast, we delve into the world of lifelong learning and the transformative impact of travel. Our guest, Liz Bittner, President & CEO of Travel South USA, is a seasoned traveler and industry expert; she shares her remarkable journey through roads less taken and bridges crossed. We…
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Embracing Heritage, Bridging Narratives: Visit Natchez with Devin Heath
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Step into the fascinating world of Natchez, a city of captivating contradictions and profound history, as we sit down with Devin Heath, the Executive Director at Visit Natchez. In this illuminating Tourism Academy Business Class episode, we delve into the heart of Natchez's rich past, its complex narrative, and the exciting challenges it presents. …
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"Are You A Good Person?" Brett Jewkes explains Values-Driven Leadership
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Brett Jewkes, our esteemed guest lecturer for the Tourism Leadership Accelerator Program, embodies the essence of values-driven leadership. Throughout his illustrious career, he embarked on a relentless quest to align his passion with his purpose, ultimately finding a company and role grounded in core values. His journey is a testament to the power…
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From Vision to Vibrancy: Leonard Hoops is Transforming Indianapolis into a Tourism Powerhouse
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Join us for an inspiring episode as we dive into the fascinating journey of turning a city's vision into a vibrant reality. In this episode, we sit down with Leonard Hoops, the visionary leader behind the transformation of Indianapolis into a tourism hotspot. Back in 2014, Indianapolis unveiled an ambitious tourism masterplan, drawing inspiration f…
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Building Bridges of Inclusivity: Hilina Ajakaiye's Vision for Boston's Hospitality and Tourism
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Welcome to the Tourism Academy's Business Class Podcast! In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Hilina Ajakaiye, a remarkable individual making a significant impact in Boston as Executive Vice President of Meet Boston. Hilina's journey began as an immigrant from Ethiopia in 1987, with a dream of integrating and assimilating into her…
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Journey of a Destination Marketing Expert with Kristen Esposito, Brand USA Board Member
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Join us on this captivating episode of "Business Class," hosted by Stephen Ekstrom, CEO & Co-Founder of The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org, as we sit down with a true trailblazer in destination marketing, Kristen Esposito. Kristen is not only the founder of Esposito Global Partners, a renowned destination marketing firm, and a distinguished m…
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Insights from Fred Dixon, CEO of NYC Tourism and Chair of Destinations International
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In this captivating episode of The Tourism Academy Podcast, host Stephen Ekstrom, CEO & Co-Founder, sits down with Fred Dixon, the CEO of NYC Tourism and Chair of Destinations International. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary career journey of a visionary leader and gain exclusive access to his invaluable insights into the world of tourism …
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Unveiling the Spirit of Travel with Bud Geissler, 2024 American Bus Association Marketplace Chair
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In this heartwarming episode, join us as we embark on an incredible journey with the extraordinary Bud Geissler, an ardent traveler, and advocate for exploration. Bud's passion for discovering new destinations and connecting people through travel has made him a renowned figure in the industry. As the Chair of the prestigious 2024 American Bus Assoc…
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Dallas: Inside the Vibrant Host City of the 2023 Destinations International Conference With Craig Davis
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In this captivating episode, we sit down with Craig Davis, the visionary CEO of Visit Dallas, the official tourism organization responsible for showcasing the incredible diversity and energy of the dynamic city of Dallas. Join The Tourism Academy's Stephen Ekstrom as we delve into the exciting aspects that make Dallas the perfect host city for the …
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Collaboration and the Goodness of Our People: A Conversation with Alana Cooper, CEO of Discover Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana
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Join us for a captivating episode of the Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org's Business Class Podcast as we delve into the world of collaboration and the inherent goodness of people with our esteemed guest, Alana Cooper, CEO of Discover Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana. In this episode, Alana shares her insights and experiences in fostering collabora…
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Exploring Destination Advocacy with Jack Johnson, Chief Advocacy Officer at Destinations International
25:28
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In this captivating episode, Stephen Ekstrom, the host of The Tourism Academy's Business Class podcast, sits down with Jack Johnson, the esteemed Chief Advocacy Officer at Destinations International. Join us as we delve into a deep conversation about Jack's remarkable work, passions, and the significant initiatives undertaken by the D.I. Foundation…
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Visit Great Lakes Bay: Merging STEM Learning and Tourism Development with Michael Hensley
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Welcome to another exciting episode of the Tourism Academy's Business Class Podcast! In this episode, we uncover the incredible synergy between STEM education and tourism development as host Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Michael Hensley, a visionary leader from Visit Great Lakes Bay. Join us as Stephen and Michael delve into the captivating world …
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Decoding Human Behavior: A Conversation with Joseph St. Germain, Ph.D.
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In this captivating episode of our podcast, host Stephen Ekstrom sits down with the brilliant mind of Joseph St. Germain, Ph.D., President and Partner at Downs & St. Germain Research. With an impressive academic background and extensive experience in the field of research, Joseph has made a significant impact on understanding human behavior. Stephe…
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Destination Spotlight: Mesa, Arizona with Marc Garcia, President & CEO of Visit Mesa
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Welcome to the Business Class Podcast, where we explore the fascinating world of travel, tourism, and destination marketing. In today's episode, Stephen Ekstrom sits down with a distinguished guest, Marc Garcia, the President and CEO of Visit Mesa. Marc Garcia is a recognized leader in the tourism industry, with a wealth of experience and insights …
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Bruce Beckham: Transforming Travel For Good With Tourism Cares
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Welcome to this inspiring episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into the world of sustainable tourism and philanthropy. In today's interview, we have the honor of hosting Bruce Beckham, the visionary founder of Tourism Cares, a renowned non-profit organization at the forefront of transforming the way we approach travel and its impact on local …
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Backpacking To The Boardroom, Kristina Wilson Explains
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"Whatever job you start in, especially in tourism, be a sponge - keep your eyes open, pay attention to what you do to learn things along the way," says Kristina Wilson, JD and Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org advisor. In this episode, Kristina joins host Stephen Ekstrom to share some of her favorite travel experiences and how that love for lear…
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Beth Gendler on Sustainability, Stewardship & Quality of Life
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She's been able to "make a career out of selling fun." In this episode, Beth Gendler from Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism joins the nonprofit Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org Co-Founder, Stephen Ekstrom, for a lively chat. Beth shares her view on stewardship, creating a culture of adaptability, and her own leadership style. It's worth a list…
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Lifelong Learning & Leadership With Barbara Karasek, Paradise Advertising & Marketing
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Like most on The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org team, Paradise Advertising and Marketing's Barbara Karasek comes from a family of educators. She's both a sports fanatic and an academic who values lifelong learning. As she puts it, "constantly learning from ourselves, others & those around us." There's an air of wonderment around Barbara, the …
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Leadership Development with Dr. Eric Canny
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Dr. Canny has nearly three decades of experience in higher education as a senior administrator as well as a faculty member. He is a faculty member at the University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education in the Doctoral Programs for Organizational Change Leadership and Education Leadership. Dr. Canny has also taught at Stetson Universi…
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A Reunion With Maura Gast, Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Maura Gast, Executive Director of the Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau and former Destinations International Chair, met The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org Co-Founder and CEO, Stephen Ekstrom, nearly 20 years ago. They reconnect and share stories of how their career paths have come to cross again Business Class is brought to you by The Tour…
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Developing Leaders & Building Teams with Scott White, Visit Greater Palm Springs
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Joining The Tourism Academy | tourismacademy.org's Stephen Ekstrom for this episode is Scott White from Visit Greater Palm Springs. Since 2010, Scott White has served as President and CEO at Visit Greater Palm Springs. Scott previously served as the Executive Director of the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau where he oversaw the promotion of…
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Leadership & Community with Destination International's Don Welsh
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Don Welsh, CEO of Destinations International shares the origins of his passion for this work, key moments in his career and lessons learned along the way. Business Class is brought to you by The Tourism Academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies.…
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