What inspired you to pursue a career in travel and tourism? Was there a defining moment?
I love inquiry and the art of exploration. I believe travel is the gift that keeps on giving beyond measure and centers us in our being and becoming in relation to other cultures and places in our shared world. I am meticulous about the necessary details that unnecessarily add stress and pain points to an otherwise rewarding and satisfying trip. I aim to make the experiences we embark on as seamless and efficient as possible for my clients and the embedded added value my service is founded on.
Can you share a moment in your career when you realized, “This is exactly what I’m meant to do”?
I realized that I was within my wheelhouse when I led a small group on or first Expedition to the Galapagos Islands. For me this was the pinnacle of discovery and self-reflection. I vowed right then and there that I would facilitate more like-minded, inquisitive, kind and considerate people to experience the peace and pristine environment and call to conservatory action that are part and parcel of this tremendous life affirming opportunity.
How has your journey evolved since graduating from The Travel Institute?
Graduating from the Travel Institute has turbo-boosted my trajectory and truly differentiated my caliber, expertise and competency without a doubt. Those in the know and along the learning continuum see my Certified Travel Associate certificate hanging front and center in my office, on my business cards, and email signatures repeatedly. The affiliation without question exemplifies “The Gold Standard” that my high-end affluent luxury clients expect as an “entry -level” expectation for consideration for their business. It reinforces their initial hunches and instincts that they came to the right place to begin their travel queries, research and journey with a demonstrated professional in elite objectively recognized company.
What’s your favorite part about helping others experience the world through travel?
I find it truly rewarding to witness the ripple effect and “best kept secret” growth through the referral process and multiple repeat business. We have consistently, reliably and sustainably generate mutually rewarding relationships and global connections that highlight, accentuate and in some cases simplify the authentic cultural and luxury experiences that the masses aren’t even privy to or may never be able to access independently.
What skills from The Travel Institute have made the biggest impact in your career?
I am grateful that the biggest foundational skill I took from The Travel Institute was the objective definition and operational definition and deployment of our professional standard. This is not an “anyone can do it in their spare time” game or gamble.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their travel industry journey?
Invest in yourself and commit to the sacrifice and time this journey takes. The delayed gratification, satisfaction and production will exponentially exceed and far outweigh the temporary loss of leads or preliminary business you might witness while in the process. Do not allow yourself to give up on yourself and your definition of success.
How do you stay motivated and inspired in an industry that’s constantly changing?
I am a voracious reader, life-long learner and my position provides me the impetus of continual learning. I also am supported by a wonderful team that gives me the space to challenge myself and our team to explore what luxury has been and what and how it is evolving and continually becoming while witnessing and experiencing it first-hand in many cases.
