Business Class: The Global Tourism Leadership Conversation

Episode

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  From Colombia with Love: A Journey of Culture and Connection 11.08.2026 22mnt

  Tourism, Sustainability & Colombia’s Diversity with Maria Lacouture (AmCham Colombia) Maria Lacouture, director of AmCham Colombia, explains how the nonprofit strengthens business ties between Colombia and the U.S., including tourism, through work with more than 970 American and Colombian companies. She shares how travel builds cultural understanding and adaptability, clarifies the misconception that AmCham handles visas, and describes current goals such as promoting Colombia in Washingto...
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  20 Million Stories: The Human Side of Hospitality with Hilton's Catherine Linskey 04.08.2026 29mnt

  What does it really mean to create impact at scale—without losing the human connection? In this episode, Catherine Linskey, Director of Community Impact at Hilton, shares how one of the world’s largest hospitality brands is working toward an ambitious goal: impacting 20 million people while creating 5 million learning and career opportunities by 2030. But behind those numbers are deeply personal stories—of second chances, career discovery, and communities transformed. Catherine takes us insid...
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  Work Is My Play: Shauna Stewart on Creativity, Connection & Coming Home to Olympia 28.07.2026 25mnt

  Shauna Stewart has returned to lead Experience Olympia & Beyond for the third time — and she'll tell you it's the people who keep pulling her back. In this wide-ranging conversation, Shauna opens up about blending her work as a destination CEO with her practice as an intimacy and relationship coach, why she "hires for delight," how a 2020 health crisis reshaped her identity as a high achiever, and the unexpected healing power of vanilla ice cream. If you've ever confused Olympia with the ...
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  A Million Reasons to Grow: Mitch Whitten on Tourism Leadership in a Fast-Changing City 16.07.2026 22mnt

  When Mitch Whitten stepped into the role of President & CEO of Visit Fort Worth, he inherited more than a title—he took on the responsibility of guiding one of America's fastest-growing tourism destinations through a transformational moment. In this episode of Learn Tourism's Business Class, Mitch shares how curiosity has shaped his career from newspaper journalist to tourism executive, why community pride is the foundation of successful destinations, and what it means to lead with servic...
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  Beyond the Beach: Rodrigo Esponda's Vision for the Future of Los Cabos 15.07.2026 26mnt

  What does it take to transform a destination from a beautiful place to visit into a place people truly connect with? In this episode of Business Class, Learn Tourism's Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Rodrigo Esponda, Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, to explore how one of North America's most successful tourism destinations is balancing growth, sustainability, and community well-being. Rodrigo shares how Los Cabos has evolved beyond its luxury resorts to showcase its mountains,...
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  The Legacy We Leave: Tourism Cares' Greg Takehara on Purpose, People, and Travel 09.07.2026 26mnt

  What kind of legacy are we creating through our work in tourism? In this reflective and thought-provoking conversation, Tourism Cares CEO Greg Takehara shares lessons from more than two decades of advancing responsible tourism and building meaningful connections across the industry. From destination stewardship and sustainable travel to leadership, organizational culture, and the accelerating pace of technology, Greg explores what it takes to create lasting impact. He reflects on the lessons ...
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  Building a Destination from Scratch: Wendy Haase-Roberts on Leadership, Community, and the Future of Santa Ana 07.07.2026 24mnt

  In this episode of Business Class, Stephen Ekstrom from Learn Tourism sits down with Wendy Haase-Roberts, President & CEO of Travel Santa Ana, to discuss the unique challenge of creating a destination organization from virtually nothing more than a name and a vision. Wendy shares how Travel Santa Ana has become a connector for businesses, attractions, artists, and community organizations throughout the city. She discusses lessons learned from launching a new DMO, building a strong destina...
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  Edward Harris, Visit Williamsburg on Tourism, Sneakers, and America's 250th 01.07.2026 26mnt

  As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, few destinations are more central to the story than Williamsburg, Virginia. In this episode of Business Class, Learn Tourism's Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Edward Harris, President & CEO of Visit Williamsburg, to discuss leading a destination through a once-in-a-generation moment while preparing for what comes next. Edward shares his unconventional journey from global brands like Converse, Timberland, Under Armour, and eBay into desti...
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  Changing the Narrative: Peter Gamez on Leadership, Storytelling, and Oakland's Soul 30.06.2026 29mnt

  What does it take to transform perceptions, inspire a community, and lead a destination through change? In this episode of Business Class, Learn Tourism's Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Peter Gamez, President & CEO of Visit Oakland, to explore the power of positive storytelling, servant leadership, and collaboration in destination marketing. Growing up in San Francisco as the son of Cuban immigrants, Peter developed a deep appreciation for education, community, and cultural identity. Afte...
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  The Leap: How Kristen Reynolds Went from “Not Qualified” to Leading Chicago 23.06.2026 27mnt

  What does it take to make career moves that everyone else thinks are impossible? In this episode of Learn Tourism's Business Class podcast, Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Kristen Reynolds, President & CEO of Choose Chicago, to explore the mindset behind one of the tourism industry's most remarkable leadership journeys. From public relations and lobbying to leading destination organizations in New York and now one of the world's premier visitor destinations, Kristen shares how curiosity, c...
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  Mavericks Wanted: Wyoming's Domenic Bravo on Leadership, Stewardship, and the Future of Tourism 18.06.2026 26mnt

  What does it take to lead tourism in one of America's most iconic destinations? In this episode of Business Class, Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Domenic Bravo, Executive Director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism, to explore the evolution of destination leadership, the power of servant leadership, and how technology is reshaping visitor experiences. Domenic shares lessons learned from a career that spans state parks, higher education, destination marketing, and statewide tourism leadership. F...
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  Conversation with Don Welsh, Destinations International: The Evolution of Tourism 16.06.2026 26mnt

  Join us in this insightful episode of the Business Class Podcast as we catch up with Don Welsh, three years after his last appearance. As the President and CEO of Destinations International, Don shares his in-depth perspectives on the evolving challenges and opportunities within the global tourism industry. From responsible travel and political acuity to the importance of accessibility and innovative leadership, Don's journey offers invaluable lessons for the next generation of tourism leader...
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  Helping Small Businesses Thrive Through Tourism with Rachel Thompson from Visit Greater St. Cloud 09.06.2026 23mnt

  Rachel Thompson, Executive Director of Visit Greater St. Cloud, joins Business Class to discuss destination stewardship, supporting small businesses, tourism leadership, and why the future of tourism still depends on human connection. In this inspiring and surprisingly personal conversation, Rachel shares her journey from aspiring firefighter to hospitality leader, the importance of setting ambitious goals, and how tourism organizations can embrace technology without losing their humanity. St...
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  Barefoot Luxury & Bold Leadership with Andia Ravariere of Nevis 02.06.2026 28mnt

  What makes a destination unforgettable? According to Andia Ravariere, CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority, it starts with authenticity, community, and the courage to truly understand a place's spirit. In this episode of Business Class, Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Andia for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about tourism leadership, sustainable destination development, Caribbean collaboration, and the emotional connection travelers build with destinations. Andia shares her unexpected j...
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  Front Door to Economic Development | Scott Larson, Visit Central Oregon 26.05.2026 23mnt

  Tourism is about far more than attracting visitors. It’s about building stronger communities, creating opportunity, protecting places, and empowering people to connect through meaningful experiences. In this episode of Business Class, Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Scott Larson, Executive Director of Visit Central Oregon, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, destination stewardship, tourism economics, and personal growth. Scott shares his unexpected journey into tourism, why travel...
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  More Than Visitors: Tourism for Community Impact with Kireem Swinton 19.05.2026 26mnt

  What if tourism wasn’t just about attracting visitors—but about uplifting an entire community? In this episode, Stephen sits down with Kireem Swinton, President & CEO of Visit Baltimore, to explore a powerful shift happening in destination marketing. Drawing from his background as a championship athlete and team leader, Kireem shares how he’s building a culture rooted in trust, empowerment, and purpose. Together, they unpack what it really means to connect tourism to the lives of resident...
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  Beyond Heads in Beds: High Point Is Redefines Destination Leadership 12.05.2026 42mnt

  What happens when a destination stops measuring success only by hotel stays—and starts measuring community impact? In this episode of Business Class, Stephen sits down with Melody Burnett, President of Visit High Point, to explore how one North Carolina destination is transforming tourism into a powerful force for inclusion, economic development, and community pride. From becoming one of the first Certified Autism Destinations in the U.S. to launching bold public art initiatives that draw ten...
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  Tourism Isn’t Broken—We Just Forgot It’s a People Business 05.05.2026 38mnt

  Tourism is built on human connection—so why are we struggling to attract, retain, and inspire the very people who make it work? In this candid and often hilarious conversation, Stephen Ekstrom (CEO of Learn Tourism) and Carmen Bold (tourism workforce and capability expert) unpack the real challenges facing the industry—from the overlooked importance of business fundamentals to the global struggle to position tourism as a viable career. They explore: Why most tourism businesses are one b...
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  Santiago Corrada: The Art and Heart of Tampa's Transformation 21.04.2026 27mnt

  Join us for a special four-year reunion episode as host Stephen Ekstrom reconnects with Santiago Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. In this engaging discussion, Santiago shares his visionary approach to marketing a vibrant city, moving beyond conventional tourism to foster sustainable community growth. Discover how Tampa Bay has transformed over the years through innovative campaigns, local engagement, and powerful collaborations. Whether you're a travel enthusiast or a city dwell...
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  You Belong in Every Room: Leadership Lessons from Birmingham’s Dan Williams 07.04.2026 22mnt

  What does it take to lead a destination in today’s tourism landscape? In this episode of Business Class, Stephen sits down with Dan Williams, President & CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, for a conversation that goes far beyond marketing and metrics. Dan shares his journey from Cleveland to Columbus to Birmingham—and how a shift in perspective during COVID transformed his leadership style from performance-driven to people-centered. Today, he leads with empath...