Afleveringen
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In this Office Hours episode, Grace Van Hollebeke shares the real difference between hiring an Executive Assistant and an Operations hire—and why getting this wrong is one of the most common (and expensive) mistakes founders make.
Most founders default to “I need ops” when they’re overwhelmed, but what they really need is someone to take the day-to-day off their plate. Grace walks through what each role actually does, how to figure out which one your business needs right now, and the self-awareness questions every founder should ask before posting a job. From delegation style to business hygiene, this episode helps you make a smart, strategic hire that unlocks real capacity—not just a fancy title. If you’re hiring support or feeling stuck in the weeds, listen to this before you waste time and money on the wrong person.
Key Moments:
EA vs. Ops – Why founders confuse the roles and what it’s costing themDefining the Difference – What EAs do vs. what ops hires do (and why it matters) Founder Self-Check – Understanding your delegation style, weaknesses, and business hygiene Common Mistakes – Hiring based on title, expecting one hire to solve everything What to Do Instead – A 3-step framework to choose the right support The Reframe – Why getting the right help at the right time changes everythingKey Takeaways:
An EA supports you. An ops hire supports the business. Know the difference.Your personal overwhelm ≠ a business infrastructure problem. Solve the real issue.Hire for counterbalance, not clone—someone who offsets your blind spots.Start small and test before hiring full-time. You don’t need to scale like a corporation to get results.The best hires free up your energy first—then you can build systems and scale.Follow Along:
Grace Van Hollebeke: LinkedIn | Instagram
Lucia: Website
Try This Challenge: This week, list out what’s draining you vs. what’s breaking in the business. Then DM Grace on Instagram (@GraceVanHoll) and she’ll send you the free worksheet to help you decide who to hire next.
Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review and share it with a fellow founder who’s thinking about hiring.
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In this Office Hours episode, Grace Van Hollebeke sits down with Arianna Sartzetakis, founder of Uncover More, to dive into how she built a trusted digital brand uncovering the world's hidden gems. What started as a side project in New York City has grown into a global platform, earning Arianna a Forbes feature and a devoted following of curious travelers.
In this episode, Arianna shares how she built a community-first brand and how she grew it into a full-time business. If you want to build a travel brand, grow your audience, and create content that stands out, this episode is full of insights.
Key Moments:
(00:00) Building a Brand on Storytelling & Community – How Arianna turned a passion for NYC into a globally recognized platform(03:49) The Leap to Full-Time Entrepreneurship – Why she left Goldman Sachs to pursue Uncover More full-time(07:13) Carving Out a Unique Niche in Travel Content – How she built a trusted brand by focusing on hidden gems & authentic experiences(13:24) Rethinking Luxury in Travel – Why luxury is about experience, not price, and how travelers today want more than just five-star hotels(16:29) The Secrets to Consistent Content – How Arianna’s signature format keeps Uncover More engaging and instantly recognizable(19:53) Building a Community That Trusts You – Why engagement matters more than virality and how she connects with followersKey Takeaways:
Luxury is about experience, not price—it’s about thoughtful curation, not just expensive staysConsistency builds trust—using a signature style helps brands stand out in a crowded spaceCommunity matters more than virality—loyal followers drive long-term growthEngagement is everything—responding to every comment and DM builds real connectionsSocial media isn’t about tricks—it’s about understanding what your audience actually wantsFollow Along:
Want to see Arianna’s work in action? Follow @UncoverMore on Instagram & TikTok
Grace Van Hollebeke: LinkedIn | [email protected]
Lucia: Website
Try This Challenge:
This week, engage with your audience like Arianna does—reply to every comment, DM, and email with genuine thoughtfulness. Notice how your community grows.
Need help structuring your content strategy? Lucia’s CoPilots can create a custom content plan tailored to your brand. DM Grace on Instagram (@GraceVanHoll) for recommendations.
Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review and share it with a fellow travel entrepreneur!
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this Office Hours episode, Grace Van Hollebeke shares why most travel advisors struggle with referrals—and how a simple system can change everything. Instead of hoping clients will refer them, top advisors engineer referrals consistently and effortlessly. Grace breaks down:
Why referrals don’t happen on their own (even from your happiest clients)The exact steps to turn one happy client into five new onesHow to make referrals feel exclusive without offering discountsA proven, non-pushy script for asking for referralsThe small changes that make it easy for clients to send business your wayIf you want a predictable, steady stream of new clients, this episode gives you the exact steps to make it happen.
Want our full (& free) Networking Playbook? 👉 GET HERE
Key Moments:
(00:00) Engineering Referrals in Travel Business – Why waiting for referrals keeps you stuck and how top advisors generate them consistently(02:31) Creating a Structured Referral Process – How to prime clients before they even take their trip and build referrals into your business model(05:49) Making Referrals Feel Exclusive – Why positioning matters more than incentives and how to create a VIP experience(07:13) Simplifying the Referral Process – The easiest way to ask for referrals without being pushyKey Takeaways:
Referrals should be an intentional, structured part of your business—not left to chanceClients won’t refer you unless you give them a reason and an easy way to do itExclusivity is more powerful than discounts—position referrals as an invitation, not a transactionThe best referral requests aren’t direct asks but subtle nudges at the right timeAutomating your referral process can save time and ensure consistencyFollow Along:
Grace Van Hollebeke: LinkedIn | [email protected]: WebsiteTry This Challenge:
This week, send one message to a past client using the script from this episode. See how many referrals come in.
Need help setting up a referral system? Lucia’s CoPilots can build it for you in just a few hours. DM Grace on Instagram (@GraceVanHoll) for recommendations.
Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review and share it with a fellow travel advisor.
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In this Office Hours episode, Grace Van Hollebeke sits down with Karen Magee, President of Valerie Wilson Travel, to discuss leading a legacy luxury travel brand into the future. Karen shares her journey from finance to travel, the values that define exceptional hospitality, and how travel advisors can stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.
They explore what it takes to scale a high-touch luxury brand while staying true to its roots, the power of strong client relationships, and how evolving technology is shaping the industry. Plus, Karen shares candid insights on leadership, balancing career and family, and the lessons she’s learned stepping into this role during a pivotal time for Valerie Wilson Travel.
If you're looking to build a lasting brand in travel, this episode is full of insights on growth, differentiation, and high-impact leadership.
Key Moments:
(02:06) From Finance to Luxury Travel – How Karen made the leap from the financial industry to leading a major travel brand.(04:38) Learning from Legacy Advisors – Why experience is invaluable and how to blend it with fresh perspectives.(10:50) The Future of Travel Advisors – How the industry is evolving and where travel advisors should focus their energy.(14:12) Building a Hospitality-Driven Brand – The values at the core of Valerie Wilson Travel and why they matter now more than ever.(16:56) Standing Out in a Crowded Market – How advisors can differentiate themselves in a world of increasing competition and digital noise.(20:48) The Role of Social Media & Marketing – Does social media really bring in business, or is it just brand hygiene?(27:29) Leadership Lessons & Navigating Change – The key skills Karen has sharpened as she leads Valerie Wilson Travel into its next chapter.(32:48) Balancing Career, Family & Travel – Karen’s honest take on juggling leadership, motherhood, and a demanding industry.(36:36) Taking Risks & Trusting the Process – The mindset shifts that helped Karen embrace leadership and change with confidence.Key Takeaways:
Luxury travel is built on relationships. The best advisors don’t just book trips—they anticipate needs and elevate experiences.Experience matters. Travel advisors get better with time, and learning from those with decades of knowledge is a competitive advantage.Social media is a resume, not a sales tool. While important for credibility, real business still comes from referrals and direct outreach.Leadership requires patience and vision. Trust, communication, and a clear mission are essential for leading a company through change.Balancing work and life isn’t perfect. Success comes from being intentional, setting priorities, and knowing when to say no.Follow Along:
Karen Magee: LinkedIn | Valerie Wilson Travel
Grace Van Hollebeke: LinkedIn
Lucia: Website
🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review and share it with a friend!
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In this Office Hours episode, Grace sits down with Nikita Leca, a branding and content strategist specializing in travel and hospitality. Nikita shares her journey from working a 9-to-5 to launching her own business, overcoming the fear of putting herself out there, and building a personal brand that attracts ideal clients.
They discuss the importance of branding, storytelling, and content strategy—plus, practical ways to engage your audience, leverage UGC, and optimize your online presence. If you've ever struggled with what to post or how to stand out, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Key Moments:
(02:01) The Leap from 9-to-5 to Entrepreneurship – Nikita shares how she transitioned from working in design to running her own branding business.(04:15) Why Personal Branding Is Non-Negotiable – The psychology behind why people buy from people, not faceless businesses.(07:30) Storytelling That Sells – How to craft content that connects by linking personal experiences with business insights.(13:20) The Most Common Mistakes in Branding & Content Strategy – What NOT to do when trying to grow an audience online.(18:50) Why Going Viral Doesn't Matter – The difference between vanity metrics and engagement that actually leads to business growth.(27:10) Leveraging UGC to Build Trust & Visibility – How to encourage clients to create content that markets your business for you.(36:40) How to Actually Get Engagement on Social Media – Strategies for interacting with your audience to boost visibility and conversions.(39:50) The Power of a Controversial Hook – Why starting with an unexpected or bold statement can transform your content.(41:10) Final Takeaway: Optimize Your Profile – The simple but essential tweaks that will instantly improve your online presence.Key Takeaways:
People buy from people. A personal brand builds trust and connection faster than a faceless business.Your content should show, not tell. Instead of saying what you do, demonstrate it through behind-the-scenes storytelling.Stop chasing vanity metrics. Focus on engagement and conversions over followers and likes.User-generated content is a game-changer. Make it easy for clients to share their experiences with your brand.Be consistent. Posting frequency matters more than perfection.Follow Along:
Nikita Leca: Lucia Profile | LinkedIn | InstagramGrace Van Hollebeke: LinkedInOffice Hours Podcast: WebsiteLucia: Website🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review and share it with a friend!
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In this episode of Office Hours, Grace Van Hollebeke talks about overcoming the fear of posting on social media and how personal branding can help grow your business. Drawing from her own experiences, she shares thoughtful tips and practical strategies to help you show up authentically, create content that resonates, and build trust with your audience. Whether you're just starting out or looking for fresh ideas, this episode offers a supportive and approachable guide to feeling more confident online.
Key Moments:
(00:01) Welcome & Why This Matters: Why your personal brand is your business brand — and how leaning into it builds trust and opens doors.
(02:00) Overcoming the Fear of Posting: How to stop stressing about what people think and start showing up online with confidence.
(05:00) Consistency Beats Perfection: Why being top of mind matters way more than crafting perfect posts.
(08:00) Content Ideas That Work: Behind-the-scenes stories, personal milestones, and lessons from your business journey that people actually want to see.
(12:00) Content Pillars for Consistency: How to create 4-5 content pillars that simplify your content strategy and keep you showing up consistently.
(18:00) Progress Over Perfection: Why starting messy is better than not starting at all — and how practice builds confidence.
Key Takeaways:
Nobody Cares as Much as You Think: People are busy — they’ll scroll past or engage without overanalyzing your posts.Your Personal Brand = Your Business Brand: Show who you are, not just what you sell.Start Small: Post one piece of content this week — share a win, a lesson, or something you’re excited about.Content Pillars Keep You Focused: Choose 4-5 core themes that matter most to you and your business.Be Authentic, Not Perfect: Consistency beats perfection every time.Follow Along:
Grace Van Hollebeke: LinkedIn | InstagramOffice Hours Podcast: Official SiteLucia: Learn More -
Grace sits down for a spontaneous Friday afternoon chat about how to actually market a small business. Drawing from her experiences working with entrepreneurs in travel, tech, and hospitality, Grace shares creative, no-nonsense strategies that go beyond the usual “post on social media” advice. This solo session is packed with practical tips on email marketing, content creation, partnerships, and more—all focused on getting results without breaking the bank.
Key Moments:
(02:15) Social Media Isn't the Fix-All: Why social media shouldn’t be your first marketing move—and how to use it as a credibility tool instead.(05:48) Email Marketing Done Right: Why collecting email addresses is the most serious marketing move you can make—and how to start now.(15:20) Creating Valuable Content: How to use case studies, customer reviews, and real-life stories to build trust and engage your audience.(23:40) Partnerships That Pay Off: How to co-host webinars, events, and cross-promotions to expand your reach and tap into new markets.(31:12) Asking for What You Want: Why business owners should ask for referrals, feedback, and partnerships regularly—and how it leads to surprising opportunities.(37:50) Mastering One Thing at a Time: Why it’s better to be great at one marketing channel before expanding to others.Key Takeaways:
Own Your Audience: Collect email addresses and build your list—you own that audience, unlike social media followers.Show, Don’t Tell: Use customer stories, reviews, and user-generated content to demonstrate what your business can deliver.Be Present and Valuable: Share content that educates, entertains, or inspires—without constantly selling your services.Partnerships Matter: Cross-promote with aligned businesses for mutual growth and greater visibility.Start Now, Improve Later: You won’t be perfect at first, but taking action is better than waiting.Follow Along:
Grace Van Hollebeke: LinkedIn | InstagramOffice Hours Podcast: Official SiteLucia: Learn More -
In this Office Hours episode, Grace sits down with Ellen Yui, founder of Yui+Company, a trailblazing communications consultancy celebrating 33 years of success. Ellen shares her journey from a young leader in a big Irish family to launching her own company while pregnant and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Ellen discusses the importance of values, joy, and authenticity in business and life with candor and humor.
Key Moments:
(03:54) The Pregnancy That Sparked a Business: Ellen shares how starting her company while pregnant catalyzed her entrepreneurial success.(09:01) Client Loyalty That Built a Legacy: How Ellen’s early clients followed her and helped her establish Yui+Company.(18:43) The Role of Values in Leadership: Ellen discusses why knowing and embodying your values is foundational to personal and professional success.(29:20) Using Joy as a Tool in Business: Why Ellen believes joy is the “divine spark” that fuels creativity and connection.(35:02) Simplifying Communication for Impact: Practical tips for tailoring messages to your audience and avoiding unnecessary noise.(52:52) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Ellen offers wisdom for those starting out, emphasizing the importance of knowing yourself and thinking beyond the present.Key Takeaways:
Authenticity and values are the cornerstones of lasting success.Communication isn’t about making noise—it’s about making connections.Joy is a powerful driver in business, both as a motivator and as a tool to inspire others.Risk tolerance and resilience are essential traits for entrepreneurs.Always think ahead and believe that the world will catch up to your vision.Follow along:
Grace Van Hollebeke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracevanholl/Office Hours: https://www.officehourspod.com/Lucia: https://letslucia.com/ -
In this Office Hours episode, we sit down with Irving Betesh, the Co-Founder & CEO of SION, who defied the odds to build a successful business in the travel and tech industries. Known for his passion, straightforward approach, and ability to thrive under pressure, Irving shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected name in his field. From attending a life-changing Tony Robbins seminar in his 20s to selling a watch to pay rent in his early days, Irving has consistently demonstrated that hard work and resilience can open doors.
Key Moments:
2:30: The Early Influence of a Tony Robbins Seminar: How a powerful seminar in his 20s shifted Irving’s perspective and set him on a new path.8:15: Selling a Watch to Pay Rent: Irving’s decision to sell his watch to make ends meet and why he believes nothing is ever “handed to you.”14:00: From Common Sense to Company Founder: Irving discusses launching companies in travel and tech with little formal training and relying on his intuition.23:45: Passion and Bluntness in Business: How Irving’s approach to life and work—being direct and passionate—has shaped his journey.31:20: Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Irving offers his top takeaways on resilience, taking the first step, and maintaining faith in your vision.Key Takeaways:
Success often stems from resilience and the courage to make difficult choices, especially in challenging times.The power of intuition in business is sometimes as valuable as formal training, and common sense can often lead the way.Finding mentors or events that shift your perspective, like Irving’s Tony Robbins seminar experience, can provide lasting motivation.Irving’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: nothing will be handed to you, but by making that first step and committing to your plan, you’ll create your own momentum for success. -
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Office Hours, Grace hosts an engaging conversation with David Chait, CEO and Founder of Travefy, the go-to platform for travel advisors who need a powerful way to streamline trip planning, communication, and client engagement. David walks us through his journey from corporate strategy consulting at McKinsey to a pivotal role at the U.S. Small Business Administration, where he was immersed in the challenges of small businesses during the Great Recession. Inspired by these experiences, David caught the entrepreneurial bug and set out to create Travefy, a platform initially aimed at consumers that found its true mission in supporting travel advisors.
David shares the critical moments and hard-won insights behind Travefy’s growth, from navigating product-market fit to self-funding for long-term sustainability. He reveals how Travefy balanced listening to user feedback with strategic foresight to build a suite of tools tailored specifically for travel advisors, ultimately helping them succeed on their own terms. In this episode, you’ll hear how Travefy tackled the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, built trust in the advisor community, and why staying mission-driven has been key to their success. Plus, David dives into the qualities he values in his team and his strategic approach to innovation and offers sage advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on setting both success and “off-track” metrics.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and David’s Career Journey 01:12 From Strategy Consulting to Small Business Advocacy 06:32 Transitioning Travefy from Consumer to B2B 08:26 Finding Product-Market Fit for Travel Advisors 10:04 Capital Decisions: Self-Funding and Sustainable Growth 14:54 Building with a Mission: Supporting Travel Advisors 17:19 Travefy’s Methodical Approach to Product Development 21:33 Expanding Tools for Travel Advisors: Education & Integration 28:48 Navigating COVID-19: Adapting with Empathy and Innovation 32:01 New Tools for Branding and Workflows 35:43 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Setting Success and Failure Metrics 38:01 Early Strategies for Connecting with Advisors 40:45 Hiring for Empathy and User-Centric Values 43:00 Rapid Fire with David: Technology Trends, Industry Misconceptions, and Key Traits for EntrepreneursTakeaways:
Travefy’s journey from a consumer to a B2B tool underscores the importance of identifying a core audience and iterating based on user feedback.David’s experience with small business challenges at the U.S. Small Business Administration influenced Travefy’s mission to empower solopreneurs.Customer-focused product development and clear values have driven Travefy’s growth and resilience.Aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from setting both success and off-track metrics early in their journey to make quicker, more informed adjustments. -
In this episode, Grace interviews Caroline Casson, Partner at VITALIZE Venture Capital, a seed-stage fund investing in the future of work. Caroline shares her unconventional path into venture capital, starting from a corporate finance role at GE to helping incubate a startup in the drone industry with GE Ventures. She discusses her transition to VITALIZE, the evolution of the fund’s thesis, and the importance of having a focus when sourcing deals. Caroline dives into the qualities she looks for in founders, from attention to detail to passion for solving specific problems. She reflects on navigating the VC landscape while staying grounded amidst hype cycles. She also shares practical advice for founders on evaluating their company's potential for venture funding and the benefits of capital efficiency.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Caroline’s Venture Journey 01:22 Getting Into Venture Capital 04:36 The Transition to VITALIZE 07:35 From Corporate to Startup: Challenges and Lessons 09:43 Understanding Risk and Timing 11:30 Evaluating Startups: Key Tools and Insights 16:13 Identifying Successful Founder Traits 17:53 The Focus on the Future of Work at VITALIZE 21:20 Differentiating Trends from Real Opportunities 23:14 The Midwest Advantage in VC 25:38 Providing Value Beyond Capital: VITALIZE’s Network Approach 28:11 Should You Raise Venture Capital or Not? 31:26 Final Advice for FoundersTakeaways:
Caroline’s journey shows that unconventional paths can lead to successful venture careers.Attention to detail and a genuine passion for solving problems are vital founder traits.VITALIZE focuses on redefining workflows across industries, not just trendy markets.Founders should align their funding strategy with their business model and lifestyle goals. -
In this episode, Grace interviews Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso, a global luxury travel network with over 1,000 agency locations and 20,000 advisors across more than 50 countries. Matthew shares his journey, beginning with his family's travel legacy, to leading Virtuoso and growing it into a network that recorded more than $26 billion in annual sales. He discusses the company’s founding principles, its evolution through technological changes, and his insights into building a human-centric business. Matthew delves into how Virtuoso has embraced technology to amplify human connections, maintained its focus on personalized travel experiences, and navigated market changes. He also offers valuable advice on leadership, business strategy, and staying curious in an ever-changing industry.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Matthew's Travel Legacy01:28 The Founding of Virtuoso04:15 Empathy and Understanding in Business11:37 Evolution of Virtuoso: Keeping Up with Industry Changes13:13 Balancing Technology and Human Connection18:24 Future of Travel Advisors and Industry Insights22:36 Personal Values and Guiding Principles32:38 Embracing Frameworks and Learning from Coaches45:14 Building Team Culture and StructureTakeaways:
Matthew's experience underscores the importance of empathy in business and understanding multiple perspectives.He highlights the power of collaboration and partnership in building Virtuoso.The discussion emphasizes using technology as a tool to enhance human connections rather than replace them.Matthew’s focus on culture and continual learning has been a key driver in Virtuoso’s growth. -
In this episode, Ashwin Kamlani shares his dynamic journey from an e-commerce pioneer at Melia Hotels to becoming a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Juicer. Ashwin dives deep into the critical moments that shaped his career, including how he transformed Melia’s e-commerce strategy from the ground up, his leap into entrepreneurship after a bold offer from a Danish entrepreneur, and his decision to bootstrap his first company.
Ashwin highlights the lessons he learned from bootstrapping versus raising capital and shares his unique perspective on transparency, leadership, and balancing the personal with the professional. From walking into meetings with the chairman of Melia as a young leader to driving across the U.S. in a pink polka-dot RV with his daughter—meeting clients along the way—Ashwin offers powerful insights into the entrepreneurial mindset. He also reflects on the importance of staying true to yourself in business and how bringing his personal life into his professional world has helped him build trust and lasting relationships.
Throughout the episode, Ashwin candidly discusses the challenges of scaling a business, the tough calls he's had to make, and why intuition and authenticity remain his guiding principles.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Ashwin's Early Career at Melia02:17 Rising through the Ranks: From Intern to Global VP 06:55 Pioneering E-Commerce at Melia Hotels 10:58 The Leap into Entrepreneurship: Regatta Travel Solutions 14:53 Bootstrapping vs. Raising Capital: Lessons from Both Worlds 21:12 Navigating Acquisition and the Next Chapter 24:48 Juicer’s Origin and Navigating Dynamic Pricing 32:09 On the Road: Ashwin’s RV Journey with His Daughter 39:24 Personal Insights: The Role of Family in EntrepreneurshipTakeaways
Ashwin’s journey underscores the importance of bold risk-taking, from relentlessly pursuing an unpaid internship to launching his first startup after a life-changing opportunity.Authenticity and transparency in business foster trust, leading to deeper client relationships and stronger connections, even in highly competitive industries like hospitality and restaurants.Successful entrepreneurs must balance instinct with adaptability, knowing when to pivot and when to stick to their vision.Bootstrapping taught Ashwin independence and ownership, while raising capital with Juicer gave him the resources to scale quickly—each path offers valuable lessons.Dynamic pricing in restaurants offers a vast opportunity, but fear of consumer backlash is a hurdle many companies are hesitant to tackle.Ashwin’s journey across the U.S. in a pink polka-dot RV with his 12-year-old daughter offers a unique blend of personal and professional life, illustrating how family and business can intersect in meaningful ways.Having institutional investors who trust your judgment and support your vision can be a game-changer for scaling a business. -
In this episode, Dmitry Koltunov shares his inspiring journey from a software engineer in Ukraine to becoming a successful entrepreneur, founding two companies, ALICE and Arbor. He emphasizes the power of storytelling in both the hospitality and nonprofit sectors, explaining how emotional connections can drive impact and engagement. Dmitry explores the qualities that define successful founders, including resilience, curiosity, and self-awareness, and he stresses the significance of customer feedback in driving business growth. Reflecting on his experiences in the Startup Leadership Program, Dmitry offers valuable insights on entrepreneurship, creativity, and collaboration.
Dmitry also draws parallels between the world of theater and startups, underscoring how creativity and teamwork play essential roles in building successful ventures. He highlights the potential for impact in the nonprofit sector, sharing how emotional storytelling can lead to higher donations and stronger engagement. Throughout the conversation, Dmitry emphasizes the importance of passion for the problem at hand and the ongoing need for sales and customer connection in sustaining a startup's success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background13:02 Lessons from the Startup Leadership Program 16:08 Insights from Theater and Art 22:55 Building and Leading Effective Teams 29:26 Personal Life Stories and Key LearningsTakeaways
Dmitry’s entrepreneurial journey reflects a transformation from fear to leadership, driven by a passion for solving problems.Storytelling plays a critical role in both hospitality and nonprofit sectors, creating emotional connections that lead to greater impact.Successful founders are resilient, curious, and self-aware, with a focus on continuous learning.Customer feedback is essential for refining and scaling a business.The nonprofit sector offers unique opportunities to create meaningful impact, especially through emotional storytelling.Sales is not a one-time activity but a continuous focus that helps businesses stay connected with their audience.A strong, collaborative team environment fosters innovation and creativity.Passion and a deep understanding of the problem being solved are key to sustaining long-term entrepreneurial success.This episode offers a wealth of knowledge for aspiring entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and anyone interested in the intersection of storytelling, AI, and business growth.
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In this episode, Ted Teng, a renowned leader in the hospitality industry, shares his remarkable journey from an unexpected entry into Cornell’s hotel school to becoming the CEO of Leading Hotels of the World. Ted recounts his early career, highlighting his rapid rise at Sheraton and his influential roles at Disney, Westin, and Wyndham. He underscores the importance of hard work, embracing new challenges, and the power of building meaningful relationships. Ted also discusses the value of networking and selflessly helping others, which has been a cornerstone of his success.
As CEO of Leading Hotels of the World during the 2008 financial crisis, Ted faced significant challenges, including poor revenue performance and a negative company culture. He shares his strategic approach to revitalizing the organization, focusing on preserving its core strengths, shifting from a B2B to a B2C model, and investing in marketing. Beyond his executive roles, Ted talks about his contributions as President of Cornell's Hotel Society and his involvement in creating the Cornell Hotel School Hall of Fame. He also shares his concerns about the industry's reliance on cheap labor, the disruptive potential of generative AI, and the need for greater innovation and collaboration within the sector. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and forward-thinking in the ever-evolving world of hospitality.
Chapters
00:00 Accidental Entry into the Hospitality Industry03:30 Fast-Track Progression and Building Relationships09:48 The Power of Hard Work and Networking24:31 Leading Hotels of the World: Applying Business Skills27:04 Joining Leading Hotels of the World during the 2008 financial crisis28:29 Turning around a wounded organization29:03 The need for quality improvement at Leading Hotels31:29 Improving revenue performance32:29 Cultivating a positive culture at Leading Hotels36:26 Building a community of recognition and respect42:41 Ownership and distribution as key industry changes50:28 Concerns about the industry's reliance on cheap labor52:25 The potential and challenges of generative AI53:32 The need for greater innovation and collaboration with third partiesTakeaways
Accidental entry into the hotel school at Cornell led to a successful career in the hospitality industryHard work, taking on new challenges, and building strong relationships contributed to Teng's fast-track progressionNetworking and helping others without expecting anything in return can lead to opportunitiesTeng's entrepreneurial project focused on creating small, dedicated hotels in office buildingsTeng's role as CEO of Leading Hotels of the World allowed him to apply his business skills and market knowledge Joining Leading Hotels of the World during the 2008 financial crisis presented challenges and opportunities.Teng focused on improving the company's quality, revenue performance, and culture.He shifted the company's focus from B2B to B2C and invested in marketing.Teng is currently the President of Cornell's Hotel Society and has created the Cornell Hotel School Hall of Fame.He expresses concerns about the industry's reliance on cheap labor, the impact of generative AI, and the need for greater innovation and collaboration with third parties. -
In this episode, Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, shares her inspiring journey from a small town in the Northwest to leading a significant luxury travel company. She reflects on her early experiences at Club Med and Travel Impressions, providing valuable insights into the role of wholesale companies in the travel industry. Melissa emphasizes the significance of embracing new challenges, particularly the importance of managing a P&L, as a key to career growth. With a focus on leadership, she discusses the value of resourcefulness, curiosity, and making meaningful contributions to her team. Melissa also touches on the importance of work-life integration, the power of relationships in business, and the need for young professionals to lead with a work ethic, seek feedback, and take risks in pursuit of their dreams. This episode is packed with practical advice and personal stories highlighting the essentials of leadership and success in the luxury travel industry.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Excitement to Learn00:49 Early Life and Upbringing05:26 Deciding on College and Career Path08:10 Embracing Hard Work and Challenging Expectations11:14 Entering the Travel Industry13:17 Wholesale Companies and Their Success21:13 Transition to Classic Vacations25:33 Career Growth and Opportunities30:21 Taking on New Responsibilities and Running a P&L32:35 The Power of Resourcefulness and Curiosity in Leadership34:11 Work-Life Integration: Balancing Career and Personal Life35:03 Leading with Work Ethic and Seeking Feedback for Growth36:26 Articulating Dreams and Taking Risks for SuccessTakeaways
Melissa Krueger grew up in a small town in the Northwest and had a simple and easy childhood.She developed a passion for learning and observing other families while attending school.Melissa started her career in the travel industry at Club Med and later joined Travel Impressions, a wholesale company that packages and markets hotels to travel advisors.She transitioned to Classic Vacations and experienced career growth within the company.Melissa emphasizes the importance of being nimble, curious, and creating a demand internally to support the success of others.She values loyalty and believes in asking for opportunities to grow and contribute.Melissa's career path demonstrates that there is not one linear path to success and that unconventional experiences can lead to valuable skills and insights. Taking on new responsibilities and running a P&L can provide valuable experience and open doors for career advancement.Resourcefulness, curiosity, and making things meaningful for others are important traits in leadership.Work-life integration allows for a more fulfilling and balanced life.Showing up, leading with work ethic, and asking for feedback are key to personal and professional growth.Articulating one's dreams and taking risks can lead to success and opportunities.
