Business Class: The Global Tourism Leadership Conversation

Adam Stoker, CEO of Brand Revolt and founder of Tourism IQ, joins Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and co-founder of Learn Tourism, for an open conversation about growth, innovation, and authenticity in the tourism industry. They reflect on their recent journeys, from time spent on a Michigan farm to speaking at industry conferences, and how these experiences shape their approach to leadership and learning. A...

🎙 From Underdog to Record-Breaker: Mike Testa’s Sacramento Story In this episode of Business Class , Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Mike Testa , CEO of Visit Sacramento, to explore how a city often overlooked on California’s tourism map is rewriting its story. Mike shares how 25 years with the organization—working in every department—prepared him to lead bold, risk-taking initiatives that fueled a...

Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Sebastian Torres Calderon, a true exemplar of resilience and adaptability in the dynamic world of property management. From his humble beginnings in Lima, Peru, to leading a top company in Barcelona, Sebastian shares his transformative journey.  Listen as he talks about his early dreams of being a soccer player, his shift to the culinary arts,...

In this special episode of Business Class , the mic flips as Cagdas, a PhD candidate researching digital nomadism and global mobility, interviews our usual host, Stephen Ekstrom. The result is a deeply personal, reflective, and often humorous journey into Stephen’s life on the road. What started as a temporary escape from a too-large Florida house turned into a transformative lifestyle spanning th...

What do donuts in Amish country, curious bison in Wyoming, and 30,000 learners have in common? A passionate conversation about the evolution of tourism marketing and the power of education. In this episode, Stephen Ekstrom is joined by Chris Cavanaugh , founder of Magellan Strategy Group , to explore a winding career path from brand management to quirky consulting—and the birth of the DIY Tourism...

In this heartfelt and insightful interview, David Gilbert, President and CEO of Destination Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, shares the unique journey that led him to lead two separate but complementary civic organizations. A Cleveland native, David talks about how his deep roots in the community have shaped his approach to tourism and destination leadership. He explores Clev...

In this candid and thought-provoking episode of Business Class , Stephen Ekstrom interviews Andrew Weir, President & CEO of Destination Toronto , about the evolution of destination leadership, the power of curiosity, and what it takes to build a world-class visitor economy. Andrew reflects on his accidental entry into tourism, shares wisdom from two decades of experience, and explains how Toro...

In this episode of Learning Tourism 's Business Class podcast, host Stephen shares his experiences waking up by Lake Erie and traveling across the U.S. before introducing the distinguished guest, Philip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer for the Royal Commission for AlUla . With a rich career spanning leadership roles at Visit Dallas and Louisiana's Department of Culture, Recreation, and Touri...

In this episode of Business Class , I sit down with Brad Dean, President & CEO of Explore St. Louis , to explore what it really means to lead with heart in the tourism industry. From his unexpected leap from finance to hospitality, to his people-first leadership philosophy, Brad shares what makes a great team, why humility matters, and how St. Louis is rewriting its narrative with sports, arts...

In the fast-paced world of tourism, where destinations evolve and trends shift constantly, the heart of the industry remains unchanged: the ability to evoke emotion, passion, and excitement. "We are in the memory-making business," says Julie Coker, President and CEO of NYC Tourism and Conventions, in a recent interview with Learn Tourism CEO Stephen Ekstrom. Business Class is brought to...

In a recent conversation on the Learn Tourism podcast, Stephen Ekstrom, CEO of Learn Tourism, spoke with Jeff Knapp, President and CEO of Visit Bend, about his journey to Bend, Oregon, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism , the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism...

Visit York County, led by CEO Andy Clinton, is a thriving tourism organization situated just outside Charlotte, North Carolina. The area, known for its rapid growth, offers a mix of suburban charm and rural appeal, making it a popular destination for families seeking authentic experiences. Clinton highlights the county's unique blend of local attractions, such as mom-and-pop restaurants and b...

Eliza Voss, Vice President of Destination Marketing at the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA), provides fascinating insights into the delicate balance of managing Aspen's tourism while maintaining the quality of life for its residents. Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism , the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to ad...

Learn Tourism CEO Stephen Ekstrom sits down with John Urdi, the President and CEO of Mammoth Lakes, California, to delve into the unique challenges and opportunities that come with managing tourism in a remote yet breathtaking destination. With Urdi’s extensive experience in the tourism sector, listeners can expect an insightful discussion that goes beyond the usual marketing strategies and highli...

In this episode of Business Class, Learn Tourism Stephen Ekstrom welcomes Tico Soto, the founder of Tourism Tactics by Tico, to discuss his nearly three-decade journey in the tourism industry. With a warm and engaging style, Tico shares his insights on building relationships, navigating challenges, and the importance of passion in tourism. Tico's career began in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in 19...

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Bryan Lavin, a distinguished professor at Johnson and Wales University's College of Hospitality Management. Bryan shares insights from his dissertation on user-generated content (UGC) marketing campaigns, revealing key motivations and barriers that drive or hinder participation. Discover Bryan's surprising findings about social med...

In a recent podcast episode of Business Class, Sarah Miller, President and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor, and Tim Crouson, Director of Research at the same organization, shared insights on their roles, experiences, and the growth of tourism in Washtenaw County with Learn Tourism CEO Stephen Ekstrom. Both have deep roots in the organization, with Sarah celebrating over two decades of work, guiding i...

Navigating Destination Management with Purpose: An Interview with Tina Valdecañas Learn Tourism CEO Stephen Ekstrom interviews Tina Valdecanas, Principal at Clarity of Place, on the latest episode of Business Class. In the recent podcast episode, Tina shared insights on her journey in the tourism industry, her firm’s unique approach to strategic consulting, and the lessons she’s learned from her e...

Learn Tourism CEO Stephen Ekstrom interviews Santiago Rodriguez, a Ph. D. in tourism and author of The Tourism Practitioner newsletter on the latest episode of Business Class. Rodriguez offers a deep dive into the intricate world of tourism. Originally from Ecuador, Rodriguez has dedicated his career to understanding and improving the tourism sector, focusing on how local stakeholders can attract...

In this episode of Business Class , Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Dan Janes, CEO of Madden Media , to explore the dynamic world of tourism marketing and community building. Dan shares his unconventional journey from angel investing and academia to leading a thriving media agency. Discover how Dan’s military background influences his leadership style, the evolution of Madden Media, and his insight...

Gathan Borden, Client and Insights Relations Manager at Tourism Economics, recounts the challenges he faced growing up as the only black student in advanced classes. He shares how this experience instilled a constant need to prove his worth, a trait that has carried through his career. Gathan draws creativity from his late mother and discipline from his father, both of which are key elements in hi...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County, as she shares her journey from local resident to leading tourism professional. In this episode, Erin reveals the unique charm of Sarasota County, dispels old misconceptions about the area's seasonality, and highlights how community engagement drives tourism success. Discover her personal connect...

Join us in this insightful episode of Business Class as we sit down with Sarah Benoit, co-founder and lead instructor of JB Media Institute in Asheville, North Carolina. With over 22 years of experience in tourism marketing, Sarah shares her journey from big-city travels to falling in love with the hidden gems of rural America. Discover how her passion for connecting with communities and untold st...

In this episode, we sit down with Katherine O'Donnell, the newly appointed President and CEO of Richmond Region Tourism. Katherine shares her remarkable 22-year journey with the organization, revealing how she transitioned from publications coordinator to the helm of a major destination marketing organization. Discover how her unexpected career path led to a deep passion for tourism, communit...

Rising Through the Ranks: A Journey in Marketing and Experience with Amber Jones In this episode of the Business Class podcast, Steve interviews Amber Jones from Searchwide Global. Amber discusses her career progression from Marketing Manager to Chief Marketing and Experience Officer. She compares working in an executive search firm to her previous roles in Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO...