Wells Jones (aka Tad Jones) is former Navy Antarctic Pararescue & Survival Instructor, American Academy of Dramatic Arts NYC graduate with Off-broadway, commercial, TV & film credits, producer/director of multiple live events in venues including Kennedy Center Opera House, Lincoln Center Avery Fisher Hall and along the Red Sea Coast, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Wells is co-author of Wells Jones (aka Tad Jones) is former Navy Antarctic Pararescue & Survival Instructor, American Academy of Dramatic Arts NYC graduate with Off-broadway, commercial, TV & film credits, producer/director of multiple live events in venues including Kennedy Center Opera House, Lincoln Center Avery Fisher Hall and along the Red Sea Coast, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Wells is co-author with Miles Spencer of the Amazon best seller “A Line in the Sand: A Novel (Adventures in Understanding with Magnus & Finn). He finds peace scrambling up 12k+ mountains for sunrise summits in all seasons.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins interviews Wells Jones, an adventurer and co-author of 'A Line in the Sand.' Wells shares his incredible journey from a military upbringing to his experiences in Antarctica, his transition into acting, and ultimately his work in production and directing. The conversation delves into his travels in the Middle East, the cultural insights he gained, and the importance of empathy in understanding different perspectives. Wells emphasizes the role of adventure tourism and the significance of travel organizations in facilitating unique experiences. The episode concludes with reflections on the power of storytelling and the shared humanity that connects us all.

takeaways

• Wells Jones emphasizes the importance of being prepared for unique opportunities.
• His military background instilled discipline and adaptability in his life.
• Isolation can teach you a lot about yourself.
• Theater and acting provided Wells with skills that translated into his later work.
• Travel organizations play a crucial role in facilitating safe and enriching experiences.
• Cultural exchanges can foster empathy and understanding between different groups.
• Adventure can take many forms, from extreme sports to cultural experiences.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for creating connections and understanding.
• Wells' journey highlights the importance of following one's passions and interests.
• The book 'A Line in the Sand' aims to provide a deeper understanding of the Middle East beyond the headlines.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Founder/Author
Strategic eMarketing

Emanuel Rose was born and raised on the West Coast of the United States. He has spent over three decades earning a reputation in cutting edge marketing. As an author and expert in the field, Emanuel specializes in direct response advertising, and content marketing at his digital agency, Strategic eMarketing.

His passion lies in helping companies achieve business success with authentic storytelling. Emanuel’s unique approach to marketing strategies has resulted in countless clients reaching their goals.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins interviews Emanuel Rose, founder of Strategic eMarketing and author, discussing his journey from a working-class background to entrepreneurship. Emanuel shares insights on the importance of embracing change, the role of AI in marketing, and the value of self-learning. He also emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence for young entrepreneurs and the power of podcasting for networking and mentorship. The conversation touches on Emanuel's passion for the outdoors and his efforts to promote children's books that encourage outdoor activities.

takeaways

• Emanuel Rose founded Strategic eMarketing after being fired from a previous job.
• AI is transforming marketing and can enhance productivity.
• Embracing change is essential for entrepreneurs.
• Job security concerns in the age of AI are valid but can be navigated with adaptability.
• Self-learning is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for young entrepreneurs.
• Networking and mentorship can be facilitated through platforms like LinkedIn.
• Podcasting can serve as a valuable tool for building relationships and sharing knowledge.
• Emanuel's passion for the outdoors drives his podcast, Nature Bound.
• Promoting children's books encourages families to engage with nature.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Edward Lyimo
Founder & CEO
Pristine Trails

As the founder of Pristine Trails, Edward brings 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, backed by a degree in African Wildlife Management. His commitment to ethical travel, team development and personal growth for his staff sets a unique standard in the local tour industry. Edward’s vision for Pristine Trails is clear: to stand out by embodying ethical travel practices while crafting tailor-made East Africa tours that provide unforgettable tourist experiences. Residing between Los Angeles and Tanzania with his family, Edward thrives on connecting with new and returning travelers.

summary
In this episode, Jason Elkins interviews Edward Lyimo, founder and CEO of Pristine Trails in Tanzania. Edward shares his journey from being a local volunteer liaison for international projects to starting his own adventure travel company. He discusses the challenges he faced as a young entrepreneur, the evolution of his business model towards conservation, and the importance of marketing and client engagement in the tourism industry. In this conversation, Jason Elkins and Edward Lyimo discuss the intricacies of relationships in the tourism industry, the importance of sustainability, and how to choose the right tour company. Edward shares insights from his experience in the travel business, emphasizing the need for openness in relationships and the significance of treating local porters fairly. They also explore the unique offerings of East Africa, including its rich wildlife and cultural experiences, while encouraging travelers to do their research and communicate effectively with tour operators.

takeaways

• Pristine Trails specializes in safaris and trekking experiences in Tanzania.
• Edward started working with international volunteers at 18.
• He transitioned from a volunteer liaison to a tour operator.
• Building trust with clients was a challenge due to his age.
• Word of mouth played a crucial role in growing his business.
• He emphasizes the importance of environmental awareness in tourism.
• Edward encourages aspiring tour operators to gain experience through internships.
• The business evolved from budget volunteer trips to upscale safari experiences.
• Marketing strategies have shifted from paper flyers to digital marketing.
• Networking and building relationships are key to success in tourism. Relationships in tourism can be challenging due to differing passions.
• Openness and curiosity are essential in partnerships.
• Sustainability should be a genuine commitment, not just a marketing tactic.
• Fair treatment of local porters is crucial in trekking operations.
• Travelers should research companies to ensure they align with their values.
• Choosing a reputable company may involve a slight cost increase, but it's worth it.
• Effective communication is key in travel planning.
• East Africa offers unique wildlife experiences and cultural richness.
• Travelers should not overthink their destination choices in Africa.
• Building a network of trusted partners enhances service quality.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.