Pivoting with Purpose: A Journey Through Disruption in Travel

In this episode of the Necessary Disruptor Podcast, host Stephanie M. Jones engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Denella Ri'chard, a former cruise corporate executive turned talk show host. The discussion delves into Denella's remarkable career journey, her resilience in the face of the global pandemic's challenges, and her successful pivot from the corporate world to creating and hosting the nationally syndicated 'Traveling with Denella Ri'chard' show. The episode highlights themes of disruption, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the importance of leveraging one's network and creating new paths in industries like travel and tourism. Denella shares insights on the significance of featuring small Black businesses and destinations, the profound impact of her decisions to create opportunities where none existed, and the importance of divine guidance in her pursuit of success. Stephanie concludes the episode by emphasizing the power of disruption to inspire positive change and encourages listeners to be catalysts themselves.

00:53 Diving Deep with Denella Ri'chard: Pivoting with Purpose

03:38 From Baton Rouge to Global Stages: Denella's Journey

07:48 Breaking Barriers: Denella's Transition into the Travel Industry

11:31 Facing the Pandemic: A Necessary Pivot to Television

16:07 Amplifying Black Businesses and Communities Through Travel

19:47 Creating Your Own Path: Lessons in Disruption and Innovation

33:03 The Power of Faith and Vision in Achieving Success

Connect with Denella:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denella/

Website: https://www.travelingwithdenella.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelingwithdenella/

This episode of the Necessary Disruptor Podcast features Stacey Ritter, CEO of Visit Lauderdale, discussing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in destination stewardship. As a change agent, Ritter shares insights from her transition from politics to tourism, emphasizing her efforts to amplify diverse cultures and communities in Fort Lauderdale, driving both economic and cultural growth. The conversation covers strategic initiatives for multicultural marketing, fostering local partnerships, and counteracting negative messaging with inclusive branding. Ritter's leadership prioritizes authentic representation and community engagement, aiming to make Visit Lauderdale a welcoming destination for all. The episode also explores challenges faced by DMOs in addressing DEI and the critical role of bold, fearless leadership in shaping tourism strategies for a more inclusive future.

00:00 Welcome to the Necessary Disruptor Podcast

00:07 Introducing Stacey Ritter: A Beacon of Inclusivity in Tourism

02:17 Stacey Ritter's Journey from Politics to Tourism Leadership

04:23 Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Visit Lauderdale

06:35 Strategies for Promoting Multicultural Tourism and Community Engagement

15:03 The Impact of Leadership and Team Dynamics on Destination Stewardship

28:28 Future Initiatives and the Importance of Inclusive Destination Marketing

33:44 Advice for Other Destinations on Prioritizing DEI in Tourism Strategies

42:52 Closing Thoughts and the Road Ahead

Website: www.visitlauderdale.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-ritter-10454917/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitlauderdale

During the second part of their conversation on 'The Necessary Disruptor Show,' Stephanie M. Jones delves deeper into the topic of workplace bullying, with a focus on the travel and tourism industry. Dr. Brandy shares her personal experiences with bullying and disappointment in the EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) efforts within the industry. She emphasizes that true priorities are revealed through actions, not words, and discusses the challenges of advocating for EDI in an environment resistant to acknowledging mistakes and making necessary changes. The conversation also covers the 'pay to play' nature of the industry, how it can lead to bullying, and the power of documentation and speaking up against injustice. Additionally, the hosts offer advice to women facing similar challenges and underscore the importance of protecting one's peace and self-worth. The episode concludes with a call to action for industry leaders to foster a culture of accountability and for companies to engage with EDI experts to develop anti-bullying policies and training. Dr. Brandy and Zoe Moore, as guests, share insights based on their expertise and experiences, aiming to inspire and empower listeners to address and overcome workplace bullying and discrimination.

00:00 Welcome to the Necessary Disruptor Show: Tackling Workplace Bullying

00:22 The Impact of EDI in the Travel and Tourism Industry

01:04 Dr. Brandy's Personal Journey and Disappointment

02:29 The Challenge of Authenticity and Accountability in Organizations

10:03 Navigating the Pay-to-Play Dynamics of the Industry

21:39 Empowering Advice for Handling Workplace Bullying

29:19 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

In this Part 1 episode of the Necessary Disruptor Podcast, host Stephanie M. Jones, alongside guests Dr. Brandy Baldwin and Zoe Moore, engages in a critical conversation on workplace bullying within the travel and tourism industry, especially as it affects women of color. Drawing from personal experiences, the discussion delves into the prevalence of bullying, discrimination, and the systemic issues that enable such behaviors. The episode emphasizes the urgent need for industry leaders to adopt proactive measures in creating safer and more inclusive work environments. Through powerful testimonies and expert insights, the guests explore solutions and call to action for C-suite leaders to champion change and accountability.

00:00 Welcome to the Necessary Disruptor Podcast

00:49 A Personal Journey: From Corporate America to Entrepreneurship

01:15 Spotlight on Workplace Bullying in Travel and Tourism

01:53 Sharing Bold Stories: Dr. Brandy Baldwin and Zoe Moore

02:23 Exploring Solutions and Proactive Steps Against Bullying

03:10 Introducing Our Guests: Dr. Brandy Baldwin and Zoe Moore

05:44 Dr. Brandy Baldwin's Entrepreneurial Journey and Impact

08:20 Zoe Moore's Bold Insights and EDI Advocacy

13:21 The Deep Dive: Workplace Bullying, PTSD, and Healing

24:11 Why Women of Color Face Unique Challenges

33:49 Leadership's Shortcomings and the Path Forward

35:59 Closing Thoughts and Teaser for Part Two

How to connect with Dr Brandi Baldwin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedoctorbrandi

Website: http://www.doctorbrandi.com

How to connect with Zoe Moore

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoemoore

Website: https://www.growwithzomo.com

Welcome to "The Necessary Disruptor" featuring the Founder & CEO of Outdoor Afro, Rue Mapp. Rue's journey is also one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to breaking down barriers and empowering Black communities to connect with nature.

[2:42] Rue, where did your love for nature and the outdoors come from? My love for the outdoors was instilled in me by my family, particularly my outdoorsman father and sharpshooter mother. Our ranch in Northern California served as our adventure playground and a gathering place for church and family. There, I learned the importance of both nature and community. In 2009, I created Outdoor Afro recognizing the lack of representation of black nature enthusiasts,

[6:28] What were some of the initial challenges you faced in building this nationwide Black outdoor community, and how did you overcome them?Personally, I faced the challenge of creating something entirely new without a blueprint to follow. I adopted an iterative approach, testing ideas and scaling what worked while letting go of what didn't. I also prioritized slow growth over chasing vanity metrics, focusing on building a community organically rather than through paid promotions.

[12:54] How have you been able to grow the Outdoor Afro community and create leadership roles? I established Outdoor Afro leadership team, reaching out on social media to recruit individuals interested in leading outdoor events in their communities. Through training sessions and ongoing support, we've expanded our reach, with leaders now hosting events across the country. Today, our program boasts over 100 leaders.

[17:44] Last year, you introduced several milestones, including your book and an outdoor clothing line. Could you share a bit about each of these achievements? Our long-standing partnership with REI, which began in 2012, proved invaluable. I proposed a bold vision to REI, emphasizing inclusive outdoor fashion. REI fully embraced the concept, providing significant support and collaboration. Our partnership culminated in the successful launch of a 22-piece collection. Additionally, my book, "Nature's Swagger," features stories and images celebrating our community's deep connection with nature, shared by individuals spanning ages nine to 99.

[24:13] How has Outdoor Afro has sustained and scaled its effort through slow and steady growth? There are a lot of people who have passion and visions for something, but do not have the business acumen to sustain and scale their vision. Slow and steady growth through building infrastructure to support operations and taking inventory of skillsets are critical.

[31:10] What are your aspirations for the future of Outdoor Afro and broader diversity in the outdoors? I envision establishing a permanent home for Outdoor Afro, a place where we can practice what we preach and convene. It would be a racism-free outdoor haven by design.

How to connect with Rue Mapp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruemapp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ruemapp

Websites: https://ruemapp.com / www.outdoorafro.org / www.outdoorafro.inc

[04:00] In reading your impressive bio and all your great accomplishments throughout your career, I surmised that you are a servant leader. Would you agree? Being a servant leader is important in roles that are focused on leading social impact and sustainability solutions. Servant leadership is the center focus for how I define the work that I'm leading at Expedia.

[06:30] Could you share with us a specific moment or experience that ignited your journey as a disruptor and servant leader in the field of corporate social responsibility and sustainability? What inspired you to take this path? I was introduced to the field of corporate responsibility and sustainability during my MBA curriculum in graduate school. I was studying finance and thinking about using my quantitative skills. I was exposed during a career panel to how issues of sustainability and social impact show up within companies. This sparked a passion in me for issues of inclusion, equity, and sustainability.

[09:45] Could you discuss some key characteristics you believe are essential for anyone aspiring to lead in these areas? These are unique roles and require the ability to balance business outcomes with societal and environmental outcomes. You must have passion to bring others along and to help them get excited about the possibilities in this space. Other essential characteristics are listening, having flexibility, and leading with empathy as an effective servant leader.

[13:20] Of all the projects that you lead related to sustainability and social impact, which are most influential to driving the companies towards its goals and why? Everyone experiencing travel is directly aligned with Expedia Group's business priorities. We launched an accelerator program, the Open World Accelerator, which focuses on empowering startups that are breaking down barriers in access to travel. We invested and partnered with 12 different startups focusing on a range of different inclusivity areas. We've leaned into supporting under vested startups thrive.

[17:50] Based on political pressures, is Expedia leaning into its DEI efforts or pushing away from the table? We have been critical in making sure that we have been credible with our efforts around inclusion, equity, and accessible travel externally and internally. Our mission is to power global travel for everyone, everywhere! For those who thought it's something that they had to do, this may be an excuse for them to push back. We didn't embrace it as a have to do, and therefore we feel that we can continue our efforts..

[22:30] Reflecting on your journey and lessons that you've learned, what advice would you give young leaders who aspire to make a significant impact in sustainability and social responsibility within their companies or organizations? My advice is to get started in whatever role you are in within the company. Start thinking about how you can partner with your sustainability and social impact team. We have a long wish list of ways in which any team across the business can activate around this work.

[25:45] Looking to the future, how do you envision the evolution of sustainability and social impact within the industry? There are models and lessons for us to learn from outside our industry and country. Areas around inclusive and equitable travel need more attention. Destinations are an entry point to the entire travel ecosystem and should lead in ensuring that travel continues as a force for good and adds values to underserved communities.

Connect with Aditi Mohapatra on LinkedIn and learn more about her social impact and sustainability initiative at www.expediagroup.com.

Just like sustainability is no longer only about the environment, disruption is no longer only about technology.

I’m Stephanie M. Jones, host of The Necessary Disruptor™ podcast. Join me and leading travel & tourism thought leaders as we dive into disruption through the lens of leadership, sustainability, innovation, DEI and social impact.

I began my disruptor journey in travel & tourism 10 years ago when I discovered the vast disparity for Black businesses in Black communities who were not actively participating or profiting in Florida’s tourism ecosystem. I remember walking the neighborhood of Little Haiti in Miami, and thinking to myself, “why aren’t these businesses and streets booming with tourists like South Beach and Little Havana?”

That’s when I heard God say to me, do something! So, I did! I started my journey to disrupt the travel & tourism industry because it’s necessary! It's necessary to level the playing field and create equitable opportunities for underrepresented professionals, businesses and communities to actively participate, profit, and prosper in this industry as many others do!

As a Necessary Disruptor™, I’m on a mission, and you can learn more about my disruptor journey and engage in bold conversations with some of the travel & tourism industry’s foremost Necessary Disruptors, change agents and innovators reshaping the future of travel & tourism.

Tune in to gain industry insights! Be inspired! Become a guest! Learn more and subscribe to The Necessary Disruptor ™ at www.thenecessarydisruptor.com.