Don’t you ever wish you could go back to an earlier point in your life and offer yourself a little piece of intel you know now that could have possibly made things easier? Of course, we all know this isn’t how life works, but it’s fun to think about what that advice might be.
We asked eight industry leaders this very question. Read on to see what insights they would have shared with themselves when they were first starting out in the travel industry.
Greg R. Takehara, CEO at Tourism Cares:
“No doubt, after a 37-year career in the industry, it is relatively easy to serve up advice, but you’re not often asked to provide it to your former self. I really had to think about that twenty-something who started his career at The Mark Travel Corporation in the late 1980’s to appreciate what would have been helpful to know. That youngster had no idea of the journey this industry would take him on, but I do think he appreciated that it was and would continue to be something special.
I will start by saying that this advice is not based on any regrets. There isn’t a strong need to reverse a direction or make amends in my life. I believed at that time that it was okay to make mistakes and that one should trust one’s instincts. What I do wish is that I had doubled down. So, my advice to my former self is to not only trust your instincts but to really take stock in them. I have always believed in fate and that there is no such thing as coincidence, but rather, we can self-direct serendipity. I just wish that in those instances where I felt a tailwind behind me that I had pushed the accelerator harder and that when headwinds were in my face, that I had slowed down even further rather than push against it and lose energy.
Maybe this is one way of saying don’t be too conservative and be more aggressive. I learned a valuable lesson a few years ago when asked to participate on an Asian American panel on diversity. It was sponsored by New York City Tourism and there were some fellow panelists who shared harrowing stories of discrimination. I had none of those experiences, but I shared a still regrettable story of assimilation. I realized at that time that finding a place of acceptance is more than just blending in but standing up for who you are.
So, to my former self — always keep your head up! Be yourself, be confident, and go beyond trusting your instincts.”
Mark Benson, Associate Vice President Sales & Strategy at Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection:
“I would tell my 22-year-old self to not limit my view or be limited in thinking about how things can change and evolve over time. The vacation experience has shifted as travelers’ preferences have evolved, and it has been important to remain flexible and adapt to meet guests and advisors where they are today. I would also tell myself that tourism is a resilient industry and despite challenges that arise, travelers are eager to experience the world and are willing to travel once reassured.”
John Diorio, Vice President, North American Sales at Virgin Voyages:
“The travel industry is ever-changing — whether it's advancements in technology, shifts in traveler expectations, global crises or new destinations emerging. Staying flexible and open to learning will not only keep you relevant but also allow you to thrive in a dynamic field. Embrace change, prioritize building strong relationships, and always keep the traveler’s needs at the heart of what you do.”
Jacki Marks, Global Head of Trade Brands at ALG Vacations:
“If I could go back to when I first started in the industry, I’d tell myself to enjoy the ride — the good and the bad — because both kinds of experiences shape you into the person and professional you’re meant to become. In tough times, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by stress and lose sight of the bigger picture, but those challenges make you stronger and a better leader. Even the crises that seemed insurmountable at the time helped us grow into a stronger, more agile company. Remember to pause and appreciate the journey — the victories, the struggles, and everything in between — because, as Ferris Bueller wisely said, ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’”
Shawnta Harrison, Owner of Harrison’s Travels:
“One thing I know now that I wish I had known when I first started in the travel industry is the importance of building relationships over simply making sales. In the beginning, I was focused on closing deals and securing bookings, but I quickly learned that long-term success comes from truly understanding clients’ needs, earning their trust, and delivering value beyond expectations. Whether it’s through consistent communication, personalized recommendations, or follow-ups after trips, relationships lead to repeat business, referrals, and loyal clients who view you as their go-to travel expert. I’d tell my younger self to be patient, results won’t happen overnight, but every connection you nurture will pay off in ways that a quick transaction never could. The travel industry is about people and experiences; focus on those, and the success will follow.”
Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism at Jamaica Tourist Board:
"Never underestimate the value of relationships — building genuine connections with travel agents, wholesale partners, airlines, media and stakeholders is as crucial as your strategies to promote a destination.
Embrace change and technology as constants in the tourism industry, especially how digital transformation and data analytics are reshaping travel experiences and marketing.
Look beyond your lane — explore how other industries, like tech, retail or entertainment, innovate and use those insights to enhance tourism offerings.
Most importantly, remember that no destination can be all things to all travelers. Focus on your unique strengths, whether it’s cultural heritage, natural beauty or niche markets, and tailor your approach to meet the needs of the right audience."
Jeremy Palmer, President of Tauck:
“It may seem obvious, but people and relationships are critical to long-term success in this industry. I had an idea of that when I started, but I didn’t understand the true power and importance of it. We’re so thankful and excited to be celebrating our 100th year. Tauck’s thriving, and when we think about what has gotten us here, it’s all about people and genuine relationships. Specifically, doing right by people — with our patrons, our colleagues, and our partners. That's the glue that holds everything together. It develops a foundation of shared purpose and a passion to take incredible care of people, and that leads to the trusted, long-term relationships that fuel our longevity and health. So, if you’re coming into this industry, never forget that yes, there are strategies and numbers to consider, but this is the hospitality business and it’s all about the people. If you take great care of the people who work with you, they’re going to take great care of your guests.”
Kristin Karst, Co-founder and Executive Vice President of AmaWaterways:
“Adaptability is key — the travel industry is constantly evolving, from technological advancements to shifting traveler expectations. Staying ahead requires continuous learning and embracing change. From economic downturns to global pandemics, navigating inevitable challenges with resilience, innovation and positivity is a defining career skill. This, along with confidence and assertiveness, are just as important for women pursuing a career in travel as expertise. Step up, raise your hand, volunteer to take on new challenges — don’t wait for someone to hand opportunities to you. To be a successful leader, you must believe deeply in what you are doing and be passionate about it. You will only get remarkable results if you are able to convince others to join you on the journey. ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ – African Proverb”
Originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of The Compass magazine
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