In this episode of the Necessary Disruptor Podcast, host Stephanie M. Jones is joined by Rika Jean Francois, the former Commissioner of ITB Corporate Social Responsibility at Messe Berlin. They discuss Rika's extensive background in travel and tourism, her leadership in incorporating sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusivity into the world's largest travel trade show, ITB.

The conversation delves into the principles of CSR, ESG, and DEI, and how they are applied at ITB, challenges faced, and the importance of addressing controversial issues like human rights and inclusivity in tourism. Rika also shares advice for organizing responsible trade shows and her future plans with her new ventures, Mission Respo and Queer Destinations.

00:00 Introduction to the Necessary Disruptor Podcast

00:53 Global Standards in CSR, ESG, and DEI

01:33 Meet Rika Jean Francois: Visionary Leader in Travel Trade Shows

02:32 Rika's Journey and Insights on Responsible Tourism

06:01 Challenges and Strategies in Sustainable Tourism

11:30 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ITB

20:39 Supporting Small and Diverse Suppliers

32:18 Future Directions and New Ventures

35:44 Conclusion and Call to Action

Connect with Rika:

Website: www.queerdestinations.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rika-jean-francois-4a335029

Building Prosperity and Community in Black Travel: Patricia Nicholson Yarbrough's Journey In this episode of the Necessary Disruptors show, host Stephanie features Patricia Nicholson Yarbrough, the founder of Blue World Travel Corps and Festival at Sea. They discuss creating prosperity pathways and building wealth through travel and tourism. Patricia shares her journey from a simple idea to a thriving business that fosters a sense of community among African American travelers.

They delve into the challenges faced during the pandemic, the importance of trustworthy business practices, and leveraging relationships to sustain business success. Patricia also discusses legacy building, the role of her sons in the company, and the growth of Festival at Sea over 46 years. Key advice is offered to aspiring Black entrepreneurs on maintaining passion, planning meticulously, and the significance of good employees.

00:00 Introduction to the Necessary Disruptors Show

00:03 Meet Patricia Nicholson Yarbrough

01:38 The Journey to Festival at Sea

05:28 Building a Successful Business

14:01 Overcoming Challenges During the Pandemic

26:00 Future of Festival at Sea and Advice for Entrepreneurs

32:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Learn more about Patricia and Blue World Travel Corp.:

Website: www.festivalatsea.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/festivalatsea

In this episode of the Necessary Disruptor Podcast, host Stephanie M. Jones engages in a thought-provoking conversation with award-winning travel journalist Lebawit Lily Germa from Bloomberg News. Together, they tackle the complex landscape of sustainable tourism, challenging the narrative of tourism as a savior for communities in the Global South.

Drawing on her extensive experiences living in various regions, Lily explores the importance of equitable and inclusive solutions that empower local communities, debunking misconceptions and urging a shift away from the saviorism mentality.

00:00 Introduction to the Necessary Disruptor Podcast

00:58 Meet Our Guest: Award-Winning Travel Journalist Lebawit Lily Girma

02:43 Lily's Journey from Law to Travel Journalism

05:45 The Realities of Sustainable Tourism

10:47 Challenging the Savior Narrative in Tourism

16:28 Understanding Global South Communities

18:15 Lily's Mission and Personal Connection

29:40 The Future of Sustainable Tourism

Here's how to connect with Lebawit Lily Girma:

Instagram: @sunandstilettos and @tourismlens_

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

Website: https://tourismlens.com/

In this episode of the Necessary Disruptors show, host Stephanie speaks with Sherry Rupert, the CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA). They discuss the importance of preserving indigenous cultures through tourism, creating equitable opportunities, and sustaining local communities. Sherry shares her personal journey into advocating for indigenous tourism and highlights the role of AIANTA in promoting cultural heritage and fostering economic growth within tribal nations. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities in the tourism industry, emphasizing the need for inclusion and responsible partnerships. This episode sheds light on the essential work being done to amplify underrepresented voices and redefine the narrative of American history through indigenous tourism.

00:00 Welcome to the Necessary Disruptors Show: Exploring Indigenous Tourism

01:34 Sherry Rupert's Journey into Indigenous Tourism Advocacy

07:06 The Role of AIANTA in Championing Indigenous Tourism

14:02 Challenges and Opportunities in Indigenous Tourism

16:53 Partnerships and Representation in the Tourism Industry

32:35 Vision for the Future of Indigenous Tourism

37:13 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to Learn More

Learn more about Sherry and AIANTA

Website: www.aianta.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherry-rupert-0900021a9/

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

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