Episode 2: Beyond the Boardroom – Erik Blachford on Adventure, Change, and Resilience

In this episode, I sit down with Erik Blachford—early Expedia founder and CEO, board member, advisor and investor to talk about navigating change, taking risks, and getting outside your comfort zone.

Erik shares stories from the early days of building Expedia, his passion for building ventures and outdoor adventures, and his passion for helping leaders and the moment he got a quiet nudge to make a pivot in his career that changed everything. 

One of my favorite takeaways? “Have all the plans you want—but know they’re written in sand. Don’t get upset when the tide comes in.”

If you’re in a season of uncertainty, this conversation is a reminder to stay curious, stay connected, and be patient with the process, especially in difficult times.

Erik Blachford has led companies through M&A, sat on public and venture-backed boards like Zillow, Peloton, Hipcamp and Glassdoor, and invested in startups across travel, marketplaces, and consumer tech and helps leaders, early-stage founders, think through go-to-market, scale, and staying focused under pressure.

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Keep the Conversation Going

We’d love to hear how this podcast episode inspired you. Share your favorite quotes, moments of clarity, or what you’re choosing next. Use the hashtag #AllWhoWanderPodcast #ChooseAdventure and tag @hiptravelmama on social media so we can celebrate your journey with you. Here’s to choosing adventure together!