🎙 From Underdog to Record-Breaker: Mike Testa’s Sacramento Story
In this episode of Business Class, Stephen Ekstrom sits down with Mike Testa, CEO of Visit Sacramento, to explore how a city often overlooked on California’s tourism map is rewriting its story. Mike shares how 25 years with the organization—working in every department—prepared him to lead bold, risk-taking initiatives that fueled an 80% rise in visitation, from world-class music festivals to hosting Europe’s largest food conference. Along the way, he opens up about leadership, empathy, and the lessons that come from saying “yes” when it would be easier to play it safe.

📍 Visit Sacramento’s resources & events: visitsacramento.com

Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

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Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Sebastian Torres Calderon, a true exemplar of resilience and adaptability in the dynamic world of property management. From his humble beginnings in Lima, Peru, to leading a top company in Barcelona, Sebastian shares his transformative journey. 

Listen as he talks about his early dreams of being a soccer player, his shift to the culinary arts, and his eventual rise in the hospitality industry. Sebastian opens up about the challenges of navigating an ever-changing industry landscape, the importance of professional growth, and what it truly means to be a leader who serves others. 

Whether you're interested in personal development, leadership insights, or just love a good success story, this episode promises to deliver valuable lessons and real-world wisdom. Tune in for a conversation that will inspire you to seize opportunities and embrace every twist and turn on your journey to success.

Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

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In this special episode of Business Class, the mic flips as Cagdas, a PhD candidate researching digital nomadism and global mobility, interviews our usual host, Stephen Ekstrom. The result is a deeply personal, reflective, and often humorous journey into Stephen’s life on the road.

What started as a temporary escape from a too-large Florida house turned into a transformative lifestyle spanning three and a half years, two dogs, and an RV that's more home than vehicle. Stephen shares how his lifelong love of learning and his work in tourism education evolved as he embraced a nomadic way of life. From scenic desert skies to Starlink-powered workdays, this episode reveals how freedom, flexibility, and a passion for people have reshaped Stephen’s worldview.

They discuss the mindset shifts associated with perpetual mobility, the blurry line between loneliness and solitude, and the invisible communities that form among fellow nomads. Stephen discusses how letting go of rigid expectations can lead to a more present, connected, and joyful existence, both personally and professionally.

Whether you're dreaming of going nomadic or just curious about life untethered, this conversation offers heartfelt wisdom, practical perspective, and a reminder that adventure often begins where certainty ends.

Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

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What do donuts in Amish country, curious bison in Wyoming, and 30,000 learners have in common? A passionate conversation about the evolution of tourism marketing and the power of education. In this episode, Stephen Ekstrom is joined by Chris Cavanaugh, founder of Magellan Strategy Group, to explore a winding career path from brand management to quirky consulting—and the birth of the DIY Tourism Marketing movement.

Together, they unpack the importance of curiosity, the need for accessible and transformational learning, and why mid-career tourism pros are the key to the industry’s future. From bison encounters to building the next generation of tourism leaders, this episode delivers real stories and real strategies.

It’s also your sneak peek at what’s coming to the 2026 Learn Tourism Conference, featuring a newly expanded DIY Marketing learning track for professionals ready to roll up their sleeves and elevate their impact.

📚 Come for the stories. Stay for the strategy. Leave with skills.
Learn more and register at learntourism.org

Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

Support the show

In this heartfelt and insightful interview, David Gilbert, President and CEO of Destination Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, shares the unique journey that led him to lead two separate but complementary civic organizations. A Cleveland native, David talks about how his deep roots in the community have shaped his approach to tourism and destination leadership.

He explores Cleveland's soul—its gritty history, vibrant community, and the pride that defines its people—and how these elements are central to attracting visitors and transforming perceptions. Gilbert stresses that for cities like Cleveland, DMOs play a critical role not just in tourism but in long-term economic development, influencing talent attraction, business investment, and community image.

David also emphasizes the importance of visitor experience, explaining how Cleveland’s success lies in not just having great attractions, but in how well the city connects the dots between them. He reveals how his team, including a Chief Experience Officer and even an urban planner, looks at the entire visitor journey to ensure a seamless and welcoming experience.

Throughout the conversation, David shares leadership lessons rooted in humility, emotional intelligence, and collaboration. His reflections on legacy, partnership, and people-first strategy make this episode a must-listen for anyone working in or adjacent to destination marketing and tourism development

Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

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In this candid and thought-provoking episode of Business Class, Stephen Ekstrom interviews Andrew Weir, President & CEO of Destination Toronto, about the evolution of destination leadership, the power of curiosity, and what it takes to build a world-class visitor economy. Andrew reflects on his accidental entry into tourism, shares wisdom from two decades of experience, and explains how Toronto’s unmatched cultural diversity and global perspective are key to its success. With humor, humility, and insight, Andrew offers lessons for emerging professionals and seasoned leaders alike, reminding us that the best destination stories are still being written.

Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

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In this episode of Learning Tourism's Business Class podcast, host Stephen shares his experiences waking up by Lake Erie and traveling across the U.S. before introducing the distinguished guest, Philip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer for the Royal Commission for AlUla. With a rich career spanning leadership roles at Visit Dallas and Louisiana's Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, Jones dives into his journey of transforming AlUla into a globally recognized tourism destination. They discuss the importance of travel, cultural preservation, and the immense potential of the tourism industry. Jones also offers advice to young professionals and shares his optimistic outlook on the future, including the role of AI in tourism. Join us as we explore the transformative power of tourism through the eyes of a visionary leader.

Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

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In this episode of Business Class, I sit down with Brad Dean, President & CEO of Explore St. Louis, to explore what it really means to lead with heart in the tourism industry. From his unexpected leap from finance to hospitality, to his people-first leadership philosophy, Brad shares what makes a great team, why humility matters, and how St. Louis is rewriting its narrative with sports, arts, and authenticity. We also dive into the evolving role of AI, the future of destination marketing, and the value of learning from every chapter of your journey. It’s candid, thoughtful, and full of takeaways for anyone passionate about travel, leadership, and reinvention.

Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

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In the fast-paced world of tourism, where destinations evolve and trends shift constantly, the heart of the industry remains unchanged: the ability to evoke emotion, passion, and excitement. "We are in the memory-making business," says Julie Coker, President and CEO of NYC Tourism and Conventions, in a recent interview with Learn Tourism CEO Stephen Ekstrom.

Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

Support the show

In a recent conversation on the Learn Tourism podcast, Stephen Ekstrom, CEO of Learn Tourism, spoke with Jeff Knapp, President and CEO of Visit Bend, about his journey to Bend, Oregon, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Business Class is brought to you by Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy - harnessing the power of science, business psychology and adult education to advance the tourism industry and build sustainable economies. Learn how to engage your community, win over stakeholders and get more visitors at learntourism.org. 

Support the show