Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joanna Bear, President and CEO of Visit Laguna Beach, as she shares her passion for travel, hospitality, and community stewardship. In this episode, Joanna discusses her journey from growing up in San Pedro to leading efforts in preserving the natural beauty and vibrant arts scene of Laguna Beach. Discover her insights on building genuine connections with visitors, the challenge of balancing tourism with community quality of life, and her own travel aspirations. Whether you're a tourism enthusiast or simply seeking inspiration to pursue your passions, Joanna's story is sure to resonate. Tune in to explore the beauty and creativity that define Laguna Beach, and be inspired by Joanna's unwavering dedication to her work.

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 enlightening episode titled "On Life and Leadership," we sit down with Casandra Matej, the accomplished President and CEO of Visit Orlando. With over three decades of experience in the travel and tourism industry, Casandra shares the pivotal moments and lessons learned throughout her dynamic career. From her early days to leading through challenges such as the global pandemic, she opens up about the importance of collaboration, compassion, and authenticity in leadership. Discover how Casandra navigates the complexities of her role, the evolving landscape of the industry, and her vision for the future. Whether you're aspiring to lead or simply seeking inspiration, Casandra Matej’s insights offer valuable perspectives on balancing personal and professional aspirations. Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends industry expertise with personal reflection.

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: The Learn Tourism Podcast, host Stephen Ekstrom welcomes Jorge L. Pérez, the newly appointed CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. With a career that spans venue management, entertainment, and major cultural events—including overseeing Bad Bunny’s historic 31-night residency—Pérez shares how these experiences shaped his vision for destination marketing.

From addressing misconceptions about Puerto Rico’s accessibility, to uniting the island’s tourism ecosystem, to ensuring every visitor leaves with an unforgettable experience, Pérez outlines his priorities for leading Discover Puerto Rico into its next chapter. Along the way, he reflects on mentorship, leadership philosophy, and the vibrant culture that makes Puerto Rico unlike anywhere else.

Whether you’re a tourism professional, a destination leader, or simply inspired by stories of resilience and vision, this conversation offers insights into how Puerto Rico is positioning itself as a world-class destination.

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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Few destinations embody fun quite like Panama City Beach, and few leaders embody resilience, creativity, and vision quite like Dan Rowe, President & CEO of Visit Panama City Beach. In the latest episode of the Business Class podcast, I had the chance to sit down with Dan to explore his nearly two decades of leadership, his approach to fostering innovation, and what keeps him motivated through some of the toughest challenges any destination could face.

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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After three decades in the hotel world, Daniel Kuperschmid took the leap from corporate hospitality to destination leadership—becoming President & CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. In this episode of the Business Class podcast, Daniel shares how trust shapes his leadership style, why leaving Hyatt was his biggest career risk, and how he’s working to showcase San Diego beyond its sunshine and beaches.

From rediscovering the city as a “tourist in his own town” to championing culture, culinary experiences, and diversity as competitive strengths, Daniel offers an inside look at what it takes to lead a major destination marketing organization today. Along the way, he reflects on lessons from his first hospitality jobs, the mentors who shaped his career, and the importance of saying “yes” to community engagement.

If you’re passionate about tourism leadership, destination marketing, or simply love San Diego, this conversation delivers fresh insights into the evolving future of travel.

🎧 Listen now to hear Daniel Kuperschmid’s story and his vision for San Diego’s tourism future.

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, special guest host John Percy (President & CEO, Niagara Falls USA) turns the tables on Learn Tourism founder Stephen Ekstrom. Stephen shares his journey from small-town New Hampshire to global traveler and nonprofit leader, revealing how passion, resilience, and kindness have shaped his career in tourism education. 

Hear how Stephen turned pandemic setbacks into opportunities, what it means to build a culture of learning, and why every adventure—personal or professional—starts with curiosity and courage. Whether you’re in tourism, education, or just love a good story, this episode is packed with inspiration for embracing change and leading with heart.

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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Adam Stoker, CEO of Brand Revolt and founder of Tourism IQ, joins Stephen Ekstrom, CEO and co-founder of Learn Tourism, for an open conversation about growth, innovation, and authenticity in the tourism industry. They reflect on their recent journeys, from time spent on a Michigan farm to speaking at industry conferences, and how these experiences shape their approach to leadership and learning.

Adam and Stephen explore what it means to build intentional communities in tourism, sharing stories that highlight the value of asking better questions, fostering gratitude, and cultivating a culture of continuous development. They discuss the adventurous spirit required in entrepreneurship, the importance of genuine relationships, and how hosting a podcast can become an unexpected tool for professional growth.

Throughout the episode, both leaders emphasize the need for authenticity, the balance between ego and altruism, and the power of curiosity to drive meaningful change. Whether you’re leading a destination, running a local business, or seeking to inspire your team, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom for anyone passionate about the evolving world of tourism.

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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🎙 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. 

Support the show