Greg DeShields Podcast

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Join me on Something to Say as I welcome back Victor Simmons, "new" author of "The Presence-Driven Leader". Victor shares his journey from his family’s Alabama roots to leading on the global stage of hospitality, showing how authentic leadership comes from presence, not position.

We explore his three-pillar leadership framework: coaching, influence, and conviction, plus insights on motivating teams, building trust, DEI, and leveraging AI in the workplace.

📖 Book Launch: March 2026 Victor’s The Presence-Driven Leader is available wherever books are sold, with autographed copies available directly from him. Lead with presence, not your title, and make a real impact in your workplace and community.

🎧 Subscribe and listen to get actionable leadership strategies and timeless wisdom from Victor’s journey.

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Is travel ever truly neutral? In this powerful episode of Hidden 250, host Karin Aaron sits down with Shaun Lain, historian, orator, and President of College Campus Tours, to explore how place-based travel shapes what we remember, what we believe, and whose stories get told in America.As the nation approaches the America 250 commemoration, this conversation challenges traditional narratives by asking hard questions about history, education, and identity.

From college campuses as living classrooms to the ways untold stories are preserved - or erased - through travel, Shaun Lain shares decades of experience helping students engage with history beyond textbooks.

Together, they unpack why travel is never neutral, how suppressed histories still shape the present, and why seeing, touching, and experiencing a place can transform understanding, self-esteem, and purpose - especially for young people navigating their future.

This episode invites listeners to rethink how America’s story is told, who is included, and how truth emerges when we move through history with intention.

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Join us as we interview the owner of Honkytonk Wine Library in Devon, England. Fitz is an entrepreneur, mentor, and business leader with over two decades of experience in hospitality and entrepreneurship.

From his beginnings as a chef across the UK and Europe to building community-focused bars and leading ethical income ventures with Zinzino, Fitz shares his journey of resilience, faith, and purposeful success. We dive deep into hospitality, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the lessons he’s learned from failure, family, and life’s toughest moments. Discover insights on:

• Building income and life with purpose
• True hospitality and challenging common industry misconceptions
• Navigating entrepreneurship without losing yourself
• The evolving role of technology in hospitality
• Lessons from life, faith, and personal growth

Whether you’re passionate about hospitality, entrepreneurship, or personal development, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories to guide your journey. Listen, learn, and find your own path to balance, purpose, and long-term success.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Amplifying Voices That Matter: Greg DeShields on DEI Strategy, Inclusive Leadership & Building Impact Through Podcasting

Greg shares his journey into launching the podcast “Something to Say,” a platform dedicated to elevating stories and perspectives that often remain underrepresented in mainstream media. He explains what inspired him to create a space for meaningful dialogue and what guiding principles shape the topics and voices his show highlights.

In this interview, Greg also reveals how he prepares for conversations that feel authentic, respectful and compelling. He discusses what makes a powerful podcast episode—from emotional resonance to actionable insight—and how to ensure guests feel genuinely heard while offering value to listeners.

Greg further talks about the evolution of podcasting as a storytelling tool, particularly for communities and leaders whose experiences are not widely represented. He shares how the medium reinforces belonging, visibility and leadership accountability.

Finally, Greg previews his newest initiative, The A250Plus Podcast, reflecting on lessons learned from his creative process and how producing content has shaped his brand direction, mission, and future platforms.

In this episode, you will learn:

How DEI strategy intersects with organisational growth What it means to create media that amplifies underrepresented narratives How thoughtful interviewing builds trust and audience loyalty The role of storytelling in shaping inclusive leadership What makes a podcast episode truly impactful How audio platforms influence modern brand identity

Greg DeShields continues to champion people-centered change by helping organizations cultivate environments where individuals can thrive and contribute meaningfully. This episode is a powerful resource for leaders, creators, educators, and listeners who want to drive change through communication and intentional culture-building.

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Greg DeShields announces the official launch of the new America's 250 Plus (A250 Plus) spin-off podcast!

In this special episode, we welcome back Karin Aaron of the Green Book Institute to discuss major milestones, including achieving official 501(c)(3) status and their impactful work in cultural tourism and authentic travel experiences.

The biggest reveal is the vision for the A250 Plus series: a deep dive into the cultural stories, historic destinations, and trailblazers defining the USA’s 250th anniversary.

Stay tuned and subscribe to the Something to Say network for more details on the upcoming America's 250 Plus podcast!

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In this episode of Something to Say, we sit down with Ary Aranguiz, founder of Future-Ready AI Group, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work, learn, and build businesses.

With over 25 years in education, learning, and development - including roles at Google Fiber, Morgan Stanley, and NYU - Ary brings a wealth of experience in making AI practical, accessible, and human-centered.We dive into some of today’s most pressing questions:

💡 How can AI empower professionals instead of replacing them?

📚 What role will AI play in transforming education and workforce training?

🌍 How can businesses and individuals use AI responsibly?

Join us as we uncover actionable insights and real-world strategies to navigate the future with confidence.

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In this episode of Something To Say, I sit down with Becky Large, founder and executive director of Champion Autism Network and Autism Travel Club - organizations that have transformed Surfside Beach, South Carolina, into the world’s first autism-friendly travel destination.

Becky shares her inspiring journey as an advocate, social entrepreneur, and autism mom whose work has trained thousands, created hundreds of sensory-friendly events, and built national partnerships to make travel more inclusive.

Featured in the Emmy-nominated docuseries “Traveling the Spectrum,” Becky opens up about her personal challenges, lessons from her heart surgery, and how her mission continues to drive awareness, accessibility, and community connection.Join me as we explore how autism inclusion goes beyond advocacy - it’s a movement that empowers families, transforms hospitality, and fuels economic growth.

🎧 Tune in and be inspired to see how travel can truly be for everyone.

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In this episode of Something to Say Podcast, I sit down with Anne Turpin, Clinical Assistant Professor of Hospitality at The Ohio State University, who brings nearly two decades of experience from Marriott and Starwood into the classroom.

Anne shares her journey from leading hotel operations to shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders through teaching, global programs, and her forthcoming textbook, Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management: A Contemporary Approach.

We explore the evolving landscape of hospitality, the importance of cultural competence, leadership lessons, sustainability, belonging, and the role of AI in shaping the industry’s future. Anne’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, innovation, and purpose in both education and hospitality.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends industry insight with academic wisdom—perfect for hospitality professionals, students, and leaders seeking meaningful impact.

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Welcome to Something to Say Podcast, Season Two!

Host Greg DeShields sits down with Davonne Reaves, Founder of The Vonne Group and Chief Hospitality Strategist. Davonne is a renowned travel trailblazer, award-winning consultant, and asset manager who previously managed $1 billion in hotel assets.

Davonne is leading a powerful movement to increase diversity in the lodging industry. She uses her signature "Roadmap to Hotel Ownership" to teach thousands how to become successful hotel investors and owners.

In this episode, Davonne shares:

🔑 The story of her biggest career "failure" at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, and how that devastating moment was actually the catalyst that launched her into entrepreneurship and a successful national mission.

🍍 Why the pineapple is the premier symbol of hospitality, and what drives her work.

💡 Which historical figures (from Coretta Scott King and Malcolm X to the hotel titans, Hilton and Marriott) she would invite to a relaxed, seafood, and soul food dinner to pick their brains.

Davonne Reaves is a proven leader, trusted advisor, and dedicated alumna of Georgia State University. Her commitment to sustainable strategies and her journey of turning setbacks into a successful mission are truly inspiring. Don't miss this conversation on overcoming obstacles and capitalizing on opportunities in the hotel industry!

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Welcome to Season 2 of Something to Say Podcast! I’m your host, Greg DeShields, and in this episode I’m joined by the incredible Denella Ri'chard — Executive Producer and Host of the award-winning show Traveling with Denella Ri'chard.

Denella is more than a travel expert; she’s a world traveler, TV personality, lifestyle influencer, and one of the 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Hospitality and Travel. From her Louisiana roots to her global adventures, she shares inspiring stories of resilience, forgiveness, and the transformative power of travel.

We dive into her childhood memories, lessons from failure, her admiration for Nelson Mandela, and the legacy of storytelling through her two new books: Traveling Around the World with Denella (coloring book) and Traveling Grace (travel and prayer journal).

This episode is filled with warmth, wisdom, and the reminder that travel is not just about destinations — it’s about connection, culture, and creating lasting memories. Don’t miss this powerful conversation that blends charm, humor, and life-changing perspective.