The Travel Growth Podcast

The Travel Growth Podcast

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The Travel Growth Podcast episodes

  • Duncan Grossart - Finding Brilliant People & Leading with Heart

    How do you build the highest-scoring B Corp travel company in the world while turning global re-wilding initiatives into deeply immersive, commercially successful experiences?

    In this season finale of The Travel Growth Podcast, Duncan Grossart pulls back the curtain on how he founded Journeys With Purpose. While you might expect a purely "touchy-feely" discussion on mission and vision, Duncan delivers a masterclass in practical, hard-nosed entrepreneurship. Drawing on his immense depth of knowledge from his previous media and non-travel businesses, he shares exactly how to apply corporate rigour to passion-driven travel.

    You’ll learn:

    • How to find great people, communicate seamlessly, and build a team that transforms a vision into reality
    • The unbreakable link between commercial success and impact success—and why your business needs both
    • Head vs. Heart: Knowing exactly when to lead with emotion and when to lead with clinical business metrics
    • Storytelling in Travel: Why being less literal with imagery and focusing entirely on feeling will transform your marketing
    • What re-wilding and conservation look like when executed as a robust, high-level business strategy
    • The power of being dependent and dependable, and what "being a strong man" truly means in modern leadership

    Duncan also shares how his personal upbringing and experiences with loss shaped his profound motivation, what he’s learned from leading experts in global rewilding, and why taking action will always beat sitting around and planning.

    Whether you're:

    ✔️ Trying to navigate the rigorous path to becoming a certified B Corp

    ✔️ A travel founder trying to balance profitability with an environmental mission

    ✔️ Looking for a real framework to scale and communicate with an international team

    ✔️ Or an entrepreneur looking for an honest, deeply experienced roadmap to building a meaningful brand

    This episode is a masterclass to end the season.

    Key themes: travel entrepreneurship, B Corp travel, rewilding, global conservation, business scaling, team communication, travel marketing, purpose-driven business, leadership.

    Who this is for: Tour operators, sustainable travel founders, eco-hospitality leaders, and any entrepreneur looking to apply proven corporate strategies to an impactful, passion-led business.

    00:00 Introduction to Duncan Grossart

    01:00 Duncan's Early Influences and Background

    05:09 Transitioning to the Business World

    09:45 Key Learnings from Business Experience

    18:28 The Importance of Team Communication

    26:09 The Birth of Journeys with Purpose

    31:35 Understanding Rewilding and Conservation

    39:35 Balancing Commercial and Impact Success

    46:51 Reflections on the Travel Industry

    50:31 The Power of Storytelling in Travel

    52:15 From Head to Heart: A Personal Journey

    55:16 Defining Success and Impact

    01:00:17 The Role of Loss in Motivation

    01:03:45 The Importance of Nature and Conservation

    01:19:03 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Travel

    🌍 Follow Our Journey

    north9: https://north9.agency

    Podcasts: https://north9.agency/podcasts/

    🎗️ 100% Profit Giving

    We’re giving away 100% of our profits: https://north9.agency/one-hundred/

    👇 Our Socials

    Facebook: / north9agency

    LinkedIn: / north9-agency

    Instagram: / north9agency

    X: https://x.com/north9agency

    1 hr 39 min
  • Lydia Eva Mpanga - Female Empowerment, Community Impact & Competing with Big Brands

    How do you navigate the highly competitive African safari industry as a female founder, while building a purpose-driven group that empowers local communities and secures international awards?

    In this episode, Lydia Eva Mpanga shares her inspirational story as the co-founder and CEO of Nkuringo Safaris. Operating at the forefront of East African tourism, Lydia reveals how she grew the multi-award-winning Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, established the Gorilla Junction Foundation, and became a true trailblazer in community-led luxury travel and sustainable conservation.

    You’ll learn:

    • How being purpose-led can build a deeply motivated team that stands together through good and hard times
    • The real impact of community-led tourism and how the growth of Nkuringo Safaris directly elevates local livelihoods on the ground
    • How a unique mix of parental backgrounds gave Lydia the "aggression and empathy" needed to fight for her space in a male-dominated industry
    • Alternative approaches to wildlife conservation that ensure it actually works for the community and all stakeholders involved
    • How to manage the intense pressure of leadership when hundreds of lives depend on your business success
    • Strategies for marketing Uganda beyond the gorillas and building iron-clad relationships with international travel agents

    Lydia delivers an absolute masterclass on what it means to go above and beyond for your guests, face small-operation challenges head-on, and lead with unwavering hope and resilience.

    Whether you're:

    ✔️ A travel founder trying to balance commercial success with genuine purpose

    ✔️ Curious about the realities of sustainable conservation and luxury safaris

    ✔️ Navigating the complex pressures of scaling a team and an experience-led brand

    ✔️ Or looking to learn from one of the most powerful female voices in African tourism This episode offers a clear, deeply moving, and honest roadmap.

    Key themes: travel entrepreneurship, female leadership, African tourism, sustainable safaris, wildlife conservation, community engagement, luxury hospitality, team culture, business resilience.

    Who this is for: Tour operators, hospitality founders, travel entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about seeing how intentional, community-first business models can scale globally while keeping their soul intact.

    00:00 The Genesis of Nkuringo Safaris

    03:00 Growth and Evolution of Nkuringo Safaris

    05:49 Empowering the Community through Employment

    09:07 Challenges in Building a Diverse Team

    11:57 The Role of the Gorilla Junction Foundation

    14:50 Conservation Efforts and Community Engagement

    17:58 The Interplay of Business and Conservation

    20:54 Maintaining High Standards and Awards

    23:54 Marketing Strategies and Public Relations

    33:55 The Sky's the Limit for Coringo

    35:10 Competing in the Safari Industry

    36:00 Challenges of Small Operations

    39:15 Building Strong Relationships with Agents

    45:03 Marketing Uganda Beyond Gorillas

    49:04 Navigating Challenges in Tourism

    52:21 Maintaining Hope and Resilience

    53:57 The Unique Qualities of a Leader

    01:00:26 Future Plans for Nkuringo

    01:04:12 Community and Conservation Efforts

    01:08:17 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    🌍 Follow Our Journey

    north9: https://north9.agency

    Podcasts: https://north9.agency/podcasts/

    🎗️ 100% Profit Giving

    We’re giving away 100% of our profits: https://north9.agency/one-hundred/

    👇 Our Socials

    Facebook: / north9agency

    LinkedIn: / north9-agency

    Instagram: / north9agency

    X: https://x.com/north9agency

    1 hr 25 min
  • David Guthrie - Sustainable Development Goals, Innovative Tourism & Building a Legacy

    How do you turn wildlife conservation and community empowerment into a highly successful, standalone business strategy?

    In this episode, David Guthrie shares hard-earned wisdom from his 30-year career as a veteran of the East African safari industry. As the co-founder of A Tent with a View and the mastermind behind the innovative Bush Rover Suites, David has been a true trailblazer, helping open up Tanzania’s 'Secret South' and Saadani National Park while proving that profit and purpose can seamlessly coexist.

    You’ll learn:

    • How to make the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the core engine of your travel business
    • The blueprint for maintaining true cultural authenticity while actively supporting local communities
    • Behind-the-scenes of the Bush Rover Suites: A pinnacle of innovation in community integration and mobile luxury
    • How to build youth projects that empower local children to become the sustainability voices of the future
    • Conservation as a business strategy: How leading with a mission makes your brand stand out from the crowd
    • David’s personal journey of adventure that led him from the UK to the lesser-known wilds of Tanzania

    David delivers sackloads of practical knowledge, inspiration, and honest insights on what it takes to stay motivated, run a passion-driven business, and raise the bar for the entire tourism industry.

    Whether you're:

    ✔️ An operator looking for practical ways to integrate sustainability into your hospitality model

    ✔️ A travel founder looking to stand out in a crowded market

    ✔️ Passionate about conservation-led tourism and community development

    ✔️ Or seeking inspiration from a 30-year industry pioneer

    This conversation gives you a clear, meaningful roadmap.

    Key themes: safari industry, sustainable tourism, UN Sustainable Development Goals, conservation business, travel entrepreneurship, community integration, Tanzania tourism, and innovative hospitality.

    Who this is for: Travel entrepreneurs, tour operators, safari guides, lodge owners, and anyone passionate about building an impactful, forward-thinking business in the global travel and tourism space.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    01:00 The Journey into Travel and Adventure

    03:38 Transition to Tanzania and Early Experiences

    07:32 Founding Tent with a View

    09:11 Current Overview of Tent with a View

    12:26 Navigating Tourism and Community Engagement

    15:41 Balancing Popularity and Sustainability

    20:31 Innovation and Passion in Business

    24:08 Future Plans and Wildlife Conservation

    26:20 Passion and Team Dynamics in Travel

    29:50 Building Trust and Community Connections

    34:32 The Bigger Picture: Purpose of Tent with a View

    39:08 Integrating Sustainable Development Goals into Business

    46:57 Innovative Community Projects and Their Impact

    55:09 The Rise of the Girls Sports Academy

    57:48 Building Relationships with DMCs

    01:00:13 The Importance of Personal Connections

    01:04:15 Marketing Strategies for Growth

    01:09:47 Resilience in Business

    01:19:33 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    01:21:19 Legacy and Future Aspirations

    🌍 Follow Our Journey north9:

    https://north9.agency

    Podcasts: https://north9.agency/podcasts/

    🎗️ 100% Profit Giving We’re giving away 100% of our profits: https://north9.agency/one-hundred/

    👇 Our Socials Facebook: / north9agency

    LinkedIn: / north9-agency

    Instagram: / north9agency

    Twitter: https://x.com/north9agency

    1 hr 31 min
  • Peter Syme - Micro Audiences, AI in Travel and Scaling Adventure

    How do you scale an adventure travel business, navigate the AI revolution, and find the “riches in the niches”?

    In this episode, Peter Syme pulls no punches as he shares hard-earned lessons from his journey from the British Army to corporate life, commodity trading, and ultimately mentoring hundreds of tour operators globally as a partner at Tourpreneur. Pete delivers some straight-talking truths about the intersection of tourism and technology, and why there is more opportunity than ever for travel businesses today, if you know how to adapt.

    You’ll learn:

    • How to successfully transition your mindset from a tour guide to a scalable business owner
    • The real opportunities and existential threats that AI presents for tour operators over the next few years
    • “The Riches in the Niches”: Why getting hyper-specific makes customer acquisition and marketing a lot easier
    • Community Marketing Secrets: How Pete generated thousands of leads for limited-capacity rafting trips
    • Persona Mapping: How to understand your audience’s stage of life to tailor your marketing message
    • Finding “True Influencers”: Why the best advocates for your brand aren't the ones on Instagram or TikTok

    Pete also shares his raw perspective on embracing failure, building resilience, navigating a non-linear career path, and what it really takes for the youth of today to succeed in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

    Whether you're:

    ✔️ Trying to transition from guiding to running a business

    ✔️ Trying to work out how to implement AI into your tour company

    ✔️ Looking for a real framework to identify your ideal customer persona

    ✔️ Or a travel founder looking for a straight-talking roadmap to profitability

    This episode is an absolute masterclass packed with a wealth of knowledge from an industry veteran.

    Key themes: travel entrepreneurship, adventure travel, AI in tourism, tour operator marketing, niche business strategy, community marketing, customer personas, business scaling.

    Who this is for: Tour operators, adventure travel founders, travel agency owners, startup builders, and anyone looking for a direct, honest perspective on navigating the future of the travel industry.

    00:00 Introduction to Pete's Journey

    02:51 The Evolution of Tourpreneur

    06:04 From Military to Adventure Travel

    08:59 Transitioning to Business Ownership

    12:04 Acquiring and Growing Adventure Businesses

    15:08 Understanding Business Fundamentals

    18:07 Scaling and Managing Adventure Companies

    20:57 Challenges in the Tour Operator Industry

    23:56 The Role of Technology in Tourism

    26:51 Advice for Aspiring Tour Operators

    30:09 Navigating Technology in the Tour Industry

    37:15 AI: Opportunities and Threats for Tour Operators

    49:05 Managing Travel Volume and Customer Experience

    51:32 Niche Markets: Finding Gold in Specific Experiences

    59:08 Building Relationships in Adventure Travel

    01:00:28 Targeting the Right Audience

    01:01:45 Understanding Customer Personas

    01:03:21 The Importance of Stage of Life in Marketing

    01:05:00 Influencers Beyond Social Media

    01:09:53 Personal Attributes for Success

    01:14:33 Navigating a Non-Linear Career Path

    01:18:57 Discovering Your Passion

    01:22:40 Starting a Travel Business

    01:28:07 Challenges in Customer Acquisition

    🌍 Follow Our Journey north9:

    https://north9.agency

    Podcasts: https://north9.agency/podcasts/

    🎗️ 100% Profit Giving We’re giving away 100% of our profits: https://north9.agency/one-hundred/

    👇 Our Socials Facebook: / north9agency

    LinkedIn: / north9-agency

    Instagram: / north9agency

    Twitter: https://x.com/north9agency

    1 hr 34 min
  • Portia Hart - Jeff Bezos, Community Immersion & 10,000 Hours as the Customer

    How do you build a luxury hospitality empire that is both highly profitable and deeply sustainable?

    In this episode, Portia Hart reveals how she founded Blue Apple Beach, The Pink Mango, and Townhouse in Cartagena. From her early days moving to Colombia to becoming a pioneer of B-Corp standards in the Caribbean, Portia’s approach to business is a masterclass in regenerative hospitality, community integration, and visionary leadership.

    You’ll learn:

    • How to make sustainability highly profitable and place it at the core of your brand DNA
    • Real strategies for community immersion and building structures that support local locals as an outsider
    • The concept of "awkward hospitality" and how to rethink traditional luxury to make guests feel truly welcome
    • Behind-the-scenes insights from hosting billionaires like Jeff Bezos and what it takes to serve ultra-high-net-worth individuals
    • The "Happy Toad" framework for creating a vibrant workplace culture and an effective team
    • How a beautifully simple mission like "have a nice time in a nice place" can drive massive success

    Portia also shares her experiences with innovative management structures, balancing work and family as an entrepreneur, and how protecting the natural world directly impacts your bottom line.

    Whether you're:

    ✔️ Building or scaling a hospitality brand

    ✔️ Trying to put sustainable tourism into profitable practice

    ✔️ Passionate about community-centric business models

    ✔️ Or looking to innovate your internal management culture

    This episode is packed with practical insights you can use in your own business today.

    Key themes: travel entrepreneurship, regenerative hospitality, sustainable tourism, community engagement, luxury hospitality, B-Corp standards, workplace culture, and leadership.

    Who this is for: Hospitality founders, hotel owners, tour operators, travel entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about building a highly profitable, experience-led business that creates a genuine positive impact.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Portia Hart

    01:23 Portia's Journey to Colombia

    04:12 Transitioning to Blue Apple Beach Club

    08:15 The Birth of Blue Apple

    12:01 Building a Community-Centric Business

    17:37 The Importance of Community in Travel

    24:49 Strategies for Community Engagement

    32:24 Sustainability and Profitability in Tourism

    34:04 The Natural World and Business Success

    39:14 The Interconnection of Business and Community

    41:47 Creating a Positive Workplace Culture

    49:59 Defining Good Hospitality

    56:32 Rethinking Luxury in Hospitality

    01:01:05 The Purpose Behind Hospitality

    01:05:12 Challenges in the Hospitality Industry

    01:08:51 Innovative Management Structures

    01:13:34 Personal Qualities of a Leader

    01:17:43 Balancing Work and Family

    01:23:26 Future Aspirations and Community Impact

    01:28:01 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    🌍 Follow Our Journey north9: https://north9.agency Podcasts: https://north9.agency/podcasts/

    🎗️ 100% Profit Giving We’re giving away 100% of our profits: https://north9.agency/one-hundred/

    👇 Our Socials

    Facebook: /north9agency

    LinkedIn: /north9-agency

    Instagram: @north9agency

    Twitter: https://x.com/north9agency

    1 hr 35 min
  • Matthew Newton - Boring Marketing, Acquisitions & The Special Feeling

    How do you build an 8-figure travel empire by staying "hyper-niche" and avoiding boring marketing?

    In this episode, Matthew Newton reveals how he grew Leatherback Travel into a global house of brands, including Patch Adventures and Magnificent Rail. From his early days at Tourism Tiger to leading a multi-day tour operator space, Matthew’s approach to business is a masterclass in modern company culture, operational excellence, and the psychology of sales.

    You’ll learn:

    • How to build a "large group of small companies" to dominate niche markets
    • The "Operating Principles" strategy: Why memorisation is key to a high-performing team
    • Real strategies for creating a culture of ownership and "almost perfect" guest satisfaction
    • How to identify and fix "Oozers", the hidden inefficiencies killing your productivity
    • The "Special Feeling" framework for recruitment, marketing, and guest experience
    • Behind the Scenes of Salemi Ceramics: A project revitalising a Sicilian town through tourism

    Matthew also shares his "Meatball" theory of delegation, how to use data to drive marketing decisions, and why writing like a human being is the ultimate competitive advantage in an AI-driven world.

    Whether you're:

    ✔️ Scaling a multi-day tour operator

    ✔️ Building a "house of brands" strategy

    ✔️ Obsessed with improving company culture and operations

    ✔️ Or looking to inject more authenticity into your marketing

    This episode is packed with magical nuggets you can use in your own business today.

    Key themes: travel entrepreneurship, niche marketing, company culture, operational efficiency, business acquisitions, leadership, sustainable tourism, and brand scaling.

    Who this is for: travel entrepreneurs, tour operators, agency founders, and business leaders who want to build a scalable, high-satisfaction business without losing its "soul" or "special feeling."

    00:00 Introduction to Matthew Newton and Leatherback

    01:58 Matthew's Journey to Entrepreneurship

    04:01 The Birth of Leatherback and Its Brands

    05:58 The Structure of Leatherback's Business Model

    08:59 Identifying Niche Markets and Brand Development

    12:02 Acquisitions and Business Growth Strategies

    14:54 The Importance of Team Culture and Structure

    16:57 Operational Strategies and Continuous Improvement

    24:06 Cross-Brand Collaboration and Future Directions

    28:37 Cross-Pollination in Operations

    31:06 The Importance of Operating Principles

    33:19 Gardening and Continuous Improvement

    36:14 Empowering Teams with Meatballs

    39:41 Onboarding and Memorization of Principles

    43:11 Special Feeling in Recruitment

    47:17 Leadership and Time Investment

    50:58 Balancing Fun and Profitability

    54:58 Salemi Ceramics: A Community Revitalization Project

    01:00:07 Marketing Strategies and Authenticity

    01:01:41 Writing with Authenticity

    01:04:37 Targeted Marketing Strategies

    01:07:36 Data-Driven Marketing Decisions

    01:08:27 The Role of AI in Travel

    01:12:51 Personal Qualities for Business Success

    01:17:55 Continuous Improvement and Learning

    01:20:18 Future Growth and Brand Expansion

    01:22:51 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    🌍 Follow Our Journey

    north9: https://north9.agency

    Podcasts: https://north9.agency/podcasts/

    🎗️ 100% Profit Giving

    We’re giving away 100% of our profits: https://north9.agency/one-hundred/

    👇 Our Socials Facebook: / north9agency

    LinkedIn: / north9-agency

    Instagram: / north9agency

    Twitter: https://x.com/north9agency

    1 hr 31 min
  • Sonal Uberoi - Commercial Sustainability, Impactful Hospitality and The ROI of Wellness

    In this episode, we sit down with Sonal Uberoi, founder of Spa Balance, author of The Wellness Asset, and host of the Wellness in Hospitality podcast, to explore the real business of wellness, hospitality, and sustainable growth.

    From studying law to working at Goldman Sachs, and now advising global hospitality brands, Sonal’s journey is anything but conventional. Her diverse background, spanning Kenya, the UK, and now Madrid, brings a unique, commercially grounded perspective to an industry often driven by trends rather than substance.

    We dive into what it truly means to integrate wellness into a brand’s DNA (not just add it as an amenity), and why understanding the numbers is just as important as understanding the guest experience.

    This conversation covers:

    • How Sonal’s investment banking experience shaped her approach to hospitality and asset management

    • The balance between purpose and profit - and why both are essential

    • Commercial sustainability and the ROI of wellness

    • The role of indigenous wisdom and timeless practices in modern hospitality

    • Building a personal brand through content, books, and thought leadership

    • Scaling a one-person business and creating a long-term content ecosystem

    • The importance of resilience, grit, and knowing when to say no

    • Emerging trends shaping the future of wellness and hospitality

    Whether you’re in hospitality, wellness, or building any kind of business, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.

    ⏱️ Timestamps

    00:00 Sonal's Journey: From Law to Wellness

    04:57 Lessons from Goldman Sachs: Grit and Sustainability

    10:02 The Intersection of Purpose and Profit

    14:56 Mission-Driven Wellness: Reviving Traditions

    19:55 Defining Wellness: Tools for Well-Being

    25:07 Creating Unique Wellness Experiences

    29:52 Marketing Wellness: Engaging the Consumer

    34:56 Building Thought Leadership in Wellness

    42:37 Building a Varied Content Ecosystem

    46:03 The Journey of Writing a Book

    51:45 Scaling a One-Person Operation

    01:01:30 Overcoming Challenges in Entrepreneurship

    01:18:40 Future Trends in Wellness and Hospitality

    Whether you're:

    ✔️ Building a wellness or hospitality brand

    ✔️ Trying to balance purpose with profitability

    ✔️ Developing a personal brand or thought leadership platform

    ✔️ Scaling a solo business or consultancy

    ✔️ Or looking to create more meaningful, experience-led offerings

    This episode gives you a clear, practical perspective on what it really takes to build something sustainable in today’s market.

    Key themes:

    Wellness in hospitality, commercial sustainability, personal branding, entrepreneurship, content strategy, thought leadership, ROI of wellness, guest experience, business growth, resilience

    Who this is for:

    Hospitality professionals, wellness entrepreneurs, consultants, founders, creators, and anyone looking to build a purpose-driven, commercially viable business.

    If you found this valuable:

    Like | Subscribe | Share with someone building their next chapter in business

    Podcasts: https://north9.agency/podcasts/

    LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/north9-agency

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/north9agency

    Thank you!

    1 hr 23 min
  • Inside Travel Group - Building a Brand, Private Equity & Working With Your Best Mate

    What does it really take to build a travel business that survives crises, scales globally, and stays true to its purpose?

    In this episode, Simon and Alistair reveal how they grew a small startup with just £10,000 into a thriving international travel company serving over 16,000 customers a year. From teaching English in Japan to leading a multi-destination brand across Asia, their journey is packed with hard-earned lessons in resilience, strategy, and growth.

    You’ll learn:

    • How to turn a niche passion into a scalable global business

    • The shift from specialist to multi-destination operator

    • Real strategies for surviving crises like COVID-19 and natural disasters

    • How to use customer insight and data to drive profit and growth

    • The role of partnerships, local leadership, and company culture

    • What it’s really like working with private equity while keeping founder control

    They also share behind-the-scenes insights on navigating the 2011 tsunami, managing uncertainty during the pandemic, and securing major investment - including a landmark partnership with Japan’s Sovereign Wealth Fund.

    Whether you're:

    ✔️ Starting a travel business

    ✔️ Scaling a tour company

    ✔️ Navigating uncertain markets

    ✔️ Or building a purpose-driven brand

    This episode gives you a clear, honest roadmap.

    Key themes: travel entrepreneurship, startup growth, resilience, scaling a business, sustainable travel, leadership, private equity, crisis management

    Who this is for: Travel entrepreneurs, founders, tour operators, startup builders, and anyone passionate about building a meaningful business in a challenging industry.

    If you found this valuable:

    Like | Subscribe | Share with someone building their dream business

    Podcasts: https://north9.agency/podcasts/

    LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/north9-agency

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/north9agency

    Thank you!

    1 hr 38 min
  • Juliet Kinsman - Maintaining Integrity, Solutions-Led Storytelling and The Future of Journalism

    We’re starting Season 3 with a bang as we welcome Juliet Kinsman—the powerhouse behind Bouteco and host of the Funny Old World podcast. Juliet has lived a dozen lives in one, from the heady days of Ibiza music journalism to shaping the voice of Mr & Mrs Smith and being the first Sustainability Editor at Conde Nast Traveller.

    We cover a lot.

    How do travel brands avoid greenwashing and maintain integrity? What does sustainability really mean? And what part does storytelling play in it all?

    Whether you’re interested in the evolution of travel journalism, the ethics of AI, or practical PR & sustainability strategies, Juliet brings decades of experience to the table.

    We discuss her journey from Ibiza journalist to sustainability consultant and explore why grit is the secret ingredient to a successful career in travel.

    What you’ll learn in this episode:

    • Juliette Kinsman’s journey from music journalism to travel media
    • The growth of sustainable and regenerative travel
    • How luxury hotels are adapting to conscious consumers
    • The role of influencers and digital media in modern storytelling
    • What “solutions-led storytelling” means (and why it matters)
    • How brands can create stories that truly engage audiences
    • The balance between data and creativity in content strategy
    • The future of journalism, trust, and earned media
    • Key traits for success: grit, integrity, and curiosity
    • Actionable advice for newcomers in travel and hospitality

    This is a real beauty to get Season 3 started - let us know what you think! 💥

    ***

    If you liked the episode we'd be super grateful if you could rate and review the show so we can get it out to as many people as possible and keep creating more content like this.

    For future updates subscribe here, and you can also follow us on the social platforms below where we'll share future podcasts along with more helpful insight in various forms.

    Podcasts: https://north9.agency/podcasts/

    LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/north9-agency

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/north9agency

    Thank you!

    1 hr 24 min
  • Riva Bacquet - Purpose, Remote Teams and Becoming a B Corp

    Riva Bacquet is the COO at SA Expeditions, a virtual travel company that specializes in curating bespoke, privately guided travel experiences to the Americas and increasingly to other destinations around the world.

    She is a strong believer in the power and responsibility of travel to create positive change, and she takes a unique purpose-led approach to business leadership and team building. Trips created by SA Expeditions are designed not only to benefit travelers but everyone impacted by them, from local communities to the people in the business who run them.

    As someone who is clearly hugely driven by personal development, Riva has so much to bring to the table in this conversation.

    We go into depth on B Corp and the journey to get there, benefits of doing it and why B Corp is important. I’m personally fascinated by this as it’s a journey we’ve embarked upon with SEO Travel and I love hearing about other people’s experiences with it.

    This ties into a wider conversation about purpose and what drives the growth of SA Expeditions which is not your typical travel business, from its virtual initiatives to its direction which is starting to veer towards becoming a tech company and an ‘uberised’ form of travel.

    She has some excellent tips for women in business and hunting balance as a mum, changing paths from being a DMC and what made her take a punt on a couple of guys setting up a new travel company many moons ago.

    I loved everything about this conversation. There is direct, actionable advice based on Riva’s experiences, thorough, educated insight into business and travel twinned with a nice dose of idealism, and also plenty of humility to show that Riva doesn’t feel she’s got it all worked out despite having achieved so much already.

    ***

    If you liked the episode we'd be super grateful if you could rate and review the show so we can get it out to as many people as possible and keep creating more content like this.

    For future updates subscribe here, and you can also follow us on the social platforms below where we'll share future podcasts along with more helpful insight in various forms.

    Twitter - https://twitter.com/seo_travel

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/seotravel/

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/seotravel/

    Thank you!

    1 hr 34 min

About The Travel Growth Podcast

From the publisher's feed

As the owner of a travel marketing agency, I've worked with travel businesses for over 10 years and seen what works and what doesn't first hand, learning a lot of lessons along the way.