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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:
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
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:
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
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:
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
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:
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
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:
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
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:
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
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!
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!
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:
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!
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!
From the publisher's feed