LGBT History Month Month Employee Spotlight: Drew Daly

To honor LGBT History Month and demonstrate our dedication to celebrating diversity through our C.O.R.D. (Celebrating Our Remarkable Differences) initiative, we are excited to introduce an exclusive Q&A session with Drew Daly, CPC , our extraordinary SVP/GM of Dream Vacations and CruiseOne. Drew offers a distinctive viewpoint in this discussion, offering insight into his own thoughts and emotions related to LGBT History Month. Please join us as we dive into Drew's experiences and perspectives, delving into the profound significance of this month-long observance.

Why is it important that we celebrate LGBT History Month? What does it mean to you?

Like any movement, we must remember history so that it does not repeat itself. ?It is always important for us as a community to continue raising awareness for the journey that different diverse groups encountered.?The celebration of LGBT History month helps everyone be reminded of what happened and will motivate them to want to make a difference today and in the future.

What got you interested in travel industry?

From a very young age I had an adventuresome spirit and caught the travel bug, which I blame on my parents. Every year they would pack up the family and head out on various road trips visiting different parts of the states, mostly in the northeast. They wanted to make sure we appreciated the country we grew up in and experienced adventures with each other. I always enjoyed learning about new places and the history of the U.S. We always had fun creating some great memories together that I look back on fondly and have taken with me in my luggage of life.?Early on I learned just how big the world was and knew that I wanted to explore it.?

What is something you appreciate about being a gay man in the travel industry that you want to share with others?

When I was growing up there were a lot of negative stereotypes related to being gay. It really was not something anyone ever talked about, nor was it socially accepted at the time.?Thankfully, the world has been definitely changing (for the better) and the travel industry has always embraced all diverse backgrounds, especially people in the gay community.?I appreciate that for me, it was always about my skills and abilities and never about my sexual orientation.?I have always felt a part of a great community of people who are passionate about travel and adventure.?

What advice would you give someone who is interested in joining the travel industry?

Working in the travel industry has been an amazing blessing. The industry provides a changing landscape in terms of what you learn. Throughout my career in travel, I have been blessed with many experiences and adventures to different parts of the world.?Each place provided me with an education on the local people, cultures, and historic sites, experiences that I would never get in other industries within corporate America. I am very fortunate that 28 years ago I not only started my career in the travel industry; but I have been at the same organization as well.? World Travel Holdings is very much my family and I have spent my entire adult life working here. I encourage anyone looking for a rewarding career in travel to just start. Look for a job with a company or in a part of the industry that you would like to learn more about.?From there doors will open and opportunities will come your way—be careful though it might lead you to a lifelong adventure. ?

How do diverse teams improve how we work?

Diversity is so important for all businesses—it is important for all of us to “show up” and bring your individual voice and perspective to any team you are on. Each viewpoint that someone has is critical to ensure that your brand or company understands the diverse needs of customers along with representing an inclusive audience.? Diverse teams break down barriers, mental models, and make companies overall a more effective business on many levels.? It is important to always be open to sharing your perspective and listening to others’ opinions.?There is not always going to be agreement; but there will be movement towards a better solution with discussion.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

“Ride the wave until it crashes.” My father told me that early on in my leadership career and it has always stuck with me.?I have been fortunate enough to have a rewarding career in travel for almost three decades and have held a variety of leadership roles.?What I took from his comment was only a good surfer can ride a continuous wave without crashing. Thus, you must always be learning to enhance your own skills in everything.?Without that then there would never be any growth. I have always approached every situation with openness to learning and when I do not understand something I will seek to understand and not be afraid to push back to get clarity.?

Tell us about a moment in LGBT history that influenced or shaped your career/life.

Back in the 90’s (yes, I am old ),? the most significant moment for me was when the comedy Will and Grace premiered on national television in 1998. This show transformed the gay community and really shifted the conversation at the dinner table for friends, families, and communities.?For me, the fact that openly gay characters were the main story line on a national TV show was significant.?For the first time, people were talking positively about being “gay” and supporting the gay community.?From then?on the pendulum started to swing and people, businesses and cultures were moved to be more accepting of men and women who were gay.