Meet Dana O’Brodovich: Director of Data Analytics at ToursByLocals

What advice would you give your 25-year-old self, just getting started in your professional life?

When I was 25, I chose to trade a secure job for the uncertainty of backpacking for a year. The concern about how this break might tarnish my resume was a significant weight on my shoulders, fueled by warnings from others about the perils of re-entering the workforce. If I could, I'd reassure my younger self that embracing travel was far from a mistake. Such experiences are profound; they sculpt your character, enhance your communication, and hone your problem-solving skills in ways traditional paths might not. That year proved to be the most enriching learning experience of my career. My advice would center on the importance of sidelining the fear of judgment, embracing courage, and trusting in my own decisions.

How do you actively encourage and develop leadership skills within your team?

In my approach to fostering and nurturing leadership abilities within my team, I subscribe to the philosophy that feedback is an invaluable catalyst for personal and professional development. I make it a point to provide consistent and constructive feedback to all members of my team, while also promoting an open culture where they feel empowered to share their insights with me and their peers.

Understanding the unique aspirations of each team member is paramount to me. This knowledge enables me to tailor opportunities within our project roadmap that not only align with their growth ambitions but also position them for triumphs.

Moreover, I champion the idea of venturing beyond one's comfort zone, be it by taking center stage, voicing opinions, or experimenting with new concepts. My strategy involves preparing them for success and reassuring them of my unwavering support, especially in times when outcomes may not align with expectations. This blend of encouragement, tailored growth opportunities, and a supportive backdrop, I believe, cultivates a thriving environment for emerging leaders.

ToursByLocals is incredibly diverse, with hires from all over the world. How do you foster a unifying and supportive team dynamic?

At ToursByLocals, our team's diversity, spanning the globe, is a cornerstone of our strength. Among the myriad qualities that our team members embody, I hold intelligence, a strong work ethic, and kindness in the highest regard. It is the latter, kindness, that I believe serves as the keystone for fostering a unifying and supportive team dynamic.

In navigating the challenges of a remote work environment, where the casual, connective moments by the coffee machine or the spontaneous conversations at the start of the day are absent, I prioritize creating alternative spaces for connection. Encouraging regular social interactions and dedicating time for the team to bond over non-work-related conversations is essential in nurturing both personal and professional relationships.

Moreover, setting clear, collective goals and maintaining transparency about our priorities are critical strategies. When every team member has a clear understanding of our common objectives, it naturally fosters a spirit of collaboration and mutual support, guiding us towards our shared vision. In this way, we ensure that despite our physical distances, our commitment to kindness and shared goals keeps us united and driven.

Which of ToursByLocals guiding principles do you lean into most as a leader and how?

While ‘seeing clearly’ and rooting our decisions in data is the obvious answer for my role, I’d actually have to go with ‘have heart’. I believe in leading with empathy, seeking to understand and helping others to do their best work, whatever that means to them.