Out Of The Office

Just turned on the old "out of office" message, planning to shut down the work brain for the next two weeks and engage in a comprehensive Zoom detox program.

I haven't really stopped working this year and it's been an intense period to say the least. It's also been challenging, heartbreaking, fascinating, and even exciting. It's hard to accurately describe the dichotomy of losing half your revenue and a chunk of your team basically overnight, all while new doors and windows flew open, new alliances emerged, new friends were made, and an unanticipated mindset for change provided hope that the future may indeed be brighter after all. It's been a leadership challenge I never expected, but it's certainly brought welcome lessons and sorely needed perspectives.

I've been doing this work to transform the future of tourism for many years now, and I've felt passionate about it from day one. But through this tough situation I've significantly sharpened my voice and clarified my purpose within this complex ecosystem, and I'm so fortunate to have amazing colleagues, partners and friends on that journey who have provided me with strength along the way in ways they didn't realize.

I'd hate to sound like I'm gloating. I realize I'm just lucky to have a job and a stable income when so many lives and livelihoods have been lost. In two weeks' time I'll be back at it, with a refreshed mind and an open heart, building the next chapter, prepared to be surprised, and working towards a future where communities can thrive again and better than before.