Episode 08: Reframing a Global Tourism Business During the Pandemic with Entrepreneurial Grit and Tenacity
In Episode 8, Natalie and Chelsea sit down with Stephen Oddo, to talk about how his entrepreneurial grit, resilience, and the power of a growth mindset helped him pivot his international tourism company in response to the Pandemic and the related business and operational challenges it created for the travel industry.
Show Notes:
Hosts:
Natalie M.
Chelsea M.
Timestamps:
**00:00** - Introduction
**00:31** - Chelsea introduces this episode's guest
**1:07** - Stephen takes us through how he got into the tourism business and founded Walks.
**8:56** - Natalie asks how Stephen began to curate his tours on what travelers should see versus what they have been told to see.
**12:22** - Stephen discusses how his role had to change as the company grew and became successful and some of the challenges that came about because of the company's new found popularity.
**18:41** - Stephen discusses how the success and growth of the business had a toll on both his personal life and mental health.
**23:22** - Chelsea asks Stephen if looking back, there was a way he could have achieved all that he had professionally while maintaining more work/life balance.
**28:31** - Stephen discusses the beginnings of acquisition for the company.
**30:42** - Break
**31:30** - Stephen takes us through what running Walks through the Pandemic was like, getting creative with new Walks products, the future of the acquisition of the company, and how the Pandemic made him rethink his personal life.
**1:09:42** - Natalie asks Stephen if he handles things differently now than he would have pre-pandemic.
**1:11:53** - Natalie asks Stephen if he has any advice for budding entrepreneurs in this post pandemic climate.
**1:16:12** - Chelsea asks Stephen if he was always an entrepreneur.
**1:17:49** - Chelsea asks Stephen for his “word”.
**1:20:25** - Details on how you can learn more about Walks.
**1:21:55** - End of Episode
**1:22:19** - Stay tuned for next week
**1:23:14** - Outro
Key Takeaways:
1. “Fixed Mindset”: Belief that abilities, talents, and traits are fixed or inherent and cannot be significantly changed.
Example: Avoiding challenges for fear of failure.
2. “Growth Mindset”: Belief that abilities, talents, and traits can be developed and improved through effort and learning.
Example: Embracing challenges as opportunities to grow.
3. **Tips for Cultivating a Growth Mindset**
Self-Awareness
Identify Your Fixed Mindset Triggers: Recognize the situations that trigger a fixed mindset (e.g., challenges, setbacks, or criticism).
Reflect: Make it a habit to reflect on your thoughts and feelings regularly, identifying instances where a fixed mindset held you back.
Change Your Language
Switch Your Language: Instead of saying “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never . . .,” say “I can’t do this yet,” or “I am moving towards . . . .”
Embrace Constructive Feedback: When you or others fail, #fail forward by focusing on what can be learned from the experience.
Reframe Challenges and Setbacks
Stretch Goals: Set an objective that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
Reframe Failures: View setbacks as opportunities for growth, not as a validation of an inability or shortcoming.
Embrace Feedback and Prioritize Learning Over Validation
Constructive Criticism: Actively seek out feedback that helps you improve or refine your skills.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Create an environment or cultivate relationships where open and constructive feedback is welcomed and regular.
Value the Process: Prioritize learning and improving over success or perfection.
Focus on Yourself: Prioritize yourself, focus on your personal development, and celebrate your achievements. Avoid seeking approval or validation from others.
Additional Resources:
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