Destination On The Left

Nicole Mahoney
  • 5.0 (113)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Destination On The Left is a travel and tourism industry podcast hosted by Travel Alliance Partnership. Each episode explores successful collaborations, creative marketing ideas and best practices for both consumer and travel trade marketing programs. Interviews are a mix of Destination Marketers, Industry Leaders, Consultants and businesses in the industry.

  1. Oct 7

    Community Conversation: From Data to Decisions

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I lead a dynamic panel discussion with Frida Bahja, James Sauter, Sondra Shannon, and Todd Aaronson on how tourism organizations can move beyond simply collecting data to making smarter, more strategic decisions. Each of my guests brings a unique perspective—from destination marketing organizations to technology providers and attractions—on how to identify the data that truly matters, connect insights across teams, and use emerging tools like AI to enhance decision-making. Together, we explore how data is shaping strategy, improving the visitor experience, and driving meaningful impact across the tourism ecosystem. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How to shift from collecting data to using it as a strategic decision-making tool  Why understanding your organization's key challenges should guide your data strategy  What types of data sources—from visitor insights to economic indicators—can inform smarter tourism decisions  How collaboration across teams and partners unlocks greater value from data  Why consumer behavior and sentiment are critical to shaping marketing, products, and experiences  What common challenges exist with data quality, integration, and interpretation—and how to navigate them  How AI is beginning to transform tourism workflows, insights, and operational decision-making  Moving from Data Collection to Decision Intelligence One of the central themes of this conversation is the importance of shifting from data accumulation to actionable insight. We explore how having access to more data than ever before does not automatically lead to better outcomes. Instead, we emphasize the need to start by identifying core challenges and the questions we're trying to answer. From there, it becomes much easier to determine which data sources are actually meaningful.  We also discuss how many organizations still default to reporting rather than interpretation. While dashboards and reports are valuable, we talk about how the real opportunity lies in connecting insights across multiple data points—such as visitor behavior, economic trends, and marketing performance—to guide strategy. This shift requires a new mindset, where data becomes a strategic asset embedded into everyday decision-making rather than a standalone function.  Breaking Down Silos and Strengthening Collaboration Throughout our discussion, I hear a consistent message about the need to break down data silos within organizations and across the broader tourism ecosystem. Too often, valuable insights remain isolated within specific departments, limiting their potential impact. By fostering cross-departmental conversations and sharing data more intentionally, we can better align efforts and respond more effectively to changing market conditions.  We also talk about the importance of collaboration beyond internal teams. My guests share how partnerships between DMOs, attractions, and even neighboring destinations can unlock shared insights and reduce the cost of accessing data. This kind of collaboration not only strengthens individual organizations but also elevates the destination as a whole by creating more cohesive and informed strategies.  The Future of Data: AI, Strategy, and Evolving Roles As we look ahead, we spend time exploring how artificial intelligence is beginning to transform the way our industry uses data. While AI has been around for some time, I hear from my panelists that its growing accessibility is accelerating how quickly we can analyze large datasets, identify patterns, and generate insights. At the same time, we recognize the importance of thoughtful governance, clear policies, and intentional implementation.  This evolution is also changing the role of data professionals. Rather than focusing primarily on reporting, researchers and analysts are becoming strategic advisors within their organizations. As I reflect on this conversation, it's clear that the ability to interpret data, provide context, and guide decision-making will be essential as tourism continues to shift toward a more holistic model of destination management and stewardship.  Resources: Website: https://travelalliancepartnership.com/ Frida Bahja Website: https://www.experiencekissimmee.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fridabahja/ James Sauter Website: https://rovemarketing.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamessauter/ Sondra Shannon Website: https://gatemaster.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sondrashannon/ Todd Aaronson Website: https://visitmodesto.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddaaronson/

  2. Sep 30

    Blending Education, Conservation, and Scuba Travel, with Robin Reiner

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Robin Reiner, founder of Robin Wing Travel, a niche agency specializing in scuba and sustainable adventure travel. With a background as a biologist, environmental educator, and science teacher, Robin brings a unique perspective to designing travel experiences that go beyond recreation. We explore how she integrates education, conservation, and hands-on experiences into her itineraries, why passion-driven niches can create powerful differentiation, and how collaboration and an abundance mindset have helped her grow her business in meaningful ways. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Robin's background in biology and education shapes her approach to travel planning   Why incorporating hands-on conservation activities enhances the traveler experience   What it means to design trips that give back to local communities and ecosystems How to identify and avoid "greenwashing" when vetting travel suppliers   Why choosing a niche aligned with your passion can be a powerful differentiator   How collaboration and an abundance mindset create new business opportunities   What strategies help travel advisors attract the right clients in a competitive market   Designing Travel as Education and Impact Robin's journey from environmental educator to travel advisor is rooted in a consistent theme: teaching through experience. She shares how every trip she plans includes an educational component, often centered on marine conservation. From coral restoration projects to wildlife protection efforts, her itineraries invite travelers to actively participate rather than passively observe.  This hands-on approach not only deepens the traveler's connection to the destination, but also creates a sense of purpose. Robin emphasizes that meaningful travel experiences can inspire long-term awareness and stewardship, reinforcing the idea that tourism can be both transformative and responsible when designed with intention.  Building a Niche Through Passion and Purpose Rather than offering broad, generalized travel services, Robin has intentionally focused on scuba and sustainable adventure travel. She explains how aligning her business with her personal passions allows her to bring authenticity and expertise to every client interaction. Her ability to evaluate destinations through both an educator's lens and an ecologist's perspective sets her apart in a crowded marketplace.  A key part of this differentiation is her commitment to vetting partners carefully. Robin highlights the importance of looking beyond surface-level sustainability claims to ensure that resorts and operators are genuinely contributing to environmental and community well-being. This thoughtful approach builds trust with clients seeking meaningful, values-driven travel experiences.  The Power of Collaboration and an Abundance Mindset Robin's growth has been shaped not only by her niche, but also by her willingness to collaborate. She shares how relationships with other travel advisors, professional organizations, and industry partners have led to unexpected opportunities, from client referrals to new business partnerships.  Central to this success is an abundance mindset. Instead of viewing other advisors as competitors, Robin embraces a collaborative approach, recognizing that the right referral benefits both the client and the industry as a whole. These connections, often sparked through networking events or even casual conversations, demonstrate how shared knowledge and mutual support can expand reach and create long-term value for everyone involved.  Resources: Website: https://robinwingtravel.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-reiner-travel-advisor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robin.reiner.90 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinwingtravel/ Services: https://robinwingtravel.com/services/fiji-2028/beqa-lagoon-volivoli-150690686

  3. Sep 23

    Finding Your "Tilt" and Owning Your Audience in an AI-Driven World, with Joe Pulizzi

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Joe Pulizzi, founder of Content Marketing Institute, author, and creator of The Tilt newsletter. Joe shares his perspective on how individuals and organizations can stand out in an increasingly crowded and AI-driven content landscape. We explore the concept of finding your "tilt," why differentiation and consistency are critical to building trust, and how owning your audience can create long-term resilience. Joe also offers practical insights into collaboration, personal branding, and how tourism leaders can position themselves for what's next. What You Will Learn in This Episode: What Joe Pulizzi means by finding your "tilt" and why it's essential for differentiation  How to identify the intersection between your expertise and your audience's needs  Why consistency is one of the biggest predictors of success in content and audience building How AI is reshaping content creation and what opportunities still exist right now  Why owning your audience (especially through email) is more important than ever  How organizations can build trust by elevating individual voices instead of relying solely on corporate messaging  What role collaboration and strategic partnerships play in amplifying your reach and impact  Finding Your Tilt: The Intersection of Expertise and Need Joe explains that many organizations start their content strategy by focusing on what they want to say or sell, but overlook the importance of differentiation. The concept of "the tilt" challenges leaders to think more strategically about what they want to be known and needed for, and how that aligns with the specific needs of their audience.  He encourages a practical approach: identifying areas of expertise or passion and pairing them with clearly defined audience challenges. This intersection becomes the foundation for meaningful content and messaging. For tourism professionals, this could mean moving beyond broad destination messaging to focus on a distinct, ownable narrative that resonates deeply with a specific audience segment.  Trust, Consistency, and the Power of Owned Audiences A central theme in Joe's perspective is that success in content and audience-building comes down to two things: consistency and trust. Many organizations struggle not because of a lack of ideas, but because they stop showing up. Sustained, valuable content delivered over time is what builds meaningful relationships.  Joe also emphasizes the importance of owning your audience, particularly through email. While social platforms provide reach, they are ultimately rented space. Email, on the other hand, represents a direct, permission-based relationship that organizations control. In an environment where algorithms are constantly changing, this ownership becomes a critical long-term asset for destinations and brands alike.  Human Connection, Collaboration, and the Future of Content As AI continues to transform how content is created and distributed, Joe believes the differentiator will increasingly be human connection. Audiences are drawn to real people, authentic voices, and expertise they can trust. This shift is leading organizations to rethink how they communicate, moving toward a "trust portfolio" made up of multiple individual voices rather than a single corporate channel.  At the same time, Joe reinforces that differentiation does not mean isolation. Strategic collaboration—whether through partnerships, guest content, or shared platforms—can significantly expand reach and credibility. By aligning with others who serve the same audience, organizations can amplify their message while still maintaining a clear and distinct point of view.  Resources: The Tilt: https://www.thetilt.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepulizzi/

  4. Sep 11

    Reconnecting People to Place Through Audio Storytelling, with Story Clark

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Story Clark, founder of TravelStorys GPS, about how mobile audio storytelling is transforming the way visitors experience destinations. Drawing from her background in conservation and history, Story shares how her platform helps travelers connect more deeply to place through immersive, location-based audio tours. We explore how destinations can stand out in a crowded digital landscape, the power of storytelling as a driver of memory and engagement, and how collaboration and shared platforms can elevate both small and large communities alike. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Story's background in conservation and history inspired a mission to reconnect people to place Why storytelling is the "currency of memory" and how it drives deeper visitor engagement How mobile audio tours create immersive, hands-free experiences that enhance—not distract from—travel What differentiates a high-quality audio tour from DIY solutions and why user experience matters How shared platforms create visibility and opportunity for destinations of all sizes Why analytics and data collection are critical for proving tourism impact and guiding strategy What tools like QR codes and scavenger hunts can deepen engagement and capture valuable visitor insights Storytelling as the Foundation for Connection Story Clark built her company around a simple but powerful idea: people are losing their connection to place. She shares how her work in conservation and history revealed a growing disconnect between individuals and their surroundings, inspiring her to create a platform that uses storytelling to bridge that gap. Rather than focusing on facts alone, her approach emphasizes narrative—because stories are what people remember, share, and carry with them long after a visit.  Through mobile audio tours that sync with a visitor's location, Story and her team help destinations bring their stories to life in real time. As travelers walk, drive, or explore, they hear stories tied directly to what they're experiencing, creating a deeper emotional and sensory connection. This approach turns the smartphone into a tool for engagement rather than distraction, allowing visitors to stay present while still learning and discovering.  Designing for Experience, Not Just Technology In a crowded marketplace filled with apps and digital tools, Story explains that differentiation comes down to experience. She emphasizes the importance of quality storytelling, thoughtful production, and a deep understanding of user behavior. Her team acts as an advocate for the end user, helping destinations shape stories that resonate and are delivered at the right moment to maximize impact.  Equally important is the support and partnership provided to clients. Story highlights how many organizations underestimate the complexity of creating effective audio experiences and benefit from guided processes, production expertise, and ongoing collaboration. This hands-on approach ensures that each tour not only meets technical standards but also delivers a compelling and memorable experience for visitors.  Collaboration, Data, and the Future of Visitor Engagement A central theme throughout the conversation is collaboration, both between destinations and across marketing channels. Story's shared platform model allows multiple destinations to benefit from collective visibility, creating a "rising tide lifts all boats" effect. Smaller communities gain exposure alongside larger destinations, while travelers enjoy a seamless experience across regions.  Beyond storytelling, Story is focused on helping destinations better understand and influence visitor behavior. By integrating tools like QR codes, scavenger hunts, and user surveys, her platform provides actionable data and insights. This allows organizations to move beyond inspiration to measurable impact—demonstrating how engagement translates into longer stays, increased spending, and stronger community connections.  Resources: Website: travelstorys.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/storyclark/ Contact: story@travelstorysgps.com

  5. Sep 9

    How Storytelling Transforms Artisan Traditions into Meaningful Travel Experiences, with Patrick Greene

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Patrick Greene, a documentary filmmaker and creator of Made with Love, a series that shines a light on artisans, their crafts, and the traditions behind them. Patrick shares how a project born during the COVID-19 pandemic evolved into a television series and a collection of small-group artisan tours designed to bring travelers behind the scenes and into deeper connection with the people and places they visit. We discuss the value of authentic storytelling, the unexpected overlap between filmmaking and tour operations, and how tourism can help preserve cultural traditions while creating meaningful connections between travelers and local communities. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How a personal family experience during the pandemic inspired the creation of Made with Love Why authentic human connections can create more lasting travel memories than visiting well-known attractions alone How Patrick transitioned from documentary filmmaking into creating bespoke, small-group artisan tours What makes working with local producers and community connections essential to authentic cultural storytelling How tourism can support artisans while helping preserve crafts, traditions, and cultural heritage Why small-group experiences can foster meaningful connections between travelers, artisans, and fellow guests What destinations and tour operators can learn from creating story-driven experiences rooted in local people and place From Filmmaking to Meaningful Travel Experiences Patrick's journey into tourism began with documentary filmmaking and a desire to share the people and places he encountered while producing Made with Love. During a year living in Bologna, Italy, with his family during the COVID-19 pandemic, he discovered the depth of Italy's artisan culture and saw firsthand how shutdowns and the absence of tourism were affecting local makers. Their passion and dedication resonated with him, inspiring him to use his storytelling skills to give these artisans a platform.  That experience eventually led to the creation of Made with Love as a television series and, later, the development of artisan-focused tours. As Patrick explains, the skills required to produce television translate surprisingly well to tour operations, from managing logistics and accommodations to creating itineraries and taking care of a group. More importantly, both forms of work depend on understanding people and creating an experience that allows their stories to come through authentically.  Putting Authenticity and Human Connection at the Center One of the central themes Patrick explores is the difference between simply seeing a destination and genuinely connecting with it. While iconic attractions remain important, he believes travelers often remember the people they meet and the stories they hear long after the trip is over. His tours are intentionally designed to move beyond crowded hotspots and give guests opportunities to meet artisans in their workshops, ask questions, and experience their crafts firsthand.  The small size of the groups helps make those connections possible. Patrick shares how artisans who had never welcomed travelers into their studios have embraced the opportunity to share their work, while guests gain a more personal understanding of the communities they are visiting. Those shared experiences also create connections among travelers themselves, with guests returning for additional Made with Love tours in other countries.  Tourism as a Tool for Preserving Craft and Culture At the heart of Made with Love is a mission to support artisans and help preserve the crafts and traditions that contribute to a community's cultural identity. Patrick shares stories of generational artisans, including families who have practiced the same craft for many generations, and describes the importance of creating opportunities for these makers to share their work with visitors.  The relationship can benefit everyone involved. Travelers gain access to experiences they might not otherwise encounter, while artisans have an opportunity to share their knowledge and generate additional income through guest purchases. As Patrick looks toward expanding the series and tours into new countries, he emphasizes the importance of working with local producers and community connections to identify crafts that are genuinely rooted in each destination. For him, authentic storytelling starts with listening to local people and allowing their culture and traditions to shape the experience.  Resources: Website: madewithloveartisans.com Made with Love on PBS: pbs.org/show/made-with-love LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-greene-34a9876/

  6. Sep 2

    Beyond the DMO and Into Community Development, with Matt Pivarnik

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Matt Pivarnik, a community development leader with nearly 27 years of experience across destination development, destination stewardship, tourism marketing, economic development, and legislative success. Drawing on his work in Tulsa, Topeka, and now Myrtle Beach, Matt shares why he sees tourism as an important part of broader community and economic development. We discuss the power of trust and collaboration, the organizational model taking shape in Myrtle Beach, and why communities need to balance the immediate demands of tourism marketing with long-term investments in their people, infrastructure, and future. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How tourism-related economic development can broaden the way communities think about tourism and destination development Why trust, collaboration, and putting community interests ahead of organizational egos are essential to successful communities How Myrtle Beach is creating a collaborative structure that allows distinct organizations to work alongside one another Why sharing services, resources, and expertise can help community organizations operate more effectively How destinations can balance the pressure for immediate visitation with long-term investments in tourism product and community development What Matt and his colleagues learned from listening to residents as they developed the Collaborate 2031 community strategy Why clear governance and financial "fences" are important for accountability and responsible stewardship of public dollars From Destination Marketing to Community Development Matt describes his career as a journey through the many interconnected pieces of community development. While destination marketing is an important part of the work, he believes the industry is increasingly recognizing the connection between tourism, economic development, destination development, and community stewardship. He shares his excitement about the emerging idea of "tourism-related economic development" and what it means to think intentionally about attracting attractions, assets, investment, and opportunities that strengthen a community.  That broader perspective also changes how Matt thinks about destination competitiveness. In Myrtle Beach, the beach is an extraordinary asset, but he points to the historic communities, cultural experiences, restaurants, waterways, and other distinctive places that surround it. Creating a compelling destination isn't only about promoting the most recognizable attraction. It is about understanding what makes a community unique and finding ways to tell the larger story.  Building Collaboration Without Losing Organizational Identity A significant part of the conversation focuses on the collaborative model developing in Myrtle Beach. Matt explains how having multiple organizations working toward economic and community development can create confusion when their roles aren't clearly defined. Rather than putting one organization "under" another, he believes organizations are more effective when they operate alongside one another, maintaining their individual responsibilities while sharing resources and working toward common goals.  That approach creates opportunities to share services such as finance, human resources, IT, data, and office space while preserving the autonomy of each organization. Matt also emphasizes that collaboration requires more than a new organizational chart. It requires trust and a willingness to set aside egos. He reflects on his experience in Topeka, where organizational leaders ultimately focused less on protecting individual entities and more on asking what was best for the community and its economy. That shift opened the door to deeper collaboration and a more effective way of working together.  Planning for the Community's Future Myrtle Beach's rapid growth makes long-term thinking especially important. Matt describes the challenge of balancing the need to generate visitation today with the responsibility to invest in the destination's product, infrastructure, and quality of life for the future. With significant growth in both tourism and the resident population, the community is increasingly focused on understanding resident sentiment and making sure the people who live there have a voice in shaping what comes next.  That thinking is at the heart of Collaborate 2031, a five-year, community-wide strategy shaped through conversations with residents, focus groups, and stakeholders across the county's 15 communities. Matt explains why the plan is intentionally focused on measurable progress rather than simply creating a long-range vision or using the strategy as a fundraising exercise. Once priorities are established, the goal is to determine which organizations are best positioned to take responsibility and then ensure they have the resources necessary to follow through. For Matt, the ultimate measure of successful collaboration is simple: communities where development organizations work together are better positioned to move their economies forward, while communities where those organizations compete with one another risk falling behind.  Resources: Website: greatermyrtlebeachcollaborative.com(opens in new tab) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisfairresonance/

  7. Aug 26

    Shaping the Future of Place Branding, with Chris Fair

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Chris Fair, President and CEO of Resonance. Drawing on his background in journalism, destination marketing, and futures studies, Chris shares how destinations can use data-driven insights to better understand their strengths, identify opportunities, and build authentic brands that stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace. We discuss the relationship between destination development and marketing, why collaboration across organizations is essential, and how communities can align around a shared narrative that supports tourism, economic development, and long-term prosperity. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How destinations can evaluate the gap between performance and public perception Why authentic, focused place branding is more effective than trying to appeal to everyone What Resonance's Best Cities rankings reveal about livability, lovability, and prosperity How performance, perception, and community aspiration work together to shape destination strategy Why destination marketing organizations and economic development organizations should collaborate more closely How creating a shared narrative helps communities strengthen their reputation and attract visitors, talent, and investment What practical steps destination leaders can take to prioritize resources and build long-term competitive advantage Beyond "Beige": Finding an Authentic Destination Narrative Chris explains that one of the greatest challenges destinations face isn't overcoming negative perceptions—it's overcoming a lack of perception altogether. Many communities have exceptional experiences to offer but struggle to communicate what makes them distinct. Instead of trying to promote every possible attraction, successful destinations identify the unique story that reflects both who they are and what audiences value most.  He shares how Resonance helps destinations diagnose where they stand by comparing performance with perception. When communities understand whether they need stronger destination development, better branding, or a combination of both, they can focus their resources more strategically. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, Chris encourages destination leaders to identify what belongs in their "storefront window"—the defining experience or story that invites people to discover everything else the destination has to offer.  Using Data to Guide Smarter Destination Strategy Chris discusses the framework behind Resonance's America's Best Cities rankings, which evaluate destinations through three interconnected lenses: livability, lovability, and prosperity. These rankings measure everything from parks, restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions to economic opportunity, infrastructure, education, and quality of life, providing communities with a clearer understanding of how they perform compared to their peers.  Beyond performance data, Chris emphasizes the importance of combining research on public perception with the aspirations of local residents and businesses. By studying performance, perception, and aspiration together, destinations can uncover opportunities that traditional research alone may overlook. Throughout the conversation, he shares how this evidence-based approach helps communities prioritize investments, refine their positioning, and make informed decisions that support both residents and visitors.  Building a Shared Narrative Through Collaboration One of the most important themes throughout our conversation is the role collaboration plays in creating a successful destination brand. Chris shares examples of communities where tourism organizations, economic development agencies, civic leaders, and other stakeholders have worked together to build a shared narrative that aligns how the destination is presented to visitors, investors, businesses, and residents alike.  He also notes that creating the narrative is only the beginning. The greater challenge is sustaining it through ongoing education, leadership, and cross-sector collaboration. As organizations evolve and leadership changes, maintaining alignment requires continual investment and commitment. Chris leaves listeners with a compelling perspective: destination marketing organizations should think more like economic development organizations, while economic development organizations should become stronger storytellers. By breaking down organizational silos and working toward shared goals, communities can strengthen their reputation, attract investment, and create lasting benefits for everyone.  Resources: Website: resonanceco.com Best Cities Reports: resonanceco.com/reports LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisfairresonance/

  8. Aug 19

    Creating Stronger Workplace Relationships Through the Ally Mindset, with Morag Barrett

    On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Morag Barrett, leadership expert, executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work and How to Show Up as One. Morag shares why meaningful workplace relationships are no longer a "nice to have" but a critical leadership skill in today's rapidly changing world. We explore how leaders can strengthen human connection, build trust, and create workplaces where people feel supported, challenged, and empowered to do their best work. From navigating uncertainty to embracing vulnerability and accountability, Morag offers practical strategies that apply not only to leadership but to every relationship we build throughout our lives. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why the human side of leadership often determines long-term organizational success  How uncertainty, rapid change, and remote work have reshaped workplace relationships  What it means to adopt an ally mindset and why everyone needs a friend at work  How the five Ally Mindset practices strengthen trust, collaboration, and accountability  Why meaningful conversations begin by checking in on people before focusing on the work  How leaders can create environments where candor, healthy debate, and new ideas flourish  Practical ways to strengthen relationships through small, intentional actions every day  Why Human Connection Matters More Than Ever Throughout her career, Morag Barrett has observed that successful organizations aren't defined solely by strategy, systems, or technology. Instead, their greatest advantage comes from how people relate to one another. While technical expertise remains essential, lasting success depends on trust, communication, and the quality of workplace relationships.  As organizations continue navigating constant change, hybrid work, artificial intelligence, and ongoing uncertainty, many employees are feeling increasingly disconnected. Morag explains that while conversations around leadership and emotional intelligence have grown, the challenge remains helping leaders invest the time required to strengthen relationships. Rather than treating connection as a soft skill, she encourages leaders to recognize it as a business imperative that directly influences engagement, collaboration, and performance.  Becoming an Ally at Work Morag shares the inspiration behind her book, You, Me, We, which reframes Gallup's familiar question, "Do I have a best friend at work?" into a more powerful leadership challenge: "Am I a friend at work?" This shift encourages individuals to focus less on what they receive from others and more on how they intentionally support those around them.  The conversation explores the five practices of the Ally Mindset: abundance and generosity, connection and compassion, courage and vulnerability, candor and debate, and action and accountability. Together, these practices create a framework for building healthier relationships, encouraging honest conversations, and fostering workplaces where people feel seen, valued, and supported. Rather than relying on grand gestures, Morag demonstrates how consistent everyday behaviors create lasting trust across teams and organizations.  Small Actions That Create Lasting Impact One of the most practical takeaways from this conversation is Morag's reminder that meaningful relationships are built through small, intentional moments. Whether asking a teammate, "What's your number today?" to better understand how they're showing up, expressing appreciation to someone who has positively influenced your career, or simply making time to truly listen, these simple actions create powerful ripple effects.  Morag also challenges leaders to reflect on how they are remembered by those they work alongside. The question isn't simply whether you have supportive colleagues, but whether others would eagerly choose to work with you again. By focusing on intentional connection, personal accountability, and genuine care for others, leaders can strengthen their teams while creating cultures where both people and organizations thrive.  Resources: Website: SkyeTeam.com Ally Mindset Self-Assessment: SkyeTeam.cloud/youmewe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moragbarrett/

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About

Destination On The Left is a travel and tourism industry podcast hosted by Travel Alliance Partnership. Each episode explores successful collaborations, creative marketing ideas and best practices for both consumer and travel trade marketing programs. Interviews are a mix of Destination Marketers, Industry Leaders, Consultants and businesses in the industry.

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