The Return of the Tourism Hub Podcast with Despina Karatzias
In the return of the Tourism Hub Podcast, host Despina Karatzias makes a triumphant return to the mic after a long hiatus. As we approach 2024, Despina reflects on her journey, the challenges she faced, and the passion that keeps her connected to the tourism industry. This episode is a heartfelt and inspiring exploration of what it means to reignite one’s passion and commitment to their work.
Despina begins by acknowledging the long break since her last episode with Lauren Barth. She shares her internal struggle and the crossroads she faced, questioning whether to continue her podcasting journey. However, the positive feedback and the number of listeners who enjoyed the podcast stories gave her the enthusiasm to keep going. Despina’s candid admission of trepidation and procrastination resonates with many of us who have faced similar doubts in our professional lives.
One of the key themes of this episode is the importance of keeping promises to oneself. Despina emphasises that passion projects, like her podcast, are not deliverables expected by clients or loved ones. Instead, they are commitments we make to ourselves, and fulfilling them is a testament to our dedication and integrity. Her journey back to podcasting is a testament to the power of self-motivation and the importance of staying true to one’s passions.
Throughout the episode, Despina shares her experiences in the tourism and hospitality industry. She talks about the incredible people she has met, the lessons she has learned, and the growth she has experienced. From attending indigenous tourism conferences to understanding the political landscape of the industry, Despina’s journey is marked by continuous learning and adaptation. Her story is a powerful reminder of the multi-layered facets of the tourism industry and the importance of cultural awareness and respectful curation of experiences.
Despina also delves into the challenges she faced in her business, particularly the disruption caused by the pandemic. She shares her strategies for overcoming self-doubt and procrastination, emphasising the importance of consistency and building confidence through action. Her advice to “choose yourself and ship the work,” inspired by marketing guru Seth Godin, is a call to action for all entrepreneurs and experience makers.
In addition to her professional journey, Despina shares personal insights into her life, including her decision to live a sober, plant-based lifestyle and her newfound love for running. These personal habits contribute to her success and well-being, reinforcing the idea that self-care and personal growth are integral to professional success.
As Despina prepares to bring more inspiring conversations to her listeners, she leaves us with a powerful quote from Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This sentiment captures the essence of Despina’s mission – to inspire, motivate, and elevate others in the tourism industry.
Tune in to the latest episode of the Tourism Hub Podcast to hear Despina Karatzias’s inspiring journey and gain valuable insights into the world of tourism and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting, this episode is sure to ignite your passion and drive for excellence.
References:
Institute of Excellence
https://www.instituteofexcellence.com
Seth Godin
https://www.sethgodin.com
E-Myth by Michael Gerber
https://www.amazon.com.au/E-Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280
Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
https://www.amazon.com.au/Everybody-Writes-Your-Go-Create/dp/1118905555
Good to Great by Jim Collins
https://www.amazon.com.au/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996
Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
https://www.amazon.com.au/Habits-Highly-Effective-People/dp/1982137274
Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy
https://www.amazon.com.au/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X
