Ep. 23: Where do we go from here, with Joey Hamilton.
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Joey Hamilton is joining me today to talk about leadership in tourism.
Let me share a little backstory. This spring, I put together a rough draft about how hotels might begin to address systemic racism and not perpetuate it. It was focused on marketing because that’s my realm, and as Joey pointed out, that was the first problem. Second, this isn’t something I can dream up, or draft up on my own, no matter how sympathetic I am to the conversation. I realize that a big part of allyship is passing the mic. That’s why Joey Hamilton’s joining me today.
Joey shared many insights on our initial call, and he urged me to think of the ideas I’d been stewing on, in a continuum.
Joey is a consultant who focuses on brand strategy. He is the former CMO of Central Oregon Visitors Association, where he led all of the marketing programs and co-wrote the state funded Regional Co-operative Tourism Program plan. He managed major partnerships with NBC, Alaska Airlines, and the San Francisco Giants. His experience in the agency world includes representing brands like Budweiser, McDonald’s, Scotia Bank, and Standard Pacific Homes. He’s also on the University of Oregon Executive MBA Programs DEI Committee.
Joey is an incredible travel photographer, a consummate adventurer, and a dad to two sweet little adventurers, too. He also founded Masons of Love, and you’ll hear more about that in my conversation with Joey.
On today’s episode, Joey’s going to lead us through some of the ways that the tourism industry can take steps forward, including how they lead their associates and how they position themselves to visitors.
On episode 23, you'll learn:
Where to begin with social issues
What Nike and the NFL are getting right
Why saying nothing is sending a message
How to create a campaign that's inclusive and on brand
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We’ll pick up on marketing messaging next week. To wrap up the conversation today, I have a few takeaways:
1. As individuals and especially as leaders, we must speak up and be vocal for people who aren’t in the room. They may be just outside the door, they may be our employees, or they may be total strangers. Regardless, we need to speak up for the voices who are not in the room. You know, we may even get it wrong so that we can start to get it right.
2. Hold ourselves accountable. Be keenly aware. I had that moment today. You know, when Joey shared the idea of building an outdoor camp and bringing it to Black communities? I loved it, but I jumped to the conclusion that it was for underprivileged communities. Joey explained that actually it’s for any Black person because the marketing we do in a place like Bend hasn’t included them, and might actually be targeted in a way that excludes them. Our work is to include.
3. The tourism industry has a huge role to play when it comes to social issues. We need to speak up, say something, wear it on our sleeves that everyone is welcome here, because not saying something is actually sending an even stronger message. Not saying something is showing the world that you don’t think this social issue affects you, that you don’t think this social issue affects your guests, or the market you’re targeting. If it truly doesn’t dig deeper, ask yourself “why?” Think of it this way, if you don’t speak up, who is going to walk through your door, and who isn’t? If you do speak up, who’s going to walk through your door, and why?
Okay, I’m giving you seven days to think all of this through. Maybe you’ll use this episode as the push you need to speak up. Maybe you’ll be the voice for your employees who aren’t in the room. Maybe you’ll make a statement.
I’d love to hear the action you’re taking, drop a comment below, or pop over to Instagram and find @howtosharepodcast to join the conversation there.
Next week, my conversation with Joey Hamilton continues. And that initial document I set up, about how hotels can be more inclusive? Joey’s going to break it all down with me.
Until then, keep sharing your stories, and please, be a voice for the person that’s not in the room.
