S1E10: Season 1 Review
Listen to full episode :
In the final episode, we bring the curtain down on our successful debut season of Travel Trends. This time, podcast producer Zach Vanasse takes charge and interviews Dan Christian.
Their captivating conversation delves deep into the pivotal lessons and key takeaways from the previous nine episodes, as well as the noteworthy moments from Dan's intriguing lineup of interviewees. They explore the origins of the Travel Trends podcast, its connection to The Acceleration Team, and the inspiring experiences at the Collision Conference in Toronto. Moreover, they disclose a glimpse of the exciting interviews awaiting release in Season 2, which is set to premiere in early August 2023.
For those who have enjoyed and benefitted from the inaugural season, we encourage you to spread the joy by sharing your favorite episode with three others, and let them know that Season 2 is just around the corner.
A heartfelt appreciation goes out to all our esteemed guests, whose trust and participation have made this passion project a reality. To our avid listeners, we extend our sincere gratitude for your enthusiasm and engagement.
We look forward to embarking on the next exciting chapter of this remarkable journey together!
Zach: 0:25
Welcome to the Travel Trends podcast. No, I'm not Dan Christian. I'm Zach Linas, the founder and director at Dinosaur Trips and producer of the Travel Trends podcast. And today's very special guest on his very own podcast is Dan Christian, your normal host. But we're turning the tables today. And I'm actually going to get to ask Dan some questions about season one of the podcast, why we're doing this. And where we go from here. So welcome to your own podcast, Dan Christian.
Dan: 0:58
Hello, Zach, and hello, everyone. I would say thanks for joining, but it feels a bit strange since I'm not hosting. I this just so everyone knows who's listening to this or watching it, however you're getting this podcast, but it, this was not my idea. I'm just going to say that right from the beginning. This was Zach's idea. I'm, I'm good with it, I think we'll see how it goes, especially if there's going to be a quiz because I lost a bit of sleep about that last night, given how poorly he fared on his quiz and what his expectations would be to turn the tables on that, but in all sincerity, I appreciate making the time for this. I think it'd be great to have a conversation of where we've gotten to with season one.
Zach: 1:36
You are right though. It was, it was my idea to turn the tables and the original catalyst for why I wanted to turn the tables on you was for the trivia, but then we realized. You know what? We want people to get a quick sense of what the season was. This isn't your normal full episode. If you want my full episode, that's back to start the season. That's when we have our conversation. But this is just really to get a sense, to cap off what was a really exciting and I think successful season one for us of the Travel Trends Podcast. you know, we don't get a sense to turn the tables on you enough and kind of get a sense. You're, you're somebody who has, A real finger on the pulse in the industry. So I really want to get a sense from you of what trends from all the guests that came along really stood out and where you think travel is going and why we're doing this in the first place. So I guess that's that's a great place to start. And now now I could see on your face, you're relieved. And you're going to be much more comfortable with the rest of this conversation now that you've been, you've been saved from having to do the, the, the trivia. So yeah, well, I mean, here we are, we're, we've got a full season in the bag of the Travel Trends Podcast, but I think, you know, having had a season to reflect on it now it's time to, to ask you what is the Travel Trends Podcast? Why are we doing this? You know, why we put out a full season and give us the story of how this came to be.
Dan: 2:54
Well, in many ways you could really call it travel stories than travel trends. But the genesis of the idea was telling personal stories of people who work in the industry, especially given the journey that most of us have been on. And many of those journeys have been personal ones that have led to professional success. So the concept around it was to start off by having outstanding colleagues, we've worked with clients at the acceleration team and key people in the travel industry first to tell their story. And then it becomes much more clear how they apply that professionally and what they're doing every day. And I find that quite revealing and interesting. And so we've actually spent a lot more time talking about people's stories and then talking about what they're focusing on. And although we get into the travel trends on every episode, I think one of the things you would have seen, had you listened to a number of season one is that, and you'll, this will come up in season two, is that we talk about travel trends and all of our guests have something to say on that. But I think what stands out most for looking like from the concept itself and starting to look back was the stories of people that work in this wonderful industry that are drawn to it for a whole variety of reasons. And all of their stories are unique. And that part for me, I guess, has been the most exciting, the most compelling part of doing this and why I'm committed to continuing. Because it really, Zach, as you know, it really started as a passion project. I was having conversations with you and various colleagues. And what stood out to me was that there's a wider audience that would get a great deal of value and take interest in these stories. And that's exactly what we've seen. And that's really encouraging because it's very clear that. It's resonating and I hope that we have the opportunity to continue to do this for a while. And so so we'll, I guess we'll, we'll come to that in a bit, but that, that was really the genesis of this was that giving people a chance to have an authentic voice and really being true to themselves, which I think a lot of people have been forced to during the pandemic. And so looking internalizing and then figuring out how you're going to go back out in the world and make a difference. And, and those people who love travel. It's become even more of a reason to get back out and travel. And and it's really neat on these discussions too, to find out what people's superpowers are. It becomes clear when you're speaking to people. And that's why I love having these conversations that what has become a catalyst in their lives to chart them now on this trajectory. And that's why the conversations have, some people have said how come they're, they keep running longer. And we went from 30 minutes to 45 to like an hour and 13 minutes. And that's because of the conversations themselves really extended themselves. And that to me has also been a, a great joy of starting this
Zach: 5:47
That's actually why I demanded to come back was they all start to get to an hour and mine was 30 minutes So I was like, I'll add on another 30 at the end for myself No, that's I mean you and I we've known each other for a little while in the industry now both we're working in various roles of the travel corporation when we met but of course, I've now still got the opportunity to work with you through dinosaur trips and the Acceleration team and so I wondered if you might Shine a light on that if you could on what the connection is between acceleration team and travel trends You've got the two logos there right behind you and for those that are that are watching this on YouTube You know, how is acceleration team the company connected to this podcast?
Dan: 6:29
Sure. I mean, very on very early on after the pandemic, I created the acceleration team and the concept behind that was to bring really talented people together to work on brands and startups to help them scale. So that was our mission and focus. We're not an agency, not a consultancy. We're really much a true partner which we did with Dharma open screen. And then we've had the privilege to expand going into this year and working with a number of travel companies, including of course, Dinosaur trips Lansby. And as our model certainly focuses on travel many of the conversations that I was having, both with colleagues and with clients, it became clear. And I really do want to touch on your personal story, Zach, because that, that was actually one of the reasons that when I look at the acceleration team. And what we can do and working with you and bringing Jen and additional team members to bear, to help get a website established, to help online booking a functionality come to life and to assist in as many ways possible to help you scale that business and be successful. But what was interesting about that is that we can do so much on that front, but when it actually comes to telling your story. Which, part of the reason that it happened to be the first one, and we're bookending it now, is that your story is incredibly compelling. And I just have to say this because I think, you know, you said we've known each other for many years, and we have. And when you know someone from the office, we always enjoyed each other's company. We, we, we got along well, but I really didn't have a full appreciation of what was going on in your life. And I'm sure you didn't with me either. And I think that's not only a part of why we're doing this podcast, but it's also a part of acceleration team, as you know. So given the rather tragic circumstances that Zach found himself in which again, those of you who've listened to it, but. His wife sadly passed away. And so and one of the things that his wife really wanted Zach to be able to do was to go out on his own and to be able to create dinosaur trips. And that for me is enough to get involved. And and what has been so encouraging is that now you've filled two trips. And obviously we played a small role in that. It's your company, it's your business. But as we've been going on this journey together, you have been kindly. And not only has it opened up yourself to many people in the industry that wouldn't maybe have otherwise been familiar, but certainly you've got your PR expertise and you've been doing a great job of getting the word out there for dinosaur trips, but I guess it provides a unique avenue. So I'm still very committed to running acceleration team. We're continuing to scale that business, but at the same time, I see the opportunity to continue to pursue travel trends really on its own. So I really see this as That's much more of a, a passion project of mine. So of course, maybe we'll touch on acceleration team and clients we're working with, but that's not, this is, the Travel Trends is not a vehicle for acceleration team. It really is become, it was intended and is becoming something unto itself that I really hope is a way to give back to the industry that I have benefited so much from and continue to remain passionate about. And I know we touched on that in the first intro we recorded and we kind of left it out in the other ones, which I'm, I, I preferred because I don't want to keep repeating that, but just for those people that don't know me and now are coming to understand who I am and also who know who you are, that that really is the Genesis. So I appreciate you asking about the acceleration team and I appreciate all the clients that are engaging with us. And I'm really excited about various projects we have on the go, including some startup initiatives. But really. Travel trends will continue as an aside or in addition to the acceleration team.
Zach: 10:15
Hmm. I really I appreciate you saying that and yeah, I appreciate obviously the work that that we have been doing with acceleration team, but in the interest of Not making this sound like an ad for acceleration team. Cause I don't, I know that's not how this is positioned. You know this, you want, you wanna have conversations with people and that's, but I think that there is a, a through line through that, you know, for the same reason that you and I from a professional basis, you know, had a, had a great relationship, but obviously through my tragic circumstances that you know, that that's a relationship that's grown. But it became apparent to me, Even before then, that you're somebody who personal relationships are very important to, and having these conversations with people that you are inspired by in the industry, people that you want to work with in the industry. And so I think that's why, you know, to me, when this idea first came about and I said, yeah, I'd love to produce it. You know, I'm happy to come along for that was because I wanted to hear these conversations, these, I was excited to get into what your conversations are like when, when, when I don't, when I'm not there for them and the kind of wisdom and information that you, that you Pass on to your team and your and people like myself, I want to be in the room with those conversations So it's been exciting for me as a producer to actually just be a part of this and and get to sit by it as those Conversations take place. So let's get into that Right now, we ask each of the guests you're out there asking the guests on the podcast. What are they seeing for trends? So, from your kind of all encompassing view of getting to take in a full Season 1 of the Travel Trends Podcast, what stood out from you in all those conversations that you had?
Dan: 11:54
Well, what's interesting is that even thinking about our discussion today, because knowing that you were keen to have this conversation and, and and do this as a recording, I was giving some thought to season one and what were some of the commonalities from the conversations that we had. And I think the one thing that stood out to me. When I thought through each of the people that we spoke to, what their stories are we've spoken about yours, but if we continue to look across the various shows, you've got Jason from Lansby, who just happens to also be an Acceleration Team client. So there's really, there's only two in season one, but if you look at what Jason has done with his business, you know, he grew up in a family travel company. He went out on his own. Worked with various startups has had success in the startup world and the travel industry when he came back to his family business. What did he want to do? He wanted to create new startups within his family business. He wanted to go out and prove himself by starting Lansby and now Northern Soul, and both of those are taking, and that is clearly personally fulfilling for Jason. And there's a different connection there. That it's not a client relationship. And so not in the same sense that I've ever kind of seen it or understood it to be very much is a friendship, a partnership, it's a very different dynamic. And so the theme of, you know, we want to be able to work with people we admire with clients we love on projects that we're passionate about. And that is sort of the trifecta. But when I look at the commonality between our guests, you've got someone like Vanessa who moved from Sydney to Dubai and talked about positive life transformation and saying yes to everything. And so that's her personal journey. You've got Danny who started the culturist group and he's been incredibly successful in his career, but he wanted to go out on his own. And that clearly is a combination of personal fulfillment and finding a new professional reality. And so there's stories of transformation in everyone we've spoken to, including Kate. Who worked at Sherpa and now works at plus grade and did this life changing sabbatical. And so her life, and that was actually one of the things I really wanted to talk about for those of you who took a chance to listen to whatever you have. And I encourage you to do so because, you know, that's that personal and professional life and how intertwined they are and that she took that time out to be able to have that sabbatical and has come back to significant corporate success. And I just find it fascinating to tell. Those stories or have people share those stories with our listeners. And so that, I guess, just to stop there, Zach, is the commonality that I saw, that there's life transformation occurring and there's usually positive uplift that occurs with that, that tends to lend itself to being successful in a new venture or in a new career. And and you'll hear more of that for sure. And. In season two as well, you heard it with Fiona, there's another good example. I mean, he lives in Sydney. She transitioned into this amazing role with virtuoso, which completely aligns with the type of travel she loves. And, and so just hearing people on that, she didn't have a chance to go to university. She did her MBA. So that's all the backstory that I think you just don't get in an office environment or even like an interview process or a understanding. People's overall story and I find that far more compelling and interesting and when the stars align you can see the incredible Outcomes and results that the people have highlighted on the show. So that's for me has been It's validation that we're on to something and not only with The guests that we're having on but the feedback that we're starting to see from people who are watching the show as well Which I do want to just make sure I do encourage especially as we go into season two we love feedback and we appreciate the reviews and we would love for you to share for each of you listening and just share the show with three people, you know, if you post it on LinkedIn or you choose you to send someone email or just tell someone about the show that it can benefit. So I'm not expecting you just to share it for the sake of sharing, but if you take a moment to think about who might benefit from listening to some of the shows, I mean, Ian Michael, who was on one of our shows actually just spoke to him earlier today. And he's listened to all the episodes and he's always keen to tell me some of the interesting facts about the people that he's listened to and how connected they are. And, you know, Vanessa's story for him was hugely inspiring. And and so. I guess that's an example where, you know, he's encouraging and sharing and I just would love to see more of that as we go into season two, so that more of these stories get out there and more people are encouraged also to come on the show and to be able to share their stories because it's credit to the people that are, were willing to come on with little understanding of what the concept was, but that's the thing you mentioned. It's about relationships and it's about trust. And people. Yeah. We're willing and I, so I'm deeply appreciative of everyone that said yes in season one, and I couldn't be more thrilled about the number of people that have put their hands up to say, I'd love to be in season two, because as you know Zach, since before you recorded a few of those, we have some of the biggest players in the travel industry that have decided to be on the show and that have finished the show saying, You know, I think this is going to be a huge success. I can't wait to have been part of it at this early in the journey. And that is hugely encouraging.
Zach: 17:24
Are we ready to reveal who some of those guests might be? Or do we want to keep people waiting?
Dan: 17:28
No, I think you're the host today. So why don't you name the three biggest players in travel media that we've just finished interviewing in the last few days.
Zach: 17:37
Yeah. Okay. Fair. All right. I get to do, I get to do the big reveal. That's exciting for me. No, it's been really fun to be listening in on conversations coming to mind. Like Rafat Ali from, from Skift. Great conversation with him. Can't wait till people get to hear that. We've got Pete Como is on an episode as well. You know, and then there's, there's Bruce Rosart from Arrival as well are three that immediately, you know, jump out to me. And as somebody starting up, His own business in this industry. I found it really compelling to hear their stories. You know, you hear these names. I know of these people in the industry, but to get a chance to hear their stories and how they think it was, it was exciting. And I, I, I have found myself as producer and I I'm not blowing smoke just because I'm a producer on this podcast or anything like I've, I've taken a lot away from, from being on these, getting to listen in on these episodes and listening more than once, obviously as the producer. So maybe, maybe the messages really sink in for me. But yeah, season two is going to be, there's, there's a whole list of other, you know, CEOs and travel leaders from right across the spectrum who are going to be involved. Those are just three names as a teaser that, that we can throw out there. But but from season one onto what we've already gotten the bag for season two, I've, I've actually, I'll be honest with you, Dan, I've been surprised by how much I've taken away from it for myself as, as somebody starting The kind of tour operator that I'm starting because I kind of thought, you know, travel trends. Maybe this is for the CEOs of the big companies. This is for the, you know, all the people in the C suite. But what, how does it affect me? And I have not found that to be the case, you know, despite the fact that I'm, I'm running this kind of boutique tour operator that's in a very niche space. But it's been really relevant for me and obviously a thrill to actually get to sit in on these conversations. So, yeah, thanks. Thanks for letting me do the reveal, Dan.
Dan: 19:27
Of course, Zach, I appreciate you being such a key part of this. And you mentioned the three biggest media players with skiffed focus, right? And arrival. So Rafat and Pete and Bruce, each of those conversations last an hour or longer. And so when we think about where we started and for those of you who, you know, we've kind of listened to most of the episodes, you will hear the audio improves, for example, especially Zach's or the first episode. And so audio improves and how we approach the conversation and the flow of the conversation and even, even the quizzes, I think a number of elements. I think right when we got to about episodes four or five, clearly there was learnings for both of us. But once we sort of got midway through season one, I think we started to A groove and really kind of understand the format of the show. So when we started on season two, I think that's one thing that everyone can look forward to is that we really take it to another level, not only with the guests, but also the conversation. The one that we had with Gillette, of course, in season one talking about AI, I think was one of the most fascinating conversations. And it was the one I was willing to share with my mom and my father in law. And and they loved it. And Gilad was a great guest. And I think what you'll see now going into season two is that these conversations are just continuing to get elevated. So Rafat, an extraordinary figure in this travel industry and the fact he took time to speak to us, but what it's just as important, what he spoke about. He talked about his dad. And his dad passing and some of his personal struggles and really how those have led to his professional success. And that's where we started the conversation and we spend quite a bit of time there because to know. Rafat is to no skiffed. I mean, it's very clear the personal element of how he runs that business and the culture, you know, really comes from from him. And it's the same with both Pete and Bruce and Pete, interestingly was the longest and it was like an hour and 17 minutes and Bruce, you'll remember this because we started recording with Bruce and Bruce was like, how much time do we got? We got like 30 minutes. So we're going to get this wrapped up and, and he went over an hour and next thing, you know, the time just, and he was he was missing his next call and he was. Quite emphatic about how much you enjoyed it. And I, I hope that that's what our guests take away. And I really hope that's what comes across to the audience that are listening to this. And that's why I'm very encouraged where we find ourselves and where we're headed with this, that we're going to continue to have terrific conversations with people that are making a difference, that people are shaping the future of the travel industry. And then my commitment in that regard is to be able to tell stories. From all sides of the business. And it's not only about CEOs and leaders of travel companies. Many of the guests you're going to see in season two, one other one dimension is Natasha Lawrence, who is an incredible rising star at Contiki. And it was one of the things you took away. I remember you saying this at the episode, one of the things that she talks about. Is we, we, we both talk about we touch on the, the history. It was actually came up, I guess, in the quiz questions that the founder of Contiki, his book was called two seats left. And the whole premise of the business was that's the Genesis story of that brand of that business is that he was putting up a post it note on bulletin boards in hostels in the early sixties. Before he'd actually sold any trips, telling people there were only two seats left because scarcity and the idea that people were going to miss out and that there was these two opportunities to jump on a bus and travel around Europe at the time. It's what he built a business on, and that was something that Zach was like, I had no idea that that was the Genesis story. But it's really comes out from those conversations. So it's the people that remain. Inspired by those origin stories and, and and tour radar, we had Christian on as well tour radars business model. Now they display number of seats left. And so here we are, what, 60 years later. Abiding by the same consumer behavior patterns and so it's that that's where hopefully not only have you benefited from it, but I, I look forward to hearing from more people within the industry who have made connections or have made realizations, partnerships, or been able to apply what they've heard, I guess, most importantly, that we're getting. Valuable recommendations and advice to people who are making, and then we'll see what that community goes, I guess, stack from there. But that's, that's certainly my hope for people listening to this is they're getting actionable tips and advice that they can take away and it's wonderful thing to be inspired, but it's something else to be able to take that and action it, which I think is, you know, as, as just as important, really.
Zach: 24:17
and you mentioned AI in there, you know, amongst the trends. And I think when we, when the show started, we knew that that was going to be a topic of conversation throughout this first season. But were there any trends that the guests brought in, I know there were for me any trends that the guests brought in that you found either extremely encouraging or just surprising? That you, that you were like, Oh, I, I hadn't considered that, you know, when we started to put the show notes together, or even when we started to put the show together, that, that that might be something we discussed this season.
Dan: 24:47
Well, if we can just talk about AI for a brief moment, because I just want to tell a quick story there that I think will be connects through right up until today, because I just came back from day two of the collision conference in Toronto. And the final speaker was a guy named Jeffrey Hinton. Some people may know that name right away, but if you've likely heard of him as the godfather of AI, you've likely seen him in the news in the last couple of months that he left his post at Google to warn people about the existential threat of AI. And so when I was preparing for the episode with Gilad, I was I'd been watching a number of interviews with him and hopefully everyone enjoys that conversation that we had, but I was trying to do research and make sure that I was. You know, well briefed for that conversation because that's actually Gilad's expertise and his background. His dad was an AI scientist and so when I prepare for these shows, I often go for walks. I think that's probably something that many of us do when you, you want to get thinking time. I will go and listen to a previous show and think about how I could improve it or give Zach some feedback for some of the edits or production. But really. I'm trying to make sure that I prepare for the next episode, the questions I'm going to ask. I went out for this long walk and I live in midtown Toronto. And this was about a month ago, I guess now. And I was walking near the university of Toronto. And I was 10 feet away from a gentleman coming towards me. And I instantly recognized that it was Geoffrey Hinton. And I couldn't believe this moment was happening because I instantly recognize him. He looked at me, he doesn't know me. But I smiled at him so widely, he smiled back and I wasn't sure what to say. And so I just said, lovely to see you. I don't know why that just, that's just lovely to see you because, and he, he continued to smile and walked past. And all I could think was, I just, how do I capture this moment? How do I savor this moment? So the first thing I did was I took a picture of the street sign and we can post this. So there's no. We can validate this. I took a picture of the intersection I was at, cause I was like, I want to remember this moment. And then of course, the thought went through my mind, like I should really get a picture of him. And that's not me. That's not my style. I'm not I guess I'm not, I'm not big on ego. And I'm certainly not like, but it crossed my mind. Of course, I was just like, Oh maybe I should get a picture of the two of us together. Just more for proof than it was that I actually saw him. And obviously I'm not going to do that. And so I don't have the heart to do that and the stomach to, to make that request. And so I watched him walk away and I took a picture of him walking away. And that one, I think we composed because he's walking with his backpack and he's walking with a bag of groceries. And I thought to myself, what a remarkable person and what he's accomplished in his life and what the stage he's now on. And just like anyone else, he's just walking home with a bag of groceries. And it was more of a reminder that we're all just people. We're all human. We're all suffering with our own challenges and professional and personal, and it really humanized him for me. And so today, literally today, as I was racing back to make sure we were able to record the show together, he was the last headliner at day two of the collision conference. And. There's 5, 000 people go to the collision conference, and I swear it felt like there was 10, 000 people in that room because no other session was as jam packed. It was literally, they have one, they have six different stages, the one main stage, the room was completely overwhelmed. People were piled in and I'm gonna, I'll share some video of this, but it was incredible to see. The impact that he's had in his career on AI and the platform he now holds. And it just so happened that on a day that I was just working on the podcast and going out for some fresh air and thinking it through. That's it was like my moonlight Graham. I'm a huge field of dreams fan. So I think Zach you'll appreciate that. And Kevin Costner goes walking at nighttime and runs into the guy that never really got a chance to play in the bigs and get up to bat. And it was my moonlight Graham moment seeing Jeffrey Hinton walking around the campus of university of Toronto. And so anyway, I just I thought it was poignant and inspiring and relevant to what we've talked about, but but that hopefully gives everyone a sense of. One aspect of this podcast and I guess what we put into it.
Zach: 29:11
No, for sure. I mean, that's... Like, were there any takeaways, I mean, from, from the talk that you can, that you can leave people with here?
Dan: 29:18
Well, he gave six warning signs that the world
Zach: 29:21
Okay, great.
Dan: 29:22
Could come to an end by virtue of AI. And one of them is soldier robots. And I think that terrified everyone in the room, the idea that governments are going to be working on robots that will. Clearly replace humans, but also limit the cost of going to war. So it's the concern being is that the reason the nations typically don't invade other nations at the moment is the fear of loss of human life. And when that's removed, what does that mean? And so he's raising a number of important questions that we certainly need to think about as these tools become that much more powerful. But of course it's active, bring it back to, to travel. What was interesting is that there was a small group of people in 2012 that belonged to his lab at the University of Toronto and Google bought his company and he moved. So this, this essentially this U of T AI lab was rated for talent and all of that top talent, both him as a professor and other professors and their students went into big tech companies. And that was 10 years ago. And now we're seeing the results in 2023. We're seeing the direct results on a consumer level. That is really, it's obviously completely unprecedented. So here we are at the conference. Expedia is there, booking. com is there. What is booking. com announced yesterday? The day before Jeffrey Hinton spoke, they announced their partnership with chat GPT. And their new travel planning tools, Expedia's launched the same. And so it's, it's fascinating to see how many industries and ours in particular are being upended by AI and getting back to what does it mean for all of us, because it's clearly going to be a continued topic for season two. Rafat from Skift has introduced a his own chat GPT feature on the Skift website, which I use to prompt some questions for him for the interview. Pete Como from Focusrite has a chat GPT. If you go to the Focusrite website, there's literally a navigation item that is chat GPT. It's not called AI, it's called chat GPT and they're trying to do more focus on that. And so I think there's no question that that's, there's going to be huge interest in AI going to season two and the travel, like many industries is going to be. Changed substantially by the introduction of this technology and these tools. And I, for one, am genuinely excited about it. I'm genuinely excited about all the positive aspects that AI are going to have. Of course, there are risks, but I'm definitely encouraged by what I'm seeing and, and the opportunities that are there. That will provide great benefits with AI.
Zach: 32:01
I do, I do have to say, like, and, and you know this, we, we talked about AI and, you know, between you and I off, off mic, but also on mic, I did on my episode a little bit, and I said, of course, I, I come with some skepticism and, and You know, AI robots are not skepticism, but fear is a better word of AI robots being one of those reasons that I, that I come with fear. But as somebody who's running their own business, and I think I said this in episode one, it's been extremely useful for, for myself and my extremely small self team. But also through the season, I learned, you know, in various conversations, I picked up on some things that I think I hadn't considered in some ways that, you know, as, as a very small business owner I could use it to my advantage. You know, it wasn't just something to, to kind of let the big companies with a lot of tech experience figure it out. There was actually maybe on some level more benefits to somebody in my situation. So I do think, you know, from, I got a really strong education on the AI front of the course of the year early because the season, I should say. So that was, that was a surprise for me actually is, I think I obviously have my fears. As I think everybody does, and maybe especially the people who are, who are kind of championing this cause at the same time. But yeah, I, it was an education and a bit of a journey for me in terms of what I thought, what I thought I, my relationship with it could be.
Dan: 33:26
Well, I'll just look on season one. You had someone like Gilad speaking in Montreal at the virtual conference, Fiona, who doesn't know Gilad, but saw him present. So when I spoke to you, she's like, Oh, do you know Gilad? I was like, yeah, it's actually, he's a friend, but he's also going to be on the podcast. She's like, I loved his presentation. And he totally changed my view about AI made me realize I shouldn't fear it. And it really could be. A co pilot for some of my marketing activity. Like she had a completely different outlook on it after his talk. So hopefully that gives some people a sense of the conversations that we're having and where we want to head to with this. So that's where, you know, I had a chance to see the CEO of Jasper speak today, and those people have listened to me talk, I, I'm now leveraging that tool and so is the rest of the acceleration team, because it's so powerful for marketing and writing copy. And and he was presenting today. And I think that's where almost every application we can see, whether it becomes when we talk about digital marketing, email sends, email platforms. Every company is rushing to build in generative AI tools into their platform. And it's clear why, because there's so much benefit to be realized from that. And it definitely will continue to be. A big topic and a theme for us because it's going to, it's all happening so quickly. There are so many fresh examples and it's going to just provide so much benefit at the Shopify today was talking about the the introduction of AI for all their commerce partners and just the value it provides to someone that is a small operator like yourself that has, that doesn't have an SEO team that doesn't actually have a social media and content generation team that they can leverage these tools to be able to compete. And so there's no shortage of examples. And I'm, yeah, so I'm really keen to highlight. Where we're headed here, because there are so many exciting opportunities for all sizes of business, small organizations, medium sized companies and, and large companies as well. Everyone's struggling with how best to capitalize, utilize, benefit from this new technology. So I, I, I think it certainly will be a theme with acceleration team and a lot of clients we're working with, and then it's going to become more and more of a theme. But I think the. Taking the fear out of it and trying to help people understand what the benefit is, the utility out of it has to be the, the focus. Of course,
Zach: 35:51
No, for sure. And you know, I think that's obviously something that's going to get explored massively in season two of the podcast. I mean, just because of how much is going to change between when these episodes come are all out and what happens over the course of the next few months. I mean, that's something that came up time and time again in the conversations that we had was how young this all is and how little we actually do understand. So that's going to be something that's really fun, I think, to track for myself and listeners in season two. I wouldn't be a producer worth my, worth my muster if I didn't keep us on time. So Dan, I appreciate you, you know, having the time for us on Travel Trends here today. But with that note, we will close out season one. Is there any final note that you wanted to leave people with before, before we call it and get ready for season two?
Dan: 36:38
Thank you, Zach. Obviously, first thanks to you for all the time and effort you've put into making season one a success and what it is and being up for the next round and recording season two. But obviously I want to make sure that everyone who's listening to this knows how much I appreciate you taking the time to listen to these and so thank you everyone that's taken a time to listen to the shows and please. As we ramp up for season two if you can help him create more awareness for travel trends, that would be terrific.
Zach: 37:09
Alright, thanks for being here, Dan. We'll see you in Season 2.
Dan: 37:12
Safe travels. Enjoy Alberta.
Zach: 37:14
Thanks.
