Danielle Finch

Founder & CEO

Equera

https://adventuretravelmarketing.com/guest/danielle-finch/

Mission-driven and people-centered leader with 10+ years of experience driving global initiatives in operations, product, and project management. Passionate about creating scalable solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities, combining strategic execution with empathy-led leadership. Proven track record of mobilizing teams, fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders, and delivering measurable social and organizational impact through innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth.

Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Danielle Finch, founder and CEO of Equera, a SaaS platform that promotes community-based tourism. Danielle shares her journey from a childhood influenced by international students to her first travels abroad, her education in business and sociology, and her corporate experiences at Michelin. She discusses the challenges of moving to Berlin during the pandemic, the importance of vulnerability in adapting to new cultures, and her insights on customer experience in the travel industry. Danielle's story is one of passion, purpose, and the desire to make the world feel smaller through meaningful connections. In this conversation, Danielle shares her journey of discovering her purpose through literature and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of community-based tourism and equity in the travel industry. She discusses her transition from a corporate job to entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a community-based tourism platform, and the complexities of volunteerism. Danielle highlights the need for professionalization in community-based tourism and the importance of mentorship and support in her entrepreneurial journey.

Takeaways

• Equera is a SaaS platform for community-based tourism.
• Danielle's childhood experiences shaped her passion for travel.
• International students influenced Danielle's worldview.
• Her first trip abroad was to Kenya at age 22.
• Danielle studied business and sociology at Purdue University.
• She transitioned from corporate roles to focus on customer experience.
• Moving to Berlin during the pandemic was challenging but rewarding.
• Vulnerability is key when adapting to a new culture.
• Working at Michelin taught her about digital transformation.
• Danielle's current role focuses on enhancing customer experience in travel. Everyone has a purpose that needs to be uncovered.
• Using technology for social impact is crucial.
• Community-based tourism can empower local communities.
• Quitting a stable job can lead to fulfilling opportunities.
• Traveling can provide valuable insights into community needs.
• Professionalizing community-based tourism is essential for growth.
• Volunteerism should be approached with equality in mind.
• Building trust is key in community-based tourism.
• The tourism industry needs to focus on local ownership.
• Mentorship is invaluable for entrepreneurs.

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