470. From Total Eclipse to Community Impact, with Debra Ross
Release Date: 04/01/2026
470. From Total Eclipse to Community Impact, with Debra Ross
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Debra Ross, author, community engagement advocate, and entrepreneur. We talk about her recent book, The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities, and how it was inspired by planning for the 2024 total solar eclipse. Drawing from her experience planning for the 2024 total solar eclipse and spearheading community engagement initiatives. Debra also shares her practical strategies for turning extraordinary events into lasting networks. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Debra transitioned from a...
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469. Empathy and Self-Awareness in Difficult Conversations, with Dayne Whitehurst
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with communication and leadership specialist Dayne Whitehurst, and author of “Empathy Impact: The Wild Effects of Kindness in Action”. She explains why communication is central to building collaborations, developing relationships, and driving sales. Dayne also explains how personal triggers can get in the way of our communications and provides strategies for identifying and pushing past those triggers. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Dayne became an expert in communication and de-escalation How recognizing and addressing...
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468. Get Going, Get Smart, and Get Good with Content, with Joshua Harrell
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, Joshua Harrell, Chief Revenue Officer at WorldVia, joins me to discuss the evolution of travel advisors in the United States in a post-pandemic world. Joshua shares his insights on how content creation can help travel advisors build their businesses, and he offers some fantastic practical tips for sharing great content with your audience. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Joshua transitioned from a background in marketing and entrepreneurship into the travel advisor industry How the travel advisor profession has evolved to provide...
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467. Can AI Improve Visitor Experience? with Dan Flores
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Dan Flores, Head of Tourism at Satisfi Labs, all about using AI in the travel industry. We discuss how conversational artificial intelligence can help drive revenue and operational efficiency, and Dan offers real examples of where this AI is being deployed and how it has had real impacts. We also talk about adoption rates of AI within the tourism industry, and Dan shares a framework for approaching this new technology in your organization. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Dan Flores transitioned from a long career in tourism...
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466. Indigenous Tourism and Community Impact at Métis Crossing, with Juanita Marois
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, Juanita Marois, CEO of Métis Crossing, shares her personal experience in developing a tourism destination tied to her roots as a Métis Indigenous person from Canada. She shares in detail how the destination engages visitors by sharing what makes them special, including the experiences Métis Crossing offers—from paddling down the North Saskatchewan River in voyageur canoes to wandering historic buffalo habitats, indulging in Indigenous cuisine, and soon, relaxing at a uniquely Métis-inspired wellness spa. We also talk about collaboration and how...
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465. Collaboration Drives Success in Small Town Destination Marketing, with Clare Marie Ritter
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Clare Marie Ritter, Motorcoach Coordinator at the historic Penn Wells Hotel and Lodge in rural Pennsylvania. She shares her experience positioning a smaller, less well-known destination. We talk about the foundations of successful collaborations and why building a supportive network has been crucial to her success. Clare brings vivid examples of successful collaborations, from multi-state itineraries to connecting with neighboring museums, that prove even “off the beaten path” destinations can thrive with teamwork and creative...
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464. Insights from the American Bus Association’s Marketplace 2026 in Reno Part 2, with Nicole Mahoney
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with industry leaders from across the country at the American Bus Association’s Marketplace 2026 in Reno, Nevada, to uncover what’s next for destinations, attractions, and travelers. You’ll hear from Josef Kruger of US Ghost Adventures, Aisha Jones of Mystic Seaport Museum, Jana Carter from Visit Annapolis, Kay Calzolari of Visit Winston Salem, Meredith Dollevoet from Cartersville Museum City, Jim Vozzella with 360Chicago, and Debra Tassone from Discover Long Island. Together, they share fresh insights on how storytelling, immersive...
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463. Group Travel Trends for 2026: Voices from the ABA Marketplace in Reno Part 1, with Nicole Mahoney
Destination On The Left
This episode of Destination on the Left is a special roadshow edition recorded live at the American Bus Association’s Marketplace 2026 in Reno, Nevada. I’m joined by a fantastic group of industry leaders to hear first-hand how collaboration is playing a critical, mission-driven role in the future of group travel, moving beyond a “nice-to-have” and becoming essential for success. My guests discuss the economic impact of group travel and the importance of restoring cross-border connections between the U.S. and Canada, to creative regional itineraries, and share ideas for navigating the...
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462. How Tourism Fuels Economic Growth in Rural Livingston County, with Maureen Wheeler and Ashley Comeau
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Maureen Wheeler, Deputy Director of Livingston County Economic Development, and Tourism Director Ashley Comeau to discuss the strategic moves Maureen’s department made to bring tourism under the same roof as economic development. We talk about business retention and expansion, building robust small destinations, and why visitor spending is critical for rural areas. Ashley and Maureen also share more about the business plan contest designed to attract breweries, restaurants, and experiential businesses to the area, and how that...
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461. Using Tech to Create Exceptional Visitor Experiences, with Sondra Shannon
Destination On The Left
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Sondra Shannon, CEO of Gatemaster Tech. Sondra and I discuss the art and importance of creating exceptional visitor experiences and how technology can help attractions remove friction for guests, increase revenue, and stand out in a competitive landscape. She also shares why keeping guests informed leads to happier experiences and how, just by walking around their attraction, leaders can turn firsthand insights into an improved guest experience. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why removing friction from the guest journey is...
info_outlineOn this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Debra Ross, author, community engagement advocate, and entrepreneur. We talk about her recent book, The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities, and how it was inspired by planning for the 2024 total solar eclipse. Drawing from her experience planning for the 2024 total solar eclipse and spearheading community engagement initiatives. Debra also shares her practical strategies for turning extraordinary events into lasting networks.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- How Debra transitioned from a marketing technology background to becoming involved in the travel industry
- Why major catalysts have the power to bring communities together and create networks
- The principles Debra has identified for building strong communities
- How defining success up front and celebrating milestones can lead to lasting impact beyond a single event
- Why diversity in community groups is essential for effective network creation
- Strategies Debra recommends for building social capital through deliberate introductions and curiosity
- How ordinary people can step into leadership roles and inspire others within their communities
Leadership, Connection, and Diversity
Debra discusses why leadership in the context of connection is profoundly anti-authoritarian. Leaders aren’t dictating directions, they’re connecting people of varying backgrounds, interests, and skills, deliberately bridging gaps to foster collective action.
The magic happens when we bridge social capital intentionally by introducing people who might otherwise never meet. Debra calls her approach “painfully cheerful,” but stresses that making connections is hard work, leaders have to be persistent and positive, making it fun and inspiring for participants.
Redefining Success and Embracing Failure
We talk about redefining what success looks like in community efforts. It’s not always attendance numbers or flawless execution, sometimes, events like the eclipse don’t deliver perfect conditions—clouds marred Rochester’s 2024 eclipse, yet years of preparation created a network and impact that extended far beyond a single day. Success is in the invisible connections and the tendrils of connection that outlast any temporary event.
Disappointments, such as post-event letdown, logistical setbacks, or difficult challenges, also have value when viewed through the lens of community learning and resilience.
Creating Lasting Impact with Everyday Leadership
Anyone can be a community leader, you don’t need official authority or a title. What leadership means is being curious, seeking out others, and intentionally knitting networks that support your community, whether for a major event or to respond quickly to emergencies. Redefine leadership as connecting, celebrating successes (big and small), and embracing failure as a growth opportunity.
Tune your radar to notice moments of momentum, positive or negative, and by connecting diverse people around them, you help build something greater than the sum of its parts.
Resources:
- Website: https://www.kidsoutandabout.com/
- The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities by Debra Ross
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