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In this episode of Humans of Travel, Ken Shapiro, group vice president and editorial director for Northstar Travel Group (the parent company of TravelAge West), speaks with Stephanie Brooks, vice president of product and operations for the Globus family of brands.
Brooks’ passion for travel stems from seeing the power of shared experiences and personal connections, and she shares her own journey from aspiring teacher to tourism executive, shaped by summers spent working at a remote fishing lodge in Canada and an early role at the Banff Visitor Center. She also reflects on her two decades with Globus, including roles in product development, operations and supplier contracting.
Listeners will also hear Brooks’ insights into the misconceptions around escorted touring, as she highlights its modern-day flexibility, comfort and value. She also shares memorable travel experiences in Kenya, Vietnam and Newfoundland, and talks about an exciting new Globus offering in South Africa.
This episode is sponsored by The Globus Family of Brands.
Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso
Credit: 2025 TravelAge WestIn the Episode
00:53 Meet Stephanie Brooks
01:35 Stephanie's Early Career and Influences
01:53 Transition to the Globus Family of Brands
08:59 Insights into Product Development and Operations
14:19 Challenges and Rewards in the Travel Industry
17:26 The Value of Escorted Touring
17:44 Stephanie's Favorite Destinations
25:57 Future Travel Plans and Final Thoughts
Resources Mentioned
Globus family of brands and www.globusjourneys.com
About Your Host
Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly.
TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
About the Show
TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.
