16. How Absolutely Anyone Can Be a Servant Leader: Matthew Upchurch’s Guide to Human Connection

In this episode of Who Made You The Boss? host Lindsey Epperly sits down with travel industry titan Matthew Upchurch, the visionary who navigated the choppy waters of pandemic-era travel with poise and innovative thinking. We get an inside look at how Upchurch's early morning video messages offered a beacon of hope, and why leadership and a commitment to frameworks played a pivotal role during crises. Matthew focuses on the importance of human connection, embracing a beginner’s mindset to uplevel leadership, and, of course, the transformative power of travel.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• The strategies Matthew used to lead the travel and hospitality industry through its toughest times
• The importance of servant leadership and fostering trust in pursuing collective organizational goals
• Insights into Matthew’s personal journey towards combating impostor syndrome and uncertainty
• The role of human connection in travel and its impact on personal growth and overcoming the loneliness epidemic

ABOUT MATTHEW:

As CEO of the industry’s leading luxury travel network, Matthew Upchurch oversees the company’s marketing, sales, and operational systems with a focus on keeping the organization ahead of the pack and the trends. He was the first recipient of the Luxury Travel Expo’s “Leaders in Luxury” Award and was named among the 25 Most Influential Executives in the Travel Industry by Leisure Travel News. Travel Agent Magazine labeled him one of its 100 Rising Stars in 1997 and Person of the Year (Retailer) in 1998. He has served as chairman of the Institute of Certified Travel Agents, is a lifetime member of the American Society of Travel Agents, and is a member of the Corporate Advisory Council of Cunard Line, Ltd., the Advisory Board of Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts and Seabourn Cruise Line.

Connect with Matthew:

Virtuoso's Website

Virtuoso's Twitter

Virtuoso's Facebook

⁠Matthew's LinkedIn⁠

Resources from this episode:

• Simon Sinek’s START WITH WHY

• The interview with Stephen Bartlett that Matthew referenced when he was on British Airways

For more information and to connect with our host, Lindsey Epperly, visit www.lindseyepperly.com 

Looking to turn your Imposter Syndrome into Inspiration? Grab the workbook here!