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Note to listeners: We're currently on hiatus until Spring 2025, but we're replaying some of our favorite episodes each week until we return. And this week, we are releasing a new sponsored episode featuring our partners at Collette.
In this sponsored episode of Humans of Travel, host Ken Shapiro, Vice President and Editorial Director of TravelAge West, TravelPulse and TravelPulse Canada, interviews Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, CEO of tour operator Collette. Leibl-Cote, who is only the fourth CEO and first woman to hold the position in the company’s 107-year history, shares insights on what it’s like to lead an iconic travel company.
Listeners will get an inside look at Leibl-Cote’s inspiring career journey, from growing up in a travel-focused family to her current leadership role. She shares personal anecdotes, such as a recent family trip to Africa and what it’s like being a “sports mom,” along with a few reflections on her favorite travel destinations and moments.
The conversation also dives into Collette’s evolution as a leader in group touring, the company’s focus on the modern, culturally curious traveler and how it has become a talent incubator within the travel industry. Leibl-Cote provides valuable insights on upcoming travel trends, tips for travel advisors and what makes group travel special.
This episode is sponsored by Collette.
Credit: 2025 TravelAge WestResources Mentioned in This Episode
Collette
From TravelAge West: A Look Into Collette's 100 Years as a Successful Tour Operator (2018)
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.
