Forttuna Global Excellence Awards Keynote Speech Reflection

Travel, Connection, and Responsibility

“Travel isn’t just a journey to new places—it’s a journey to understanding. In every corner of the world, there’s a story that connects us all, and it’s through these stories that we truly discover who we are.”

In December 2025, Ryan and I departed for Dubai, UAE, for an experience we never imagined possible. I had the distinct honor of speaking at the Forttuna Global Excellence Awards in Dubai, a prestigious event celebrating innovation, leadership, and excellence across varied industries. While it was an unforgettable moment to be recognized as Travel Content Creator of the Year and Travel Influencer of the Year, the most important part of the evening was sharing a message about the profound impact of travel, one that transcends borders, industries, and accolades.

But as remarkable as these awards are, the true essence of the evening was not in the trophies themselves, but in the message I had the privilege of sharing with the incredible community gathered there.

At Wanderers Compass, we believe that travel is far more than just a personal adventure or a chance to tick destinations off a list. It’s a force for connection, transformation, and healing, an opportunity to learn from the world and contribute meaningfully to it. The journey we are on isn’t just about exploring new places; it’s about understanding new perspectives, building bridges between cultures, and celebrating the shared humanity that unites us all.

As I stood on that stage in Dubai, I was reminded of why Ryan and I started Wanderers Compass: travel has the power to change lives, break down barriers, and foster a more profound sense of empathy and respect for one another. The night was not only about celebrating our personal achievements, but about reaffirming the core principles that guide us every day: the belief that travel can bring us closer to the people and places that matter most.

Below is my keynote speech, along with a YouTube video recording of the same presentation.

Keynote Speech

Good evening, everyone!

I am truly honored to be here tonight, receiving the awards for Travel Content Creator of the Year and Travel Influencer of the Year. Honestly, standing here still feels surreal. This recognition is not just a personal milestone; it’s a celebration of the incredible journeys we’ve all shared through Wanderers Compass, a platform born from a deep passion for travel and storytelling.

I want to begin by thanking Forttuna for this incredible honor, and for creating such an unforgettable evening here at this beautiful resort. Nights like these remind us that we are part of something bigger and a community bound by a shared love for excellence, connection, and growth.

My travel journey began long before I could hold a passport. It started with my immigrant parents, courageous souls who left behind their home, their family, and everything familiar to pursue a better life. Their bravery and hope have always inspired me. From them, I inherited not just my heritage but a profound appreciation for the world’s endless wonders.

They taught me early on that travel is not just about ticking boxes on a map or taking photos in exotic places. It’s about the connections we make along the way; the stories, the shared moments, the human bonds that transcend distance and difference.

In today’s world, a world that sometimes feels more divided than ever, travel stands as a powerful, unifying force. When we travel, we step beyond the invisible walls of politics, race, religion, and culture. We meet real people, face to face, and discover something essential: our shared humanity.

At our core, we all want similar things. We want to love and be loved, to see our families thrive, to find joy, and to live healthy, meaningful lives. Travel reveals these universal truths, even in the most unexpected places.

I want to share one memory that still touches my heart deeply; a trip to a small village in Morocco.

There, I was invited into the home of a local family for dinner. We didn’t speak the same language fluently, but that didn’t matter. The warmth of their hospitality was palpable; the fragrant mint tea, the colorful dishes laid out with care, and the laughter shared across the table.

In that simple evening, I felt something profound. It reminded me that no matter where we come from, beneath all our differences, we are bound by the same need to connect, to share, and to belong.

Food is one of the most universal languages we have. It opens doors to understanding and acceptance. Sharing a meal invites conversation, curiosity, and openness.

During that Moroccan dinner, I realized that food does more than nourish our bodies; it nourishes our relationships. It helps break down walls and build bridges between cultures, communities, and hearts.

Travel, at its best, is transformative. It changes the way we see the world and ourselves.

On another trip, I visited Easter Island. There, I was humbled by the strength of its people and the depth of their traditions, a culture that has endured despite many hardships.

Listening to their stories, I saw reflections of my hopes and dreams. It reminded me that although our backgrounds might differ, our desires for peace, progress, and joy are strikingly similar.

Travel teaches empathy and the ability to see the world through someone else’s eyes. It encourages us to question stereotypes, overcome prejudice, and open our hearts.

When we witness the beauty and diversity of cultures firsthand, we begin to cultivate respect and appreciation for one another. Sharing our travel stories allows us to become ambassadors of understanding, promoting peace and cooperation in a world that desperately needs it.

But travel comes with responsibility.

At Wanderers Compass, we live by one guiding principle: “You are a guest in their country; be a good and respectful one.”

This means seeking authentic experiences, honoring local customs, supporting community businesses, and protecting the environment. Responsible travel enriches both the traveler and the places they visit.

By choosing local accommodations, eating at family-run restaurants, and engaging thoughtfully with communities, we help ensure that tourism benefits everyone, preserving cultures and ecosystems for future generations.

Let me share a story close to my heart — that of my business partner, Ryan, who is here with us tonight.

Ryan is a disabled veteran who, like many, faced significant challenges after serving his country. For him, travel became a path to healing and rediscovery.

His first international trip was transformative. Immersed in new cultures, inspired by new sights and sounds, he found renewed purpose and strength.

Ryan’s journey of healing and growth inspired the birth of Wanderers Compass. It’s a testament to how travel can change lives — not just through adventure, but through connection, understanding, and transformation.

Each of us has the potential to embark on journeys that inspire and heal;  journeys that teach us, challenge us, and connect us.

So tonight, I urge you to see travel not as an escape, but as an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to empathize, and to make a positive impact.

As I draw to a close, I want to leave you with this thought:

Let us celebrate our differences and recognize that these differences are what make our world rich and beautiful. But let us also remember what unites us, our shared humanity.

Together, we can weave a tapestry of understanding, respect, and love; one that connects every corner of the globe. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey. To my family and friends, your unwavering love has been my anchor through every high and low. To my business partner, Ryan, thank you for dreaming big with me and building Wanderers Compass into what it is today. And to Forttuna, I am deeply grateful for this honor and for recognizing the power of stories that connect our world. 
Finally, to every traveler here tonight, may your next journey open your eyes wider, soften your heart, and inspire you to make the world a better place one step, one connection, one story at a time.

Thank you.

Video of the Speech

If you would like to watch the speech on YouTube, click the image below.

Beyond the Forttuna Global Excellence Awards

Receiving these awards was an unforgettable experience, one that still feels surreal. But as I stood there, surrounded by so many talented and successful individuals, I was reminded that these awards are just milestones on a much bigger journey.

The real prize isn’t in the recognition itself, but in the opportunity to continue sharing stories that matter. These stories help us all see the world through different lenses and connect in meaningful ways. At Wanderers Compass, our mission has always been to use travel as a tool for empathy, growth, and positive change.

It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of beautiful destinations and the thrill of adventure. Still, the real impact of travel comes when we use it to foster deeper understanding and respect for people and places beyond our own. Every journey, whether big or small, holds the potential to teach us something invaluable, whether that’s empathy for a different culture, the importance of sustainability, or the simple joy of human connection.

Ending with Purpose: The Responsibility of Travel

As we move forward, we’re committed not only to sharing the beauty of the world but also to highlighting our responsibility to protect and preserve it. Travel isn’t just about the places we go, but the ways we choose to engage with them. Whether it’s supporting local businesses, respecting traditions, or minimizing our environmental impact, the way we travel matters just as much as where we go.

This recognition is a reminder that we are part of something larger than ourselves, a global community united by curiosity, compassion, and a shared desire to make the world a better place. As we celebrate this moment, we look ahead to the journeys yet to come, journeys that will challenge us, inspire us, and push us to continue making a positive difference in the world.

To Ryan, the other half of the Wanderers Compass team, thank you for your inspiration to start this blog and for wanting to share your transformative travel journey with the world. Without your dreaming big, we would not have embarked on this journey. To Forttuna, thank you for this incredible honor and recognition. To everyone who has been part of this adventure with us, whether through your support, your stories, or your shared experiences, thank you. The road ahead is filled with endless possibilities, and we can’t wait to continue exploring, learning, and connecting with you all.

Here’s to the power of travel and the limitless potential it holds to change the world, one story at a time.

© 2026 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved

Images from Forttuna Gala held on Soul Beach, yes, in the sand, such a fun evening.

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It is essential to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is a European company. Not all properties appear on both, so it is best to check both. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.

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