Gregory L. DeShields is a nationally recognized tourism executive, certified hospitality educator, consultant, and nonprofit leader whose career spans more than three decades. His work has centered on inclusive workforce development, destination growth, and building strategic partnerships that link the tourism, hospitality, education, and nonprofit worlds.
As Founder and Principal of Greg DeShields Consulting LLC (GDC), Greg advises organizations on workforce development, tourism education, destination engagement, organizational leadership, and industry partnerships. Under the GDC banner, he designs forward-thinking solutions that unite education, industry, and community impact—helping clients build talent pipelines and pursue sustainable growth.
GDC’s roster of clients and collaborators includes the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) and the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University. Working alongside these partners, Greg has built curriculum, guided workforce development initiatives, and launched industry engagement programs that prepare the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders. His approach bridges the gap between academia and industry, bringing students, educators, and professionals together through experiential learning, mentorship, and career development.
Greg currently leads Skål Philadelphia as President, steering one of the region’s premier global tourism organizations and cultivating collaboration among leaders across tourism, hospitality, destinations, and business. Now in his second presidential term, his priorities have included growing membership, developing leaders, advancing sustainability, deepening industry engagement, and elevating Philadelphia’s standing within the worldwide Skål network.
On the global stage, Greg sits on the Skål International Tourism Sustainability Committee, where he supports efforts to promote responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, and sustainable destination practices throughout the international travel industry. He is also actively involved in Young Skål and Project Future—Skål International’s flagship programs connecting hospitality students and emerging professionals with established industry leaders through mentorship, education, and career development.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My Typical Day: A Disciplined Approach to Productivity – I believe productive days don’t happen by accident; they begin with planning and end with reflection.
1. Start with a Plan – I review the action plan I created the previous day. This helps me establish priorities, identify the most important tasks, and focus on activities with the greatest impact.
2. Manage Communications – I respond to important messages, follow up on requests, and ensure colleagues, clients, and partners receive timely updates.
3. Advance Strategic Projects – I review progress, monitor deadlines, remove obstacles, and adjust priorities to keep each initiative moving toward completion.
4. Build New Business Opportunities – I spend time each day on business development. Identifying new opportunities, cultivating partnerships, researching potential clients, and exploring ways to expand my consulting practice and initiatives.
5. Invest in Professional Relationships – I connect with business leaders, industry colleagues, and community partners to exchange ideas, stay informed about trends, and find opportunities for collaboration.
6. Review Financial Performance – I review financial reports and organizational performance. Understanding cash flow, monitoring budgets, and tracking financial commitments.
7. Reflect and Prepare for Tomorrow – I end each day by reflecting on accomplishments, documenting follow-ups, and creating the next day’s priority list.
For me, productivity isn’t about how busy I am; it’s about intentional progress.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Every successful initiative starts with a concept. Often, it is simply a high-level vision that serves as the foundation for a meaningful program, event, or strategic effort.
The most effective ideas rarely develop in isolation. My role is to envision possibilities and engage the right people to shape them. I seek out individuals whose expertise and perspectives complement my own. They often bring knowledge I lack, ask insightful questions, and challenge assumptions to strengthen the outcome.
My process is collaborative and iterative. I start by conceptualizing the opportunity, then refining it through research, strategic planning, and dialogue with stakeholders, partners, and team members. These conversations turn initial ideas into practical, sustainable, and impactful outcomes.
Ultimately, bringing ideas to life means moving from vision to action by combining creativity with collaboration, strategy with execution, and inspiration with measurable results.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that truly excites me is the continued evolution of artificial intelligence. I’m particularly interested in how AI will become more deeply integrated into business and society.
As this technology advances, I believe it’s important that we build both our knowledge and practical understanding of how to use it effectively. AI is a powerful tool, and I’m excited to explore creative ways it can enhance our work, improve efficiency, and ultimately enrich the way we live and work.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that consistently helps me stay productive is making a list. I also rely heavily on taking notes. Together, these practices allow me to organize my priorities, capture ideas as they develop, and maintain a clear train of thought. Having a written record gives me a reliable point of reference, helping me stay focused, follow through on commitments, and build on ideas without losing momentum. For me, productivity begins with organization, and lists and notes are the foundation of that process.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to have full confidence in my abilities. Do not wait for others to recognize your potential or offer opportunities. Instead, create your own path, seek out new possibilities, and have the courage to pursue them.
I would also stress the importance of building a trusted network of mentors, colleagues, and friends who challenge, encourage, and provide honest feedback. A strong circle of advisors often recognizes your potential before you do and helps you navigate both success and adversity.
Finally, I would remind my younger self not to remain with an organization solely for comfort. Gaining experience across different organizations, cultures, leadership styles, and business models is invaluable. Each transition broadens your perspective, strengthens your leadership, and builds skills for your entire career.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
For decades, I have believed in the power and potential benefits of Reiki healing, though I recognize not everyone shares this view.
Reiki is a Japanese energy-healing practice where a practitioner gently places their hands on or above the body to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support balance and well-being. I was introduced to Reiki in the 1980s and have incorporated it into my wellness routine ever since.
I believe our energy, mindset, and inner balance influence our well-being. Reiki offers me a chance to slow down, reconnect, and focus intentionally on my health.
I also find value in allowing a compassionate, trained practitioner to support our healing and wellness through positive intention.
I understand Reiki may not resonate with everyone, and I do not see it as a replacement for conventional healthcare. For me, it is a complementary practice that has added meaning to my life.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Okay, I know this may sound a little vain or maybe just incredibly committed but the one thing I do religiously, and recommend everyone else do, is take care of your skin!
Think about it: the skin you have is the skin you’re taking with you for the entire journey. There are no trade-ins, upgrades, or extended warranties! How you care for it, protect it, and treat it today can make a tremendous difference as you get older.
I’ve been using a skincare product called Nadinola Fade Cream since 1981, and I honestly don’t think I’ve missed a day. At this point, it’s less of a skincare routine and more of a long-term relationship. We’ve been together longer than some marriages!
So, not to be vain but if you ask me for one piece of advice: moisturize, protect your skin, and start early. Your future face will thank you!
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I take a moment to count my blessings. I intentionally pause and reflect on all the things that are good in my life, the people, experiences, opportunities, and accomplishments that give my life meaning.
Taking the time to visualize those blessings helps me put things into perspective. It reminds me why I do what I do, what truly fuels me, and where I want to direct my energy moving forward. That reflection allows me to quiet some of the noise, regain clarity, and refocus on what really matters.
For me, gratitude is grounding. When I reconnect with the blessings in my life, the feeling of being overwhelmed begins to lessen, my mind becomes clearer, and I am better able to move forward with greater focus, purpose, and intention.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
The one strategy that has helped me grow my business and advance my career is agility the willingness to adapt, evolve, and embrace change.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that you cannot continue doing the same things in the same way and expect continued growth. Circumstances change, industries evolve, and opportunities emerge in unexpected places. You must be willing to adjust your thinking and sometimes even redefine your approach.
For me, the key has been simple: stay agile, remain open to change, and never be afraid to try a new approach. Growth begins when you are willing to evolve.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One of the most difficult and significant setbacks of my career occurred when I realized that an organization I had served with loyalty and commitment was unwilling to offer the same support during a challenging time.
This experience led to my separation from the organization, and it was undeniably painful. However, with time and reflection, I recognized that it taught me some of the most valuable lessons of my career.
I learned that loyalty must be mutual. I learned that trust should be earned and not simply assumed because of a title, a relationship, or years of service. Most importantly, I learned that no single organization or circumstance determines my professional worth.
This experience prompted me to reflect on my identity and abilities beyond the organization. I considered what I offer independently and what I can achieve when circumstances change unexpectedly.
The answer proved significant: I discovered I am far more resilient than I realized.
I cannot control whether others will show the same loyalty I offer. However, I can control my response, what I learn, and how I move forward.
I have moved forward with greater wisdom, confidence, and a clear understanding that my greatest strength lies not in any organization, but in the experience, character, and resilience I bring to every opportunity.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business principle I’m always willing to give away is simple: under-promise and over-deliver.
In business, trust is one of your most valuable assets. Be realistic about what you can accomplish, communicate expectations clearly, and then look for opportunities to deliver more value than anticipated. When you consistently exceed expectations—not through grand promises, but through exceptional execution you build credibility, strengthen relationships, and create clients and partners who want to work with you again.
Promise with integrity. Deliver with excellence.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One of the tools I rely on most for productivity is Google Workspace. As an entrepreneur, I appreciate having an integrated suite of tools that allow me to manage many different aspects of my business from one platform.
I use Google Docs for creating and collaborating on documents, Google Meet for virtual meetings, Google Drive for organizing and sharing information, and the broader suite to manage communication and scheduling. What I value most is the flexibility and interoperability it allows me to work effectively with clients, partners, and organizations that may use different business systems.
For an entrepreneur, being agile, organized, and able to collaborate easily is essential. Google Workspace gives me the flexibility to manage my business efficiently while staying connected and productive wherever I am.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?/
The best $100 I’ve spent recently was on my Asurion cell phone insurance. It’s an expense you may not think much about when paying, but when you need it, you quickly realize its value.
I’ve maintained device protection for many years, and it has paid for itself. I’ve replaced my phone twice, and both times the process through Asurion was quick, efficient, and easy. For about $100, that protection saved me from the greater expense and inconvenience of replacing a phone on my own.
My cell phone is an essential part of both my personal and professional life, so knowing that I have reliable protection provides tremendous peace of mind.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
My favorite book is Move Ahead with Possibility Thinking by Robert H. Schuller. Although it was published decades ago, its message remains remarkably relevant today. The book presents both a practical and spiritual challenge: to change your life, you must first be willing to change the way you think.
The book was recommended to me by an influential political leader who encouraged me not simply to read it once, but to return to it repeatedly. I took that advice seriously. For a period, it became my 6:00 a.m. read—a way to intentionally set my mindset and establish a positive, purposeful tone for the day ahead.
What I value most about the book is its emphasis on possibility. It challenges you to look beyond obstacles, limitations, and circumstances and instead focus on what can be achieved through faith, determination, creativity, and willingness to move forward. That philosophy has stayed with me throughout my personal and professional life.
For me, Move Ahead with Possibility Thinking is more than a favorite book; it is a reminder that how we choose to think can profoundly influence how we choose to live, lead, and respond to challenges.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
A recent series I thoroughly enjoyed was HBO’s The Man Will Burn, a four-part documentary exploring the evolution of Burning Man from a countercultural experiment into a global event attracting tens of thousands of people.
What fascinated me most was the leadership challenge behind that growth. The series provides an extraordinary look at how the organization balances its founding principles with financial sustainability, operational complexity, changing audiences, and the fiduciary responsibilities of its board.
Coming from the hospitality and tourism industry, I was particularly struck by the scale of producing Burning Man essentially creating and operating a temporary city while maintaining a strong sense of community and purpose.
For me, the documentary became much more than a story about an event. It was a compelling case study in leadership, organizational growth, financial stewardship, customer experience, and the challenge of preserving a vision as it becomes larger than its founders may ever have imagined.
Key learnings
- Promise only what you can stand behind. Deliver in a way that people will remember. – That is how credibility is earned.
- No single organization, circumstance, setback, or individual determines your professional worth.
- To change your life, you must first be willing to change the way you think.
- Inventory blessings in your life help quiet feelings of overwhelm, restore clarity, and empower you to move forward with greater focus, purpose, and intention.
- Sustainable growth is not simply about becoming larger, it is about becoming stronger, more disciplined, and more capable while remaining faithful to the vision that made growth possible.