I recently organized a reception to introduce prospective members to the DC-Chapter of the Women Presidents’ Organization. In addition to discussing the awesome organization and the power of peer advising, I wanted to provide some business value at the session. To that end, I invited Gloria Bohan, Founder and CEO of Omega World Travel, to an informal discussion about how innovation helped her grow the business she founded over 34 years ago into its current 800+ employees and over $1B in sales.
Gloria never really set off to start her own business. She became enamored with cruising on her honeymoon. They had been upgraded to a suite on the QE2 and had such a delightful time, Gloria caught the cruising bug. The next cruise she took, however, didn’t include an upgrade to a suite, but she couldn’t help but notice all the upgraded travel agents. She wanted what they had – access to travel opportunities. And that is how the idea for Omega World Travel was born. As she framed it, “Inspiration carries us where we didn’t even know we wanted to go”.
Over the 34+ years that Gloria operated and grew her company, innovation in all forms was at the core of the company’s success. Gloria credits their “gearshift” mentality – flexibility with ability to change directions – as crucial to survival and sustainable growth. They had to continually understand and tap into their clients’ evolving needs. She also saw huge benefits in making everyone in the company think entrepreneurial – a philosophy that we both share.
In fact, attitude is so important at Omega World Travel that Gloria wore a pin given to all employees that has the word “Attitude” on it as a reminder. She shared her belief that it is up to you to “decide how you’re going to meet challenges.” Indeed, the right attitude coupled with action can make all the difference!
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=0f850ffc-f6ee-4e6b-a2b8-5899e68c9c28)
Tags: Business, Entrepreneur, Travel
on 
on 
that is such a great post
Thanks for the post! I agre with all the above said,moreover, some term paper service enterprises started this way!
Hi everybody! Well, i’m looking around for a very high quality university to be able to study international affairs. The univerity or college really need to be found in the United States fo America. Anybody said me that actually the Elliott College of International Affairs might be at least one from currently the most important at the whole planet. Do someone just know if this is undoubtedly factual? It would definitely be extremely nice if anyone have got few helping infos just for me.
Hey, I stumbled on this website a few weeks ago and must say that Im very impressed with the information you’re providing. I read your all the articles on this website. Keep up the good work and good luck!
really like the discussion with GLORIA really appreciate that how easily you explained everything enjoyed every line of your post learned lot here.looking forward for more updates in future.
That’s a truly inspirational story. It seems to be a common thread that successful people often are just following their own passion. It makes sense, because if you feel deeply about something then chances are that someone else will also.