The Modern Hotelier - Episode #174: Women in Travel Thrive: Day of Impact 2025

Hosts Steve Carran and David M. sit down with the powerhouse women behind the movement, including Mercedes Blanco and Silvia Camarota, the co-founders of Women in Travel Thrive. They share the inspiring story of how a grassroots idea born during the pandemic became a global nonprofit that's transforming the travel and hospitality industry — one Day of Impact at a time.

You'll also hear from participants like Rachel Kooyman, who found community and purpose through volunteering, and guest speakers like Cezary Pietrasik, author of Homo Idioticus, and Syama Bunten, CEO of Big Delta Capital and host of the Getting Rich Together podcast, who speak powerfully on fighting bias, building financial freedom, and leading with intention.

From the birth of a movement to a retreat in Costa Rica, this episode dives into purpose-driven leadership, empowering stories, and what it really means to thrive together.

Key Topics Covered:
* Why Day of Impact has become a signature moment for the community
* How Women in Travel Thrive is closing the gender gap without gatekeeping
* Real talk on financial empowerment, conformity bias, and redefining success
* Tips for building wealth, confidence, and community — on your own terms

************* TIMESTAMPS *************

00:00 —
Introduction
00:33 —
Interview with Mercedes Blanco
04:14 —
Interview with Silvia Camarota
11:14 —
Interview with Cezary Pietrasik
16:45 —
Interview with Syama Bunten
21:35 —
Interview with Rachel Kooyman
23:30 —
Conclusion and Closing Remarks

************* LINKS & RESOURCES *************

This episode is sponsored by Alliants: https://www.alliants.com/

Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn page

Links:
Mercedes Blanco
Mercedes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedesblancoanton/
Women in Travel Thrive: https://womenintravelthrive.com/

Silvia Camarota
Silvia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviabcamarota/
Women in Travel Thrive: https://womenintravelthrive.com/

Cezary Pietrasik
Cezary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cezary-pietrasik/

Syama Bunten
Syama on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syamameagher/
Big Delta Capital: https://www.bigdeltacapital.com/

Rachel Kooyman
Rachel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelkooyman/
Women in Travel Thrive: https://womenintravelthrive.com/

The Modern Hotelier is produced, edited, and published by Make More Media: https://makemore.media/

For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/174

Join the conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-modern-hotelier/

Connect with Steve and David:
Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E%99%EF%B8%8Fsteve-carran-00914510/
David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-millili/