We were lucky to catch up with SHELLEY WILLIAMS recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, SHELLEY thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I was born into the generation where doors were beginning to open for women of color in the corporate arena. In the early 1990’s, I entered corporate America, looking forward to climbing the ladder. An indoctrination of climbing the corporate ladder was part of my Generation X. Unfortunately, at that time the glass ceiling of corporate life was very real for women, especially women of color. By the mid 1990’s I was working for Bank of America, in its commercial banking division, at that time the banked ranked number eleven, on the Fortune 500 list of companies. Working for Bank of America was a wonderful opportunity, I leaned a great deal. The only issue was the systemic racism I faced, not a directive of the bank, but the bank culture of white male dominance. I felt stifled, and limited in the contribution, I could make.
My turning point, September 11 attacks, something triggered inside me. I desired a career I would enjoy performing, and satisfaction of being reward for a job well done. That week I decided to leave my job and pursue my own business.
Nowadays, leaving corporations to begin your own business is commonplace, back then it was rear. I took a great risk, l left behind a good position at a great corporation. Even riskier, I left my family in Atlanta and moved to the US Virgin Islands.
Wikipedia, say “Individuals is one of the defining traits of Generation X, and is reflected in their entrepreneurial spirit and “Small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit that Gen Xers embody have become one of the most popular institutions in America.”
Fast forward twenty-one years later, I haven’t looked back with regret. I spend my time between Atlanta and the US Virgin Islands now.
Because I took a great risk, I’ve was given the opportunity to create my own destiny. There is great fulfillment in being your own boss. Great Exploration Tours has become a successful and growing business. Additionally, I met the love of my life in the Virgin Islands who is now my husband.
My path hasn’t always been smooth, but life isn’t smooth, even if you avoid taking risk. What I can say, when things become difficult, I am very pleased and fulfilled with the life I have built.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Shelley Williams is the President of Great Exploration Tours. Additionally she is proud to be a passionate entrepreneur and community service advocate who uses her experience in Business Administration and Marketing as an avid supporter of communities in which she lives.

As President, Ms. Williams, responsibilities include providing strategic planning and vision for the business and represent the company as the top executive personnel. Under her tenure Great Exploration Tours has forged partnerships with Global Online Travel Agency (OTA) including TripAdvisor, Viator, Get Your Guide, Expedia Inc., and has managed to grow the company exponentially.

The company provides its clients high-quality tour and travel services, personalized for their unique needs. The company’s tour excursions and travel packages offer a perfect overview of each destination’s history, culture, and scenic views and cuisine. This innovative approach creates the perfect mixture for a top-quality tour service and an unforgettable experience tailored to meet the needs of their customers.

Great Exploration Tours provides a wide variety of products and services, including:
 World Wide Tours & Excursions.
 Group Tour Packages.
 Vacation Tour Packages.
 St. Thomas and St. John Vacation Packages.
 Ground Transportation.
 Concierge Services.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Understanding our market is critical in building our business. Taking the time to study and do research on market trends helps to build knowledge and confidence. We are dedicated to providing consistently high client satisfaction by rendering Excellent service, Agreeable atmosphere at a competitive price, and a work environment that respects its clients and its associates.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Employers need to create and nurture a healthy, exuberant, respectful, and enjoyable environment, in which the employees are fairly compensated and encouraged to respect the customer and the quality of the service that the company provides.

Most important in managing team is to foster an inclusive environment. our company prides itself on creating a safe environment were team members feel comfortable sharing and are encouraged to share their ideas and are listen too. Voicing different perspective is valued, furthering the inclusive environment is the team leader who model’s behavior of a no judgement, but articulates the importance of sharing diverse ideas to strengthen team and building a supportive, creative environment, diverse ideas encourages creativity and initiates innovation.

Contact Info:

• Website: greatexplorationtours.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Great-Exploration-Tours-StThomas-St-John-613230078718784/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-williams-6130b195
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/greattours_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3cY4w1ZweJcKfF9QIvC4Pg
• Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147404-d6924527-Reviews-Great_Exploration_Tours-St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html