We were lucky to catch up with Kimberly Swett recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kimberly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?
The most valuable lesson I learned in my 15-year career as a political consultant was the critical importance of relationship-building and problem-solving under pressure. These skills have been instrumental in my journey as a business owner.
In political consulting, every campaign is a startup with a definitive end date – election day. consultant, Politics is all about people, and success often hinges on your ability to form connections that transcend surface-level exchanges. Whether you’re working with candidates, donors, or volunteers, relationships are the backbone of the work, and they are built on trust, communication, and consistency.
There were numerous moments when we encountered problems—whether it was logistics falling through, a communication mishap, or an unexpected media attack. My ability to quickly resolve problems came from the fact that I had built a strong network of relationships and could rely on people to step in when needed. These skills—relationship building, problem-solving, and resourcefulness—have been invaluable as a business owner, especially during those moments when funding is low or non-existent.
Starting a business is like running a campaign in many ways: you have to get people on board with your vision, make do with limited resources, and be ready to solve problems as they come. My experience taught me to always stay nimble, maintain strong relationships, and focus on quick, efficient resolutions to keep things moving forward.
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.
As a Nashville native, I’ve always believed in the beauty of exploration and the power of sharing experiences. My journey into the travel creator space began during my time managing campaigns across the country, where I made it a point to immerse myself in local cultures and discover the hidden gems of each location. This passion ignited a desire to inspire others to explore the world beyond their comfort zones, leading me to create my travel content platform, “The Itinerary Queen.”
In my role as a travel creator, I create content that goes beyond mere sightseeing. I aim to provide my audience with immersive experiences that encourage self-discovery and adventure. Whether it’s a family vacation, a solo backpacking trip, or a romantic getaway, My mission is to help people not only see the world but also connect with it, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures and landscapes that exist beyond their zip codes.
What sets me apart in the travel creator space is my authentic approach to storytelling. I share not just the destinations, but the stories behind them, ensuring that every experience is relatable and inspiring.
In addition to my work as a travel creator, I also serve as the Chief People Officer at Onyx Foods Inc. With over 11 years of experience in human resources, I focus on training and development to ensure that our team has the skills and knowledge necessary to excel. My passion for helping others extends beyond travel; it encompasses my commitment to fostering growth and learning within organizations.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to wear many hats and excel in diverse areas. Balancing my roles as a travel creator and Chief People Officer has taught me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and creativity. I want my audience to know that my brand is rooted in authenticity, passion, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact—whether that’s through inspiring travel experiences or cultivating supportive workplace environments.
Ultimately, I strive to connect with my audience on a personal level. My journey from a girl in 37208 to a global explorer and HR leader is a testament to the belief that with passion and determination, we can achieve our dreams and help others along the way.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
My entrepreneurial journey has been significantly influenced by my family dynamics and a commitment to lifelong learning. I married into an entrepreneurial family where my husband’s grandparents have successfully operated several businesses, the longest-running of which just celebrated its 70th anniversary. Being part of this family has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, innovation, and the importance of nurturing relationships in business. Their experiences have not only inspired me to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams but also reinforced the idea that adaptability and a strong work ethic are essential for success.
In addition to my family influences, my background as a trainer has fostered my passion for continuous learning. I often have YouTube playing in the background during my remote workdays, exploring various topics to help solve problems or gain new insights. This informal learning environment allows me to stay updated and inspired by the latest trends and strategies.
I also enjoy listening to podcasts during my morning walks, which provides an excellent opportunity to absorb new ideas while staying active. Some of my favorite podcast topics revolve around management, leadership, and personal development, as they align closely with my interests and professional goals.
As for books that have significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial philosophy, I highly recommend the following:
Finding Your Why by Simon Sinek: This book emphasizes the importance of understanding your purpose and how it drives your decisions, both personally and professionally.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff at Work by Richard Carlson: This book offers practical advice on maintaining perspective and fostering a positive work environment, which is essential for effective management.
What Makes a Leader by Daniel Goleman: This work delves into emotional intelligence and its critical role in effective leadership, providing insights that resonate with my approach to team management.
Leadership That Gets Results by Daniel Goleman: This book explores various leadership styles and their impact on team dynamics and performance, offering valuable lessons for anyone in a leadership role.
These resources have helped shape my thinking and philosophy around management and entrepreneurship, guiding me in my journey as both a travel creator and Chief People Officer. They reinforce the importance of purpose, emotional intelligence, and maintaining a positive work culture, which are essential to achieving sustainable success in any endeavor.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I began sharing my travel experiences and insights as “The Itinerary Queen,” I focused on creating content that resonated with my audience on a personal level, fostering genuine connections rather than just chasing metrics. Building my audience on social media has been an organic and rewarding journey, and it has taught me that having an engaged community is far more important than simply accumulating a large number of followers.
One of the key aspects of growing my audience has been encouraging interaction. When people feel valued and heard, they are more likely to engage with your content, share it, and even recommend it to others. It’s all about building relationships rather than just a follower count.
While participating in trends can be fun and can sometimes help boost visibility, I believe it’s essential to stay true to yourself and your brand. Trends don’t define who you are or what you stand for; instead, focus on sharing content that educates and adds value to your audience. Whether it’s travel tips, personal stories, or resources that help others, aim to provide insights that align with your passions and expertise.
Lastly, remember that social media is inherently social! Engage with other accounts, respond to direct messages, and build a network of like-minded individuals. Collaboration and interaction with others in your niche can lead to meaningful connections and growth for both parties.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, my biggest piece of advice is to be authentic. Share your true self, be consistent, and foster a sense of community. This approach will not only help you grow your following but also create a supportive network that thrives on mutual engagement and connection.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @theitineraryqueen
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyswett
- Other: tittok @theitineraryqueen
Image Credits
KBL Photography
Nita in Nashville Photography