PHOTO: © HX EXPEDITIONS

THE BASICS
Name: Steve Smotrys
Title: Managing director
Company, city: HX Expeditions; Los Angeles, California

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a veterinarian; I always had a lot of animals.

Fun fact about yourself: I was formerly a high-level soccer referee with the USSF.

If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why? The Galápagos Islands! I haven’t been there yet, and HX does it in a very special way.

A LITTLE BIT MORE
What two nonessential items would you want if you were on a deserted island?
My iPhone if I get service and can charge it (I’m too reliant on it!) and my wife

What person or experience most influenced your choice of career?
My grandmother; I was raised by my grandparents, and she always encouraged me to dream. They loved shows like Wild Kingdom where they would explore these remote places in the wild. It definitely stirred the explorer in me.

What is your favorite song, and/or who is your favorite musician/band?
I’m a massive music fan. My all-time favorite band is U2; I’ve seen them 12 times. A more contemporary band I love is Hozier. My wife and I finally had a chance to see him in Raleigh, North Carolina, last year.

If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past? Why?
Well, I’m a little afraid for the future, so I’d say go back to see how they built the pyramids.

THE BUSINESS
How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership style is rooted in empowerment, inspiration and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of travel. I see myself as a lifelong student of leadership, constantly learning and evolving to better support my team. My goal is to help individuals connect with their passions and unlock their full potential. I believe when people are genuinely excited about what they do, their work transcends the grind and becomes meaningful.

What predictions do you have for the travel industry over the next year?
I think it will be an amazing year. If there was a silver lining to COVID, it’s that people have learned to value travel more. We’ve seen record-breaking numbers, especially in the expedition segment, and I believe the growth will continue.

What is your or your team’s proudest professional achievement?
My proudest professional achievement lies in seeing former team members grow and succeed, leveraging the skills and confidence they gained while working together.

What project are you currently working on?
My focus in my new role is spreading the HX story in North America. I want to give the brand the voice it deserves.

AS A TRAVELER
What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned about customer service? Listen to people; they just want to be heard. Travel means so much to people, and we want them to have the best experiences, but challenges do arise. Hear what people are saying and have a solution-based mindset.

What’s the first vacation you can remember taking? I grew up in Los Angeles, and I remember a road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway through the redwood forest, which was like another world. The California coast is still one of my favorite places in the world.

What are your travel pet peeves? When the plane lands and everyone immediately jumps up! Overall, I wish people would show more kindness and consideration to one another while traveling.

Share your favorite travel experience: Two years ago, my wife and I visited Antarctica, which turned out to be the most incredible trip we’ve ever taken. She was skeptical at first — being from New York, she’s not a fan of the cold — but it completely exceeded her expectations. Each day brought new surprises, and every moment felt unique and immersive. It was the kind of journey that transforms your perspective on the world.