—Systemic change begins with personal change—
From Zach's company Journey Mexico page's profile of him:
Beginnings
Growing up on Lido Beach, part of a small barrier island near New York, Zach’s life was shaped by the water that surrounded him. A deep love for surfing grew naturally, his identity intertwined with the ocean, nature, and what lay beyond the horizon.
Zach’s path seemed predetermined – becoming a lawyer, doctor, or banker was expected. But he yearned for something more, driven by a desire to escape the conventional and explore the unknown. He followed the traditional route into university, studying English Literature at Cornell, yet it was his love for surfing and a craving for adventure that would change his life forever.
Crossroads
The turning point came in the form of a college friend’s “Surf Costa Rica” t-shirt. That simple image ignited a plan, leading Zach to Costa Rica for Christmas in 1989. The trip was nothing short of transformative. Camping on a remote ranch, far from the comforts of New York, Zach’s perspective shifted. The challenges of reaching such an isolated place thrilled him, and he reveled in the cultural immersion, communicating in a mix of English and Spanish, and connecting with new friends who demonstrated a global outlook. It was a revelation. These experiences humbled him, revealing that his world was not the center of the universe. Zach realized that personal growth lay in cultural exchange, and he eagerly sought to expand his horizons through travel.
When Zach returned from his travels, he was a changed person. His curiosity deepened, and he developed a newfound sensitivity to other people and places. His Costa Rican adventure inspired him to return to Cornell, where he learned Spanish and pursued a minor in Latin American history, passionately reading in Spanish.
Personal Growth
After leaving college in the mid-90s, Zach embraced vulnerability and embarked on a journey of self-discovery. He lived, worked, and traveled throughout Central and South America, supporting himself first as an English teacher and later as an adventure guide. Between earning his B.A. from Cornell University and an M.P.I.A. in Sustainable Travel from the University of California, San Diego, Zach spent nearly a decade as a teacher, environmental conservationist, and expert guide across the Americas.
Mexico, in particular, captivated him with its diversity and richness. Its history, culture, wildlife, and landscapes shattered his preconceived notions and strengthened his love for the region. With an unwavering belief that responsible travel could be a force for good, Zach found his mission. He saw the potential for the travel economy to make a positive impact, provided it was done with respect and care.
Zach and I got so into our first conversation that we had to take a second one to get to the Spodek Method. Listen for yourself, but I hear Zach working with three motivations: His surfer, outdoors self wants to conserve, protect, and enjoy nature and enable others to do the same by experiencing it. His CEO self wants to deliver what his customers want, despite what they want including polluting and depleting---that is, hurting people and wildlife---beyond what nearly anyone who ever lived has. They don't know it and his company's current message implies that they're helping, not hurting. His leadership self wants to improve himself and his work, to resolve conflict, to explore his boundaries and his team's to see if they can change the world. This situation exists in nearly everyone I know: we love humanity and nature, we live in a culture that rewards the destruction of each, and we want to help resolve that conflict. The difference with Zach is not that the stakes are higher. It's that he is willing to share this internal conflict publicly, not to hide it or act like it isn't there. Only by examining one's blind spots and vulnerabilities can one grow in the areas we care about most. Zach is out on the forefront.
I met Zach at an event I spoke at sponsored by the Young Presidents Organization, whose members tend to be successful in business. The criteria to join require it. I knew the people would be friendly, but suspected they would pollute and deplete more than most without realizing it. Zach plays a leadership role in the local chapter and was one of the organizers for this event so we interacted more. He was open and sincere about learning about my work and sustainability leadership. As you'll hear, he runs a business that pollutes and depletes---that is, hurts people and wildlife---a lot. Like nearly all businesses that do, it portrays itself as clean and helping people stay clean while doing things that pollute and deplete. Not many people face their inner conflicts, let alone voice them publicly. I see no other way to resolve them. No one has solved the challenges Zach is choosing to face. I know they can be solved as does he, I suspect, but getting there will be hard. Restoring sustainability to his business, among the most polluting and depleting, will be hard, mostly people and cultural challenges, not technical or legislative. I see Zach as a potential pioneer. Let's see if we can help him achieve what few others are trying and most are just covering up.