Heidi Durflinger doesn’t see herself as simply leading a travel company—she sees her role as creating life-changing experiences. As CEO of EF World Journeys US, she believes meaningful travel begins with connection, not transactions.
Heidi shares how growing up in the small farming town of Belleville, Kansas, gave her a global mindset. Her parents welcomed international exchange students into their home, and at 16, she became one herself—studying in Bologna, Italy. “It opened up my eyes to the world,” she said.
That early experience still shapes her leadership today. “Our business is built on trust,” she said. “We connect with customers just to check in.”
In this episode, you will learn:
Listen now!
Resources:
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
Sign up to receive Don Yaeger’s weekly leadership contributions, and be the first to listen to new Corporate Competitor Podcast episodes.