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 runs trips to the islands in a very distinctive and thoughtful way.
A LITTLE BIT MORE
What two nonessential items would you want if you were on a deserted island?
My iPhone—if I had service and a way to charge it, since I rely 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 encouraged me to dream. They loved shows like Wild Kingdom and stories about remote places, which sparked my interest in exploration and travel.
What is your favorite song, and/or who is your favorite musician/band?
I’m a huge music fan. My all-time favorite band is U2—I’ve seen them 12 times. More recently I love Hozier; my wife and I finally saw him live in Raleigh, North Carolina, last year.
If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past? Why?
I’d travel back to see how they built the pyramids. I’m a bit wary of the future, so the past feels more intriguing.
THE BUSINESS
How would you describe your leadership style?
My leadership approach centers on empowerment and inspiration. I see myself as a lifelong student of leadership, always learning to better support my team. I aim to help people connect with their passions and unlock their potential. When people are genuinely excited about their work, it becomes meaningful rather than merely a job.
What predictions do you have for the travel industry over the next year?
I expect a strong year for travel. If there was a silver lining to COVID, it’s that people learned to value travel more. We’ve seen record-breaking demand, especially for expedition travel, and I believe that momentum will continue.
What is your or your team’s proudest professional achievement?
What I’m most proud of is watching former team members grow and succeed. Seeing people apply the skills and confidence they developed while working together is incredibly rewarding.
What project are you currently working on?
In my new role, I’m focused on telling the HX story across North America and raising the brand’s profile so it gets the voice it deserves.
AS A TRAVELER
What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned about customer service?
Listen. People want to be heard. Travel matters deeply to many travelers, and while challenges will arise, hearing customers and approaching issues with a solution mindset makes all the difference.
What’s the first vacation you can remember taking?
I grew up in Los Angeles and remember a road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway through the redwood forests. It felt like another world, and the California coast remains one of my favorite places.
What are your travel pet peeves?
When a plane lands and everyone immediately stands up. More broadly, I wish travelers would show more kindness and consideration to each other.
Share your favorite travel experience:
Two years ago my wife and I visited Antarctica, and it was the most incredible trip we’ve taken. She was skeptical at first—being from New York she isn’t a fan of cold weather—but the trip exceeded expectations. Each day offered new surprises and immersive moments that genuinely transformed how we see the world.