Welcome back, Walk in Victory family! In this special episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Ben Camille, an extraordinary entrepreneur with a compelling journey from running luxury tours to revolutionizing the travel insurance industry. Ben's story is not just about success; it's about Unleashing the Power of Entrepreneurship within the people he impacts. Let’s dive in!
Setting the Scene
We kicked off our conversation with a nod to the spirit of overcoming adversity, which is a core theme of our show. I always remind our listeners about the value of learning from master's who’ve conquered tremendous challenges to achieve their goals. Ben Camille is exactly the kind of master we love to spotlight, and here’s why.
Pivoting from Luxury Tours to Travel Insurance
Ben began by sharing his initial venture into the world of luxury tours. For nearly 20 years, he ran high-end tours, catering to affluent families willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for exclusive experiences. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 hit his business hard.
"COVID really destroyed me financially in the travel industry," Ben admitted. "We had to give back millions, and everything we worked for the entire year was wiped out."
Rather than wallowing in despair, Ben saw an opportunity. He noted the rising demand for travel insurance as people became more conscious of the uncertainties brought by the pandemic. This insight led to the birth of Travel Defend, the first travel insurance brokerage in America.
"I started a company called Travel Defend. We're the only travel insurance brokerage in America," Ben explained. "We guide clients through the options and ensure they get payments in real life."
The Importance of Thinking
One unique aspect of Ben's approach to entrepreneurship is his emphasis on thinking. In our fast-paced, information-overloaded world, taking the time to think deeply is increasingly rare yet crucial for success.
"I would go on two-hour walks, shut off my phone, and just think," Ben shared. "People don't realize that thinking is a skill. When I took the time to think, I could solve critical problems in my business."
Key Takeaway: Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
Ben highlighted the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. He recounted a friendship with a long-time friend who he eventually had to cut off due to their stagnant mindset. This decision, while difficult, was necessary for his personal and professional growth.
"You've got to surround yourself with people that are successful," Ben advised. "It's good to have positive energy around you. It's more valuable than someone just giving you something."
Overcoming Failure and Embracing Risk
Ben faced numerous challenges, from financial setbacks to skepticism from partners. Yet his resilience shone through.
"I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur because working for someone else just wasn't for me," Ben said. "During COVID, my mindset was about being thankful for what I had, staying healthy, and continually looking for new opportunities."
Ben's story underscores the essence of entrepreneurship: the unyielding spirit to push forward despite setbacks. He took calculated risks, even when his partners didn’t see the vision.
Final Thoughts: The Entrepreneurial Mindset
As our conversation drew to a close, Ben shared valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He spoke about the need for resilience, the importance of identifying and leveraging your unique strengths, and the power of thinking strategically.
"When you start a business, it's about finding your differentiator—how are you special?" Ben stated. "Forget what you want; think about what's best for your customers."
Actionable Steps for Our Readers
- Embrace Adversity: Challenges are opportunities for growth. Learn to view setbacks as integral parts of your journey. This is why we named our work Walk In Victory, understanding that adversity is a huge part of our journey.
- Think Deeply: Take time away from distractions to think deeply about your business and life decisions. We train people to attempt to do this before you begin your day. Start with a few minutes and work your way up. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to do this so don't be hard on yourself.
- Surround Yourself with Positivity: Your environment significantly impacts your mindset and success. Choose to be around people who uplift and inspire you. This may be difficult at first, however, we need to be around people that will not deplete us as we journey on our victory walk.
- Take Calculated Risks: Be ready to take risks, but ensure they are calculated and backed by thorough thinking and planning. We are in this for the long haul and short-term get rich quick mentality will not add us in our endeavors.
- Be Customer-Centric: Always prioritize adding value to your customers. Their satisfaction will ultimately drive your success. Without a customer, there is no business!
Join us on the Walk in Victory Podcast as we continue to bring you inspiring stories of triumph and resilience. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses, and don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories like Ben Camille's. Let’s keep walking towards victory, one step at a time!
Facebook, Instagram, TickTock, Twitter, YouTube
– NaRon Tillman, Host of Walk in Victory Podcast
