Maurice Smith is the Founder and CEO of Eugene Toriko, a luxury travel brand focused on crafting meaningful, sustainable travel experiences. With a background in business administration, hospitality management, and computer science, Maurice has earned accolades such as Travel + Leisure’s A-List top travel advisor and the Certified Travel Industry Executive designation. His expertise has been sought by major publications, including The Washington Post , Bloomberg, Business Insider and USA Today. Maurice’s innovative approach to travel is driven by his passion for creating positive economic and social impacts.
Company: Eugene Toriko
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Maurice Smith: Thank you for having me! I’m Maurice Smith, Founder and CEO of Eugene Toriko, a luxury travel company dedicated to creating unforgettable, meaningful experiences for discerning travelers. Our focus is on sustainable tourism, curating bespoke journeys that not only immerse our clients in unique destinations but also positively impact local communities. With a background in business administration, hospitality management, and computer science, I’ve built a career around innovation in the travel industry. Eugene Toriko represents my passion for connecting people to the world in ways that are both enriching and responsible.
Can you share a time when your business faced a significant challenge? How did you navigate through it?
Maurice Smith: One of the most significant challenges we faced was the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought the travel industry to a standstill. As a business focused on luxury travel, it was a daunting time. Our immediate priority was supporting our clients, ensuring all bookings were managed smoothly despite cancellations and travel restrictions. To navigate through it, we pivoted by focusing on virtual consultations and reimagining post-pandemic travel experiences that prioritize safety, flexibility, and sustainability. It was a time of uncertainty, but it also allowed us to innovate and strengthen our relationships with clients and partners, preparing us for the industry’s rebound.
How has a failure or apparent failure set you up for later success?
Maurice Smith: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned came from a project where we didn’t secure key logistics as planned, leading to the cancellation of an important event. It felt like a significant setback at the time, but it taught me the importance of meticulous planning, especially in the travel industry where so many variables are at play. That experience pushed me to refine our processes, implement more robust checks, and strengthen our relationships with key partners. What seemed like a failure became a catalyst for greater efficiency and success in how we operate today.
How do you build a resilient team? What qualities do you look for in your team members?
Maurice Smith: Building a resilient team starts with creating a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration. I focus on hiring individuals who are adaptable, proactive problem-solvers, and passionate about what they do. In the travel industry, unforeseen challenges are common, so resilience and the ability to stay calm under pressure are key. I also prioritize diversity of thought, ensuring we bring together different perspectives to drive innovation. By fostering open communication and giving my team the tools and autonomy to succeed, we build resilience together, learning from setbacks and always looking for ways to improve.
How do you maintain your personal resilience during tough times?
Maurice Smith: Maintaining personal resilience during tough times comes down to balance and perspective. I prioritize self-care, making time for activities that help me recharge, like meditation and spending time with family. I’ve also learned the value of stepping back and focusing on the bigger picture rather than getting lost in immediate challenges. Surrounding myself with a supportive team and trusted mentors helps me navigate difficult moments. Additionally, I remind myself that setbacks are temporary and often lead to growth. Staying focused on long-term goals and maintaining a positive mindset has been key to my resilience as a leader.
What strategies do you use to manage stress and maintain focus during a crisis?
Maurice Smith: During a crisis, staying calm and focused is crucial. I rely on a few key strategies to manage stress. First, I prioritize clear communication with my team, ensuring that everyone is aligned and we’re addressing the situation with a unified approach. This helps reduce uncertainty and stress for everyone involved. I also break down the challenge into manageable steps, tackling one issue at a time rather than getting overwhelmed by the bigger picture. Personally, I turn to mindfulness practices like meditation to stay grounded. Lastly, I maintain a solutions-focused mindset, concentrating on what can be controlled and improved rather than dwelling on the obstacles.
How do you communicate with your team during a crisis?
Maurice Smith: During a crisis, transparent and timely communication is essential. I make it a point to keep the team informed with regular updates, even if it’s just to say that we’re still working through a solution. Honesty is critical—acknowledging the challenges we face while also focusing on the steps we’re taking to address them. I also encourage two-way communication, giving the team space to voice their concerns and share insights. By fostering an open environment and maintaining a calm demeanor, I ensure that the team feels supported and confident that we’re navigating the crisis together.
What advice would you give to other CEOs on building resilience in their organizations?
Maurice Smith: My advice to other CEOs on building resilience is to start with your company culture. Foster an environment of trust, where employees feel empowered to make decisions and are encouraged to learn from failures. Resilience comes from flexibility, so focus on building processes that can adapt to change rather than resist it. Diversify your team’s skill sets and encourage continuous learning so they’re prepared for unexpected challenges. Lastly, prioritize transparent communication and lead by example—your team will take cues from how you handle pressure. Building resilience is a long-term commitment, but it will strengthen your organization for future success.
How do you prepare your business for potential future crises?
Maurice Smith: Preparing for future crises involves proactive planning and adaptability. At Eugene Toriko, we regularly evaluate our risk management strategies, identifying potential vulnerabilities and developing contingency plans. Flexibility is key, so we create scalable processes that allow us to pivot quickly when necessary. I also emphasize the importance of maintaining strong relationships with our partners and clients, ensuring open lines of communication and trust, which are critical in a crisis. Additionally, we invest in technology and tools that provide real-time data and insights, helping us make informed decisions swiftly. Preparing for the unknown means staying agile and always looking ahead.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership in times of crisis?
Maurice Smith: The most important lesson I’ve learned about leadership in times of crisis is the power of calm and clarity. As a leader, your team looks to you for guidance, and maintaining composure helps set the tone. It’s crucial to communicate clearly, providing transparency about the situation while outlining a path forward. I’ve also learned that listening is just as important as leading—taking time to understand your team’s concerns and leveraging their input can lead to better decisions. Lastly, leading with empathy, especially during tough times, builds trust and strengthens the team’s resolve to move through the crisis together.
