Home: Cherry Hill, NJ. Age: 60-ish. Birthplace: Philadelphia, PA. Profession: Tourism and hospitality consulting. Organization: Greg DeShields Consulting LLC. Title: Executive Director & Principal Consultant. Pronouns: He/Him/His. Significant other: Tom Love, my husband. Alma mater: Johnson and Wales University (B.S., Hospitality Management).
Current project: Developing an asynchronous academic curriculum titled Business Fundamentals Across the Tourism Economy for the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University. Recent recognition: Nominated for 2025 Metro Philly Magazine Podcast of The Year, Season One of Something to Say with Greg DeShields. Recent professional development: Trauma-informed care person-centered framework that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. Latest accomplishment: Re-Elected as President of Skål Philadelphia. Latest contribution to others: Delores W. DeShields Endowed Scholarship at Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM). What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? From hospitality executive to nationally recognized builder of inclusive leadership, workforce pathways and cultural legacy systems. Hobbies: Cars, music, travel, puzzles, food, cooking and gardening. Recent travel or adventure: Two weeks in California, Arizona and Florida. Recently viewed and recommended: Rustin (2023), which stars Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin, the openly gay civil rights activist and strategist who organized the 1963 March on Washington for Martin Luther King Jr. Recent unique acquisition: 2026 Cadillac CT5 V.
Personality profile: Visionary leader, relationship builder, community-centered strategist, purpose-driven professional. Inclusive and people-first, connector of ideas and opportunities, collaborative change-maker. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Connector. Moral compass: Make the decision that protects integrity, expands inclusion, and creates measurable long-term value for people and the community. How do you define a perfect friendship? Trusting, non-judgmental and committed. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Loyal and creative. What is your greatest joy? Good health. What is your greatest fear? Not securing a new job. What is your guilty pleasure? White birthday cake with icing. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Okay. What natural talent have you neglected? My love of music. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Teachers and doctors.
What three emojis best describe you? 🌉🤝🎤.
What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Boscov's Department Store. What is at the top of your bucket list? Going to Berlin. How do you relieve stress? Music and flotation therapy. What is your go-to workout? Lifting weights. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Sun.
What was your first paying job? Paperboy. What was your favorite college course? Hospitality Management. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Race cars. What book have you repeatedly read? Dracula, by Bram Stoker. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Hotel. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A painting from my mother. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My husband. What’s the best advice you received growing up? No one is promised tomorrow. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Don’t give up. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? ChatGPT. What is your favorite app? FitBit Tracker. What is your go-to source of news and information? NPR. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? PRX Radio. What company or organization do you most admire? Omni Hotels. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? Covid 19. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? HIV.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Skål International USA Project Future to cultivate the next generation of tourism leaders. What change would you like to see in the world? A more inclusive world, to foster a culture of active empathy, universal accessibility, and intentional representation. What message do you want to send out into the world? Life is too short we all exit the same way and should work hard to be more graceful in life. What widely held belief do you reject? That people don’t change. What mega-trend most excites you? Responsible social media. What mega-trend most concerns you? Attack on democracy.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Never Give Up. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Gregory Hines. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Emphatically, my mother. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A singer. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Family photos. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Having dinner and drinks with my husband. What advice would you give your younger self? Avoid staying with any one employer for too long. Seek a variety of opportunities that allow you to broaden your experience, expand your skill set, and strengthen your professional network. Protect and enhance your reputation. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I got married. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My sixties.
Personal mission: To leverage hospitality, education, and strategic partnerships to create inclusive pathways for talent development, economic empowerment and community transformation. Personal motto: Treat others as you would like them to treat you. Favorite quote: Life is a journey, not a destination.
