What is the best thing that I love about my work?
Pioneering & Trailblazing. Disseminating and facilitating. Some context is due:
(i) Standing on the frontier of next-gen travel experiences through academic and market research in the broad and complex topics of sustainable, regenerative, and transformational travel (economy). Showing how travel can be a pathway to personal growth, business elevation, and thriving destinations.
(ii) Disseminating knowledge and experience design approaches by translating research findings into actionable steps. I do this by creating and facilitating transformative and highly immersive learning journeys for my course participants and consultancy clients.
What is my idea of happiness?
Happiness is not just about feeling happy. It’s about having the chance to be your true self, however that manifests—sweat and tears included. It’s the joy that comes from seeing the faces of people whose lives you’ve made a bit better, an animal you’ve fed or protected, a plant you nurture. It’s about belonging to yourself and to the people you love, to the world in general. It’s in the big picture and the small details of life, in grand gestures and subtle, deep looks in the eye, a touch of the hand. Happiness is found in caring, loving, daring, adventuring, growing, crying, smiling… Happiness is hidden there in plain sight.
What is my greatest fear?
Missing out. Being left out. Not accomplishing. Being side-tracked. Wasting my potential to contribute to this world, its people, its nature, its present, and its future. Not having the opportunity to give and receive love genuinely and authentically, in both personal and professional realms.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
Overenthusiasm. Perfectionism. Childlike credulity. Anxiety and lack of self-confidence.
In the words of one of my best friends: “You have proven you can achieve virtually whatever you imagine, but you bury yourself so elegantly with obstacles (tasks or people) that you sometimes avoid the right path.”
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
Those who stand their ground, remain true to their authentic selves, and do not falter from their pioneering paths. The sustainable, regenerative, and transformational travel universe demands an unwavering spirit. Those are the people I admire.
What is my greatest extravagance?
I take time and health for granted, even though they are my greatest values. It’s a sort of self-betrayal. I am working on making this right.
On what occasion would I lie?
It took a long time and intentional effort for me to become comfortable with saying truth even in situations it hurts. Truth is liberating, though it can feel like a furnace. It is essentially cleansing and purgatory.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
As this is pioneering work, many people are reluctant to support such initiatives (especially transformative travel experiences). I often waste a lot of time on manual and administrative tasks that someone else could excel in, thus sacrificing time I could be spending on understanding concepts, leading and guiding, researching, thought leadership, and future imagining.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
I was happy at every job I had during periods when my creativity was unleashed, and I was trusted to create the best for the organization or purpose-driven initiative or project. Collaborating with people who share my passion, care, and drive, uplifting each other, and enlightening the path before us. Celebrating our creations and the good they leave behind.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
Be less trusting. Be more confident. Stop overthinking. Stop trying to balance everyone’s happiness. On second thought, no, I wouldn’t change any of it. But if I grow and evolve in that direction, I will embrace the ‘new me.’
What is my greatest achievement in work?
Achievements are like a periodic spiral. When I was younger, obtaining my PhD, becoming an associate professor, and building my academic career were important. Fast-forward a decade, today I value (i) the opportunity to evolve professionally daily, (ii) staying authentic and genuine, and (iii) having a community of brilliant, supportive people in academia and the travel industry who recognize and welcome my expertise. People I can learn from and with.
Where would I most like to live?
It’s not really about a specific geographical location as the location of my heart, mind, and soul. Wherever I feel inspired and have a strong sense of belonging. It is more intuitive than physical. However, those places are often small, rich in culture and character, and deeply connected to natural surroundings.
What is my most treasured possession?
It’s questionable if these things belong to me or if I belong to them! Meaningful items that find me on my quests, adventures, or travels—a rock here, a twig there, a dead coral or stalactite to remind of our world’s grandeur and fragility. And meaningful presents, marking moments when someone thought of me. I hold great respect for the overlooked and neglected power of gifts and their role in our lives.
What is my most marked characteristic?
An equal blend of energizing and trustworthy.
From what people around me say: optimistic and joyful; adventurous, brave, and passionate; creative and analytical; loyal and dedicated.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
I choose to live in my hometown, Valjevo, Western Serbia. Its riverbanks under the trees are inspirational, thought-provoking, solution-inducing, and creativity-enlivening.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
Tchardak, a local brewery and pub-like place. An open plaza. A hidden corner. The spirit of music, friendships, hugs, and stories. A sense of community. Modern-day tradition. Comfort. Belonging. Joy. The promise of the future and the cherishing of memories.
What books influenced my life and how?
It must be “Heidi” by Johanna Spyri, as I keep coming back to it. I have at least three copies, all birthday presents from different people over the years. I identify with the little girl growing up in the Swiss Alps—her adventurous spirit, resilience, loyalty, innocence, love for nature, animals, her grandpa, and her two different but dear friends. It always seemed true to me as it speaks of the power of nature to heal and give joy. I have always felt the need to include these themes in my teachings, whether on sustainable, responsible, or transformative travel.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen to on my last day?
You only live once, so who knows! But I bet it would be some grunge music or a fusion, like Chris Cornell’s live studio cover of “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Many. They are always courageous underdogs who do not step away from their ideals and integrity. Loyal and loving, but resilient. Stepping from uncertainty through ordeals into their empowerment, making the world a better place genuinely and authentically. Like in Joseph Campbell’s monomyth of the Hero’s Journey.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
My brother—my greatest hero of all time. My grandparents were my foundation. And whatever Jane Goodall does is just inspirational and hope-giving.
Which movie would I recommend seeing once in a lifetime?
“The Lord of the Rings”, “The Matrix” and “Forrest Gump.” Of course, many others, but these marked me early on and still resonate with my world views and questions.
What role stories play in my life and work?
Our existence is defined by the story we tell ourselves about who we are, who others are, and what the world is like. By being constantly observant about this narrative, we can navigate the flow of life. By recreating it, we transform ourselves, each time a bit closer to the best version of ourselves. We redesign our journeys. This is also the essence of my work in the realm of transformational travel experience design. By putting effort into becoming better individuals, we make the world a better place for all—nature and communities.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ mean to me?
The story about yourself that you discern, embrace, and continually amend resonates with the reality you live. It is the lens, the filter through which our world comes alive. It becomes magical. Or not.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
I am fortunate to have a small gang: my brother and a few very close friends. We are united by the love we share. We question our worldviews and decisions, challenge and celebrate each other. Above all, we accept and inspire each other. One word: elevation.
Which people or companies would I like to work with? (you can mention a maximum of 10 people and/or companies who could make a real difference in your creative career. I will invite them to tell their story, tell them you mentioned their name and send them your story)
- Les Roches University Crans-Montana
- Dr Jonathon Day
- Randy Durband
- Global Sustainable Travel Council (GSTC)
- Regenerative Travel
- GLP Films/ Rob Holmes
- Synergy – Retreat Show
- Modern Elder Academy
- Sunniva Sorby
- Suzy Ross
What project am I looking forward to work on?
Something that would tie in my various talents and interests in a meaningful and impactful way – creativity, experience design, teaching and guiding through the process; art and community tradition that spills over into nature protection and positive impact. Oh, there are so many options that I see in this realm (from art & nature-based research and teaching to transformative travel experience design to transformative events co-creation)! I am just being patient for the project to present itself to me.
Where can you see me or my work?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivana-damnjanovic-168b482b/
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
It means that life is worth living only if we live in a state of presence and flow, and flow is rooted in passion. Passion is shaped by our authentic selves. Passion never dies, as long as we allow ourselves to live fully. This resonates with everyday simple moments from career to relationships. In passion, a seedling of flourishing lies.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
- Ana Stanković
- Sunniva Sorby
- Sara Roccisano
How can you contact me?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivana-damnjanovic-168b482b/
ivana71281@gmail.com