Nicola Shepherd has been leading and curating impact-led trips for more than three decades. Born in Calcutta, Nicola later moved to Kenya and South Africa with her family, spending much of her time in the bush where she discovered her passion for wildlife. She studied nature conservation, completing a diploma in viticulture in South Africa, before moving to Botswana, where she was involved in conservation and the running of camps in the Okavango Delta for several years.
Nicola then moved to Namibia, where she ran a camp and was involved in community projects on the Caprivi Strip, assisting local communities as well as being part of an AIDS awareness campaign. She moved to London and started an office for a Botswana safari company before starting her own company, now known as Explorations Company, in the Cotswolds. Nicola spends three months of each year travelling, researching new properties and determining philanthropic projects she and her clients can support. She’s also very interested in birdlife, plant life, and of course, conservation issues. Acknowledging her expertise, Nicola was made a Judge for the Good Safari Guide, which recognises the finest safari lodges and camps in Africa.
The journey to becoming a business leader
“Being raised in Africa, I had the privilege of visiting a number of wildlife regions with my family which led to my early interest and career in conservation. I opened an office for a Botswana safari company in London, before moving to the Cotswolds and beginning African Explorations. The formation of the company was based on the principle of giving back to Africa, in the form of empowering communities and ultimately assisting with conservation. We were lucky to be appointed by the Financial Times newspaper in London to host a number of their group safaris. The key was that these safaris were to be entirely unique. Our first safari was to Tanzania and Kenya, led by the world authority on the African elephant, Dr Iain Douglas-Hamilton and his wife, Oria. This safari was instrumental in initiating the Save The Elephant foundation where a number of participants donated and became trustees for what is one of the most successful, innovative charities in Africa. We then expanded to include Asia and finally Latin America.”
Guiding values and principles
“Philanthropy is at the core of everything I have ever done. Having spent my formative years in third world countries, there was a deep appreciation of the economic chasm that was inherent in these countries, and I felt that a safari company could fundamentally assist in the change for good, or betterment.”
Setting successful business leaders apart
“Risk taking is an important credential. Being brave enough to run with your beliefs. Confidence. Being a communicator. Creativity and being able to think not only outside of the box, but also of unique and unusual ideas, often never having been attempted before and having the confidence in your decision making and the belief to see it through, and that it will succeed.”
Significant turning point
“Obtaining a partnership with a world leading bank was pivotal moment in my business. This demonstrated to me that one could in fact act not only as a luxury travel conduit for HNW and UHNW clients, but direct client’s assets to areas which enriched their own travel experience whilst elevating those areas both from a socio economic and conservation perspective. This turning point significantly impacted my perspective and positively impacted my perspective on the business.”
Fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability within an organisation
“If one believes in what one is creating and has clarity in what one is trying to achieve, then passion should be the number one driver in any organisation, alongside motivating those working with you. When it comes to philanthropy primarily and sustainability as a secondary factor, then it is not difficult to influence others. Nobody can argue the impact of climate change on a global scale. Nobody can afford to be complacent and our industry, specifically, will be most affected, not least because air travel is the main form of transport. We need to find tangible ways of mitigating our carbon emissions, travelling in a responsible fashion. Third world continents need international travellers to boost their own economies and provide employment. The conundrum is how to manage this in a sensitive, constructive manner.”
How to stay ahead of the competition and make an impact
“Having an eye for emerging countries in their embryonic stages of tourism and understanding what clients demand and weaving those aspects together, whilst always seeking excellence is a key factor in allowing me to stay ahead of industry trends and remain competitive in a rapidly changing business landscape.”
“To make an impact on any industry, one needs to be open, be inspiring, be curious, never stop learning, have the passion to make a difference, strive to be the best.”
“One must never stop learning, and I believe mentorship allows one to consider different perspectives. It’s all too easy to become embroiled in the day to day management of a company. Mentorship allows one to step back and reflect.”
“Nothing is impossible!”
The future of Explorations Company
“I am extremely excited and positive about the future of Exploration Company. Our philanthropic journeys take visitors to witness tangible projects that make a difference to each individual. We have the knowledge, the curiosity, the ability, to deliver ground breaking, one off holidays and vacations that we have been doing for the last 35 years and which we will continue to do for the future. We will be a more sustainable company which fits perfectly with our ethos. I would love us to be a leader in our field of sustainable, green travel.”
