[04:00] In reading your impressive bio and all your great accomplishments throughout your career, I surmised that you are a servant leader. Would you agree? Being a servant leader is important in roles that are focused on leading social impact and sustainability solutions. Servant leadership is the center focus for how I define the work that I'm leading at Expedia.

[06:30] Could you share with us a specific moment or experience that ignited your journey as a disruptor and servant leader in the field of corporate social responsibility and sustainability? What inspired you to take this path? I was introduced to the field of corporate responsibility and sustainability during my MBA curriculum in graduate school. I was studying finance and thinking about using my quantitative skills. I was exposed during a career panel to how issues of sustainability and social impact show up within companies. This sparked a passion in me for issues of inclusion, equity, and sustainability.

[09:45] Could you discuss some key characteristics you believe are essential for anyone aspiring to lead in these areas? These are unique roles and require the ability to balance business outcomes with societal and environmental outcomes. You must have passion to bring others along and to help them get excited about the possibilities in this space. Other essential characteristics are listening, having flexibility, and leading with empathy as an effective servant leader.

[13:20] Of all the projects that you lead related to sustainability and social impact, which are most influential to driving the companies towards its goals and why? Everyone experiencing travel is directly aligned with Expedia Group's business priorities. We launched an accelerator program, the Open World Accelerator, which focuses on empowering startups that are breaking down barriers in access to travel. We invested and partnered with 12 different startups focusing on a range of different inclusivity areas. We've leaned into supporting under vested startups thrive.

[17:50] Based on political pressures, is Expedia leaning into its DEI efforts or pushing away from the table? We have been critical in making sure that we have been credible with our efforts around inclusion, equity, and accessible travel externally and internally. Our mission is to power global travel for everyone, everywhere! For those who thought it's something that they had to do, this may be an excuse for them to push back. We didn't embrace it as a have to do, and therefore we feel that we can continue our efforts..

[22:30] Reflecting on your journey and lessons that you've learned, what advice would you give young leaders who aspire to make a significant impact in sustainability and social responsibility within their companies or organizations? My advice is to get started in whatever role you are in within the company. Start thinking about how you can partner with your sustainability and social impact team. We have a long wish list of ways in which any team across the business can activate around this work.

[25:45] Looking to the future, how do you envision the evolution of sustainability and social impact within the industry? There are models and lessons for us to learn from outside our industry and country. Areas around inclusive and equitable travel need more attention. Destinations are an entry point to the entire travel ecosystem and should lead in ensuring that travel continues as a force for good and adds values to underserved communities.

Connect with Aditi Mohapatra on LinkedIn and learn more about her social impact and sustainability initiative at www.expediagroup.com.