Kevin Weidlich, '02 MBA

BAA: Tell us about your current role with Travel Alberta and the journey that led you there.

I currently serve as Vice President, Destination and Commercial Development at Travel Alberta. My role focuses on growing Alberta's tourism economy by helping expand the number of tourism operators, experiences and investment opportunities across the province.

My career has followed a somewhat unconventional path. For the past 37 years, I have served in the Canadian Army Reserve while simultaneously building a civilian career. The military provided me with early leadership experience and opportunities to lead teams in complex environments.

On the civilian side, I began my career in marketing before moving into project management and business development with PCL construction. Those experiences eventually led me into economic development, where I worked with Edmonton Economic Development, later leading economic development and tourism initiatives in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo before joining Travel Alberta. That’s the gist of my 37 year career.

BAA: Your path from the military to earning an MBA and leading major economic development initiatives is unique. What motivated those transitions?

I've always been motivated by opportunities to take on new challenges and continue growing as a leader. While completing my MBA at the University of Alberta, I was balancing military service and my civilian career. Eventually, I decided to pause my civilian career and focus on the MBA full-time, graduating in 2002.

The MBA helped me better understand how businesses operate, from economics and strategy to entrepreneurship and business planning. Combined with the leadership and problem-solving skills I developed through military service, it gave me the foundation to pursue increasingly complex leadership roles throughout my career.

BAA: Across military service, business, and tourism, you've led teams in very different environments. What leadership principles have remained constant?

One principle I strongly believe in is that leaders operate in ambiguity but provide clarity for their teams.
You'll never have perfect information, and you won't always know exactly what tomorrow will bring. However, leaders have a responsibility to provide direction and help their teams focus on what needs to be accomplished today.

Another principle is understanding the strengths of your team members and creating opportunities for them to succeed. While helping people improve is important, great leaders also recognize individual strengths and empower people to use those strengths to achieve organizational goals.

BAA: What excites you most about Alberta's future and its growing presence on the global stage?

Alberta's tourism sector is experiencing significant growth compared to other provinces year over year, especially since Covid, and we're seeing strong demand from both domestic and international visitors. What excites me most is the opportunity to invest in new tourism experiences, accommodations, and destinations across the province.

We often think of Alberta's tourism industry through the lens of Banff and Jasper, but there are incredible opportunities throughout the province. I recently spent time in David Thompson Country and was reminded of the tremendous untapped potential that exists in many regions. There is a unique challenge for us: demands exceeds supply.

Alberta's entrepreneurial spirit, business-friendly environment, and world-class natural attractions position us well for continued growth in the visitor economy.

BAA: Looking back on your MBA experience, what advice would you give prospective students, especially those coming from unconventional backgrounds?

The MBA provides two tremendous benefits: a strong education and an exceptional network.
My advice is to take full advantage of both. Learn from your classmates, build relationships with faculty and staff, and invest in your professional network. More than two decades after graduating, I remain connected with many of my classmates and continue to benefit from the relationships I built during my time at the Alberta School of Business.

The influence and reach of the School's alumni network throughout Alberta is remarkable, and those connections can open doors throughout your career.

BAA: Is there an Alberta destination or experience that holds special meaning for you?

Jasper Park Lodge remains one of my favourite destinations in Alberta. I have many memories of visiting as a child, and it continues to provide an exceptional experience year-round.

I would also encourage Albertans to explore some of the province's lesser-known experiences. The northern lights are spectacular, and destinations such as Drumheller offer landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world. Alberta has an incredible diversity of experiences to offer, and there is always something new to discover.