Great Leader in the Spotlight: Keith Lefkof

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By: Joseph Polanin, Award Winning CEO, Combat Veteran, and #1 Bestselling Author leading elite global enterprises to succeed on complex missions in high-risk environments despite every obstacle.

Keith Lefkof, ECC, TAE is an incredible leader you need to know. It has been my privilege to know him as a colleague, business partner and friend. A lifelong travel enthusiast, renown author, and cruise planning expert, Keith’s exemplary service and professional acumen extend far beyond the travel industry. Over the past few years, I have witnessed firsthand his utmost caring and devotion for our Military Service Members, Law Enforcement Officers, Veterans, and their Families, our Heroes. Recently, we met and discussed leadership, service, and life. Keith’s reflections follow:

1. Why do you love what you do?

“Travel has always felt like more than a profession to me; it’s a calling. It’s how I bring joy into people’s lives, help them reconnect, and create unforgettable moments that live on long after the trip is over. I love to plan a multi-generational trip where grandparents watch the world light up through their grandchildren’s eyes, families celebrate milestones in dream destinations, and colleagues transform into collaborators while sailing between ports. These aren’t just vacations; they’re life chapters stitched together by shared experiences and meaningful connections. Whether I’m planning the trip of a lifetime, designing a corporate retreat at sea, or working with a team to bring a bold vision to life through travel and technology, every journey is rooted in creativity, strategy, and heart. That blend is what fuels me. At the end of the day, I do what I do because travel connects us to each other, the world, and memories we’ll treasure forever. That’s what makes this work so deeply rewarding.”

2. What makes your mission unique?

“My mission is simple yet deeply personal: to create immersive, joy-filled experiences that turn into cherished memories and moments that stay in your heart long after the journey ends. In a busy world, travel helps us slow down, look up, and fully appreciate the people we’re with and the world around us. In today’s fast-paced world, travel offers a rare opportunity to pause, reconnect, and renew our appreciation for people, our lives, what we value, and the world around us. My mission extends beyond leisure travel, it is also about helping companies use immersive travel experiences to reconnect with their core values, strengthen team alignment, and celebrate achievements in meaningful ways. Through thoughtfully curated retreats, incentive trips, and conferences at sea, I create environments that foster reflection, collaboration, and recognition. These experiences aren’t just rewarding; they’re transformative, providing leadership teams and employees with the space to refocus, build stronger relationships, and return to their work with renewed purpose and pride in what they’ve accomplished together.”

3. Who is the leader who has inspired you the most and why?

“Teddy Roosevelt has always stood out to me, not just as a historical figure but as a force of nature. He was bold, resilient, and endlessly curious. At every turn, he chose action over hesitation. He wasn’t afraid to chart his own path, whether building a business, exploring uncharted lands, or leading with fierce conviction. He lived with energy and purpose, turning challenges into opportunities and using travel and adventure as tools for personal growth and national impact. What inspires me the most is how he combined action with intention. Roosevelt didn’t just dream big, he did big. He believed in pushing boundaries, lifting others up, and protecting what mattered. His ability to lead boldly while staying grounded in values reminds me of the kind of legacy I want to leave behind. He showed that adventure can shape character, that action can drive change, and that meaningful experiences, whether on the battlefield, in the wilderness, or across a dinner table, can bring people together and inspire greatness. Roosevelt used travel not as an escape but as a way to grow, connect, and lead with conviction. From exploring the Amazon to protecting America’s national parks, Roosevelt believed that adventure shaped character and that shaped leaders. His energy, vision, and fearless pursuit of impact remind me why I do what I do: to help others experience the world in ways that inspire them to think bigger, live bolder, and connect more deeply with others and with themselves.”