Strategic Thinking Custom Learning Lasting Change

Strategic Thinking & Custom Learning

Greg DeShields Consulting LLC (GDC), led by Greg DeShields, a tourism industry executive and certified hospitality educator. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality operations, destination marketing, higher education, and workforce development, GDC provides a comprehensive approach to strengthening tourism ecosystems and developing talent.

GDC is actively involved with prominent tourism and hospitality organizations, including Skål International, the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, Meeting Professionals International, the Professional Convention Management Association, ASTA, and AHLA. He also collaborates with AHLEI, AAHOA, TOPC, PRSA, SHRM, and chambers of commerce at various levels.

GDC helps destinations, associations, and institutions leverage tourism to drive economic growth, promote equity, and create positive community impact.

At Greg DeShields Consulting LLC, we specialize in Customized Curriculum Design and professional development initiatives that prepare emerging talent to thrive in competitive industries. Our programs support organizations in building strong pipelines of future-ready professionals while aligning internal learning strategies with external workforce demands. A Leadership Journey: the non-linear journey from academic foundations to industry leadership, emphasizing that success is built through layered experiences, adaptability, and continuous learning.

We are proud to offer expanded Executive Coaching services, crafted to empower leaders, strengthen team performance, and navigate today’s complex organizational landscapes. Rooted in an integrated approach, our coaching emphasizes personal mastery as the foundation of effective leadership, driving impact that resonates across every level of the organization. Hospitality Leadership Key Lessons: Leadership in the hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, shaped by changing guest expectations, technological advancements, and global trends. To thrive in this dynamic environment, leaders must combine strategic foresight with emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a focus on team development.

Our Workplace Culture Assessment services provide organizations with the insights needed to achieve strategic goals and foster environments where all individuals can contribute and succeed. Tailored to your unique needs, these assessments deliver a clear roadmap for sustainable, people-centered change.

The process begins with a collaborative review of your current policies, practices, and workplace culture. Through stakeholder interviews, document analysis, and data review, we gain a deep understanding of your organizational landscape. Using both qualitative and quantitative tools such as surveys, focus groups, and cultural audits, we identify strengths, gaps, and key opportunities for improvement.

This analysis culminates in a comprehensive report with findings, tailored recommendations, and actionable strategies to drive measurable progress. From Action Planning to Strategic Planning, we partner with your leadership team to translate insights into a targeted plan that prioritizes improvements aligned with your organizational goals.

For organizations ready to move from planning to execution, we also provide Implementation Support services, defining initiatives, roles, resources, and timelines to ensure clarity, accountability, and long-term success.

About Greg DeShields, CDE, CHE

Biography

Greg DeShields, Executive Director & Principal Consultant and President of Skal Philadelphia, is a visionary nonprofit leader with over two decades of experience designing inclusive workforce development programs, fostering diversity-driven partnerships, and curating high-impact events across sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and economic development. His work builds communities, drives economic equity, and transforms organizational culture.

Greg is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE), and a licensed Diamond Inclusiveness Assessment Provider. He serves as Board President of Skål Philadelphia, board member of North Bay LGBTQ+ Community & Visitors Center, EBANMAN Inc., Greater Philadelphia Film Office, Green Book Experience, and Cheyney University's HRTM Program. He is also active in organizations like such as Cherry Hill African American Civic Association (CHAACA) Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People).

As a recognized speaker and thought leader, Greg brings together business leaders, policymakers, and communities to advance inclusive growth and economic mobility.

Current Clients

National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP)

The Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University

Greg DeShields Consulting is proud to lead a strategic education initiative in partnership with the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP)—developing a comprehensive asynchronous academic curriculum titled "Bridging Academia and Industry."

The Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University

An asynchronous academic curriculum, The Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University. Business Fundamentals Across the Tourism Economy. This curriculum targets junior and senior college students pursuing careers in business and tourism.

North Bay LGBTQ+ Community & Visitors Center

The Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University

North Bay LGBTQ+ Community & Visitors Center

The North Bay LGBTQ+ Community & Visitors Center connects our community to inclusive opportunities, vital resources, and each other—fostering a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for LGBTQ+ people and their allies. As both a community anchor and a welcoming hub for LGBTQ+ travelers.

NABHOOD Student Program

The Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership at Howard University

North Bay LGBTQ+ Community & Visitors Center

National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers Student Hospitality Program

Signature Presentations

COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP

IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIES WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION

Compassionate Leadership entails more than just being kind; it involves being deeply in tune with the needs and well-being of others and taking intentional actions to support and uplift those around you. measure its impact on society and the environment. improvement, develop a customized plan, and implement change to optimize your business.

IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIES WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION

The pivotal role of for continued success becomes evident.

IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIES WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION

The pivotal role of Implementation Strategy aligned with organizational goals and optimizing resource allocation for continued success becomes evident. This understanding empowers and instills confidence in business leaders, enabling them to make informed decisions about their strategic plans.

NAVIGATING THE PATH TO INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIES WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION

THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING LABS

NAVIGATING THE PATH TO INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

In today's rapidly evolving landscape, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become a moral imperative and a transformative strategic advantage for organizations across industries. The current state of DEI involves considering multiple dimensions, including progress made, ongoing challenges, and emerging trends.

THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING LABS

Programs and services are designed to support job seekers, employees, and employers in meeting the demands of the labor market, thereby opening up new career opportunities and personal growth prospects.

CONDUCTING AN ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT

THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING LABS

GROOMING AND DIVERSIFYING BOARD MEMBERSHIP

CONDUCTING AN ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT

An organizational assessment can be done through several methods, such as surveys, interviews, financial analysis, and SWOT analysis. This review can improve decision-making, organizational performance, responsibility, communication, collaboration, and employee morale and engagement.

GROOMING AND DIVERSIFYING BOARD MEMBERSHIP

THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING LABS

GROOMING AND DIVERSIFYING BOARD MEMBERSHIP

Board diversity aims to cultivate a broad spectrum of demographic attributes and characteristics in the boardroom.

Delores W. DeShields Endowed Scholarship

Temple University School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management

In 2007, the DeShields Family established the Delores W. DeShields Endowed Scholarship at Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM), the most significant contribution to the school at the time. Established in 1998, STHM has a distinguished tradition of preparing sports, recreation, tourism, and hospitality leaders.

Join us in making a profound difference in the lives of aspiring students through the Delores W. DeShields Endowed Scholarship at Temple University School of Sport Tourism and Hospitality Management. Your contribution to our scholarship fund can make a tangible difference by providing financial assistance to promising students who may otherwise struggle to afford their education.

Education is a powerful catalyst for change, opening doors to opportunity and empowerment.

Learn More

DISRUPTHR HudsonValley

What an innovative and inspiring evening!
The Inaugural Dutchess County DisruptHR at the historic The Hudson House & Distillery, overlooking the beautiful Hudson River, was truly a night to remember. Thank you, Marilyn Espinosa!

We did it! Congratulations to my fellow presenters contributing to the global conversation about the future of work!
Ary Aranguiz, CPTD, AIPM, Iraya Corley, Marcelina Mata, Louis Ortiz, and Benjamin Mills.

DisruptHR is a global event series that aims to challenge traditional HR thinking by hosting short, dynamic presentations on "disruptive" ideas for the future of work. The events feature speakers who have 5 minutes and 20 slides that rotate every 15 seconds to share new perspectives on topics like talent, culture, and technology.

Chamber of Commerce Southern NJ Community Volunteering

Junior Achievement of South Jersey

Thank You for Empowering the Next Generation!

Career Speakers at Camden High School on October 14, 2025!

JANJ is deeply grateful for your leadership, dedication, energy, and the generous gift of your time and talent. Your involvement has empowered 75 young people to take ownership of their economic success. Through your guidance, they’ve gained self-confidence and motivation to pursue their personal, educational, and career goals.

Thanks to your experience and encouragement, students have begun envisioning their futures with purpose and excitement.

Testimonials

“The career speakers were great. Their life stories, how they made it to where they are today, their companies, and what they work as, the best part for me was that I was able to learn from professionals and learn their secrets and history.” –Noor,12th grade
“I liked the information and skills being shared with the students from the volunteers most about the JA Career experience. I liked the length and passion the JA volunteers put into their presentation and the amount of interaction from them towards the students.” – Hamza, 12th grade

Strategic Thinking Custom Learning Lasting Change