Ep 002: Beyond the Guidebook: Building a Heart-Centered Travel Business in a Changing World.
Discover a side of Istanbul most travelers never see. In this episode of Consciously in Business, Starre Tearney sits down with Monty Karataş, founder of The Other Tour Istanbul, to explore how travel can be more than sightseeing—it can be connection, culture, and conscience.
Monty shares how he created immersive, values-driven experiences that reveal the real Istanbul—its people, food, and neighborhoods—while challenging the traditional “tourist guide” model. He also talks honestly about running a business in a country facing economic challenges, the role of generosity in Turkish culture, and why conscious entrepreneurship matters now more than ever.
Key takeaways from this episode:
🌍 How to create meaningful, authentic travel experiences beyond typical sightseeing tours
💡 Lessons in conscious business, ethical leadership, and resilience
🇹🇷 Insights into Turkey’s culture, economy, and hospitality
🤝 How connection, curiosity, and courage can transform both business and travel
❤️ Why experiences matter more than material things—for travelers and locals alike
Whether you’re a traveler seeking authentic adventures, an entrepreneur striving to align business with values, or simply curious about Istanbul and conscious living, this episode will inspire you to travel deeper, lead with heart, and connect more meaningfully with the world.
✨ Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about the people you meet and the experiences you create.
To Learn more about Monti & The Other Tour, check them out at:
https://theothertour.com/
https://www.instagram.com/theothertouristanbul/
And check out some of the other incredible things Monti has his hand in…
universityTravel.org is a crowd-sourced platform that raises money for university students who can’t afford their faculty-led trips