Leading Sales Transformation & Change

Grant Van Ulbrich, MSc, Doctoral Candidate, He/Him/His

A native from the U.S. State of Kansas, Grant embraced change and followed in the steps of his grandfather, father, uncles, and brother in serving in the US Navy. His designation was an Air Traffic Controller during the “Southern Watch” campaign of the Persian Gulf War while serving onboard the USS Carl Vinson CVN 70 Aircraft Carrier.

Post military service, Grant continued leading change by championing sales leadership roles in the multi-family apartment community throughout the San Francisco Bay Area before following his true passion for the sea in the cruise industry.

With nearly 20 years selling and sailing across oceans, Grant has served many years working onboard cruise ships and shore side in leadership roles in sales, operations, revenue and launched the first modern luxury retail travel outlets at sea with Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International. He also launched the cruise industry’s first office of Diversity and Inclusion, and now is leading the way within the sales transformation sector for the Royal Caribbean International for the EMEA, APAC, LACAR global regions.

Living in the Fort Lauderdale - Miami area, Grant continues his sales academic and professional career by leading in continuous sales transformation and change management. He is the first member in the travel and tourism industry to graduate the master's MSc in Professional Practice Leading Sales Transformation with Consalia, Ltd., and Middlesex University, and with honors. He is a doctoral candidate in the Doctorate Professional Studies by Public Works at Middlesex University of London. And he is a certified sales transformation coach through Consalia and the Institute of Leadership and Management. Grant is also a Founding Fellow of the Institute of Sales Professionals (www.the-isp.org).

With Sincere Appreciation

I would like to give special thanks to my head professor, colleague, and mentor, Dr. Phillip Squire, CEO of Consalia Ltd in London for leading change in me through his continued guidance, leadership and mentor-ship not only during the masters, but in support of setting up our first division of Sales Transformation at Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Singapore and South East Asia, Australia & New Zealand, and Latin America and Caribbean regions.

Consalia, Ltd are the sales leaders and innovators of sales research to include consultancy, business school, and academic research in partnership with Middlesex University and Leeds Trinity University.

For more information please go to: www.consalia.com.

Brian Tilley is a change management champion and the CEO of The Leaf Solution in London and has been my executive coach for this past two years. Together, he and my supervisor Stuart Leven, encouraged me to pioneer this new Sales Transformation journey with RCG and embark on the masters program. He was my coach alongside Consalia, Ltd., to build RCG's first digital sales academy called SPARK which instructed and guided sales professionals in the latest sales science and psychology in how to perform in their roles.

For sales consultancy, coaching, and guidance contact him at www.theleafsolution.com

Stuart Leven who was my former VP and Managing Director of EMEA at RCG. Sincere thanks for your mentor-ship, fellowship, camaraderie and guidance on this journey and championing the change in me. We are never to old to start learning. Thank you for being my champion.

Sean Treacy, my former SVP International RCG. I could not be more blessed to have both Stuart and Sean back to back, amazing supervisors and investors in employee development and care. Sean has embraced all that I've created under Stuart and together, we've expanding our platform and programs throughout all of international. Thank you so much for your investment in me and also into SCARED SO WHAT for our teams and our B2B travel partners.

And Finally, I'd like to give special thanks to Josue Santiago, Global Change Leader, for his support and dedication in making the SCARED Quiz a valuable asset for others. Thank you so much Josue for your contribution and validation of the model and tools.

The Oxford Review

A proud member of The Oxford Review where research is reviewed and shared with other academics and business community members in order to share the advancement of knowledge and collaboration.

The Association of Professional Sales

A Fellow of the Association of Professional Sales, an organisation in partnership with the government of the United Kingdom, in the advancement and professionalization of persons within the sales community. Bringing sales ethics to the forefront and championing further sales education, accreditation, and leading with the highest credentials possible.

The Institute of Sales Professionals

A Founding Fellow of the Institute of Sales Professionals, an organisation in partnership with the government of the United Kingdom, in the advancement and professionalization of persons within the sales community. Bringing sales ethics to the forefront and championing further sales education, accreditation, and leading with the highest credentials possible.

Royal Caribbean International

Grant serves as the International Director of Sales Transformation for Royal Caribbean International. Leading sales transformation through education, coaching, advancement of knowledge, professional accreditation and academic research in sharing and transferring knowledge.

Royal Caribbean International is known for driving innovation at sea and has continuously redefined cruise vacationing since its launch in 1969. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel and pushes the envelope of what is possible on a cruise ship. Onboard, the global cruise line has debuted countless industry “firsts” – such as rock climbing, ice skating and surfing at sea – to capture the imagination of families and adventurous vacationers alike. Throughout, guests sail on exciting itineraries to some of the world’s most popular destinations and enjoy Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging service.