Chantel Elloway is a dynamic entrepreneur whose impact extends far beyond the business realm. As the President and founder of CEPR, a globally recognized public relations and communications agency, she caters to diverse industries such as luxury tourism, Blockchain technology, FinTech, A.I., film, gaming, aerospace, and more. She strives for innovation, but always emphasizes sustainability and social responsibility behind any big trend and puts her efforts towards women empowerment, public health campaigns, and charitable foundations in Canada.
Q: Chantel, how does your extensive global travels shape your decisions as an investor and entrepreneur?
A: I’ve traveled to over 118 countries and learning from a diverse range of cultures has truly helped strengthen my emotional intelligence to understand on a micro and macro level the way people respond to current events, news, and trends better. It’s also helped me gain a broader perspective on economic dynamics on a global scale, growth opportunities in different regions and sectors, marketing strategy angles by understanding the various local values and behaviours, and how to navigate new or volatile environments and circumstances. Additionally, traveling all over the globe has further helped me manage and mitigate risk from a more empowered position, by identifying trends and issues more easily to make better informed investment decisions.
Q: In your extensive travels to over 118 countries so far, which country do you believe is ahead of the curve in terms of innovation, and why?
A: I’ve never been more excited than to live in the United Arab Emirates – the #1 place to live and thrive in any sector. I am especially grateful to live and work in a space where the UAE was the first in the world to create a Ministry for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications. The most potential for transformation can be found in Saudi Arabia and the UAE as both have a competitive advantage in attracting and nurturing talent for building the future. From cryptocurrency, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Real Estate developments and beyond – these regions in particular are truly on the path to being the global hub for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Q: As a Pioneering Woman in Web3, what would you like to see more of on a global level in more countries around the world?
A: As a Woman in Web3, I would love to see more access to educational resources and services as well as representation in more leadership positions to create more inclusivity, diversity and thought leadership. Additionally, I encourage more girls and women who are interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to participate in the many opportunities available. I would love to see an increase in the mentorship programs, networking platforms and more funding for start-ups and entrepreneurs alike globally. I achieved more financial freedom and great success in this space, and I encourage more women to learn and get involved, so they can also experience the unlimited possibilities and create an impact too as there are so many possibilities in these emerging sectors.
Q: Your passion for travel is organically combined with running a luxury travel communications company. What is it like to work from anywhere?
A: There is definitely more freedom, diverse contributions of intellectual, social and financial capital, and access to global talent. I love learning from cultures all over the world and have worked in and with regions in every continent. Mentorship and networking have been the foundation of my success. Through mentorship, I’ve personally learned how to better manage risk and reward, find support and exponentially maximize my POCD (people, opportunity, context and deal) framework.I love learning and listening to others, especially when it comes to technology development, the state of the economy, industry trends, market developments, regulatory changes and how we can collaborate together beyond borders and boundaries.
Q: How do you envision technologies like blockchain and AI reshaping the public relations or tourism industry?
A: Blockchain can help verify the authenticity of information and essentially foster more trust through the evolution of more media being created, where more users will have control over their data and how it’s being used on a global scale. Additionally, as these tools continually are being innovated and adoption increases, so will the way we communicate, monetize and utilize the power of transactions in relation to content creation, information and payments.
Communications professionals can utilize the beauty of artificial intelligence to help fine-tune their campaigns and messages, assist in creating more content, analyze engagement metrics and sentiment analysis, help identify and translate information, streamline outreach, as well as monitor social media and digital content to help identify a potential PR crisis more effectively or amplify a message more strategically.
Q: Navigating the high seas on “The Flying Fox” – the largest chartered yacht in the world for a month and flying on corporate jets with gyms on them must have been extraordinary. How do you envision the future of high-end travel evolving?
A: I am extremely grateful I’ve had the opportunity to experience this, but as I am becoming more conscious, I believe the future of high-end travel will also evolve in a more conscious way to protect the environment and with more elevated experiences to optimize the health of the guest/customer and the planet. I also believe more artificial intelligence technologies will be implemented with Bespoke Luxury Fitness and Social Wellness hotels, traveling sustainably, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact through eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local communities, participating in conservation effort as well as more and more individuals will be paying for their vacations and experiences with cryptocurrency such as with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins such as Tether and the LIF3.com ecosystem, which includes $LIF3 and/or $L3USD.
Q: From your vast travel experience, could you pinpoint a destination that unexpectedly became a source of inspiration for your entrepreneurial ventures?
A: I would definitely have to say living in China and Japan taught me many “soft” skills, the art of communication, how to connect better on the human and cultural levels, and the art of negotiation. However, I learned how to perfect these skills in Europe. When I began running my communications company over a decade ago, I started off working with boutique hotels across Europe and sailed the Mediterranean working with the top hospitality, wellness and luxury brands in the world. Europe will always be the premier region for inspiration when it comes to this but the Middle East is the future of innovation and development.
Q: Given your unique perspective as both an entrepreneur and a world traveler, how do you see the intersection of technology and travel enhancing the wellness industry?
A: I have personally flown across the world in search of the best Wellness and Luxury Spa Retreats, Biohacking and Longevity facilities in the world. The most life-changing experiences were at: “SHA WELLNESS CLINIC” in Spain (they also have other locations) as well as ”LIFESPAN SPORTS MEDICINE CLINIC” located in DUBAI, UAE. They are both ahead of the curve when it comes to elevated health and accelerated healing in the wellness and longevity space.
Q: As a Canadian adapting to life in the Middle East, what cultural aspects have you found most enriching, and how have they influenced your perspective on both work and personal life?
A: The UAE has a “Ministry of State for Happiness and Wellbeing”. I think this is so beautiful.There is so much respect, emphasis on safety and cultivating positivity and optimal wellbeing as a way of life to enrich the greater happiness of the nation. I really admire how in the UAE they operate on a frequency of love and abundance vs. fear and scarcity. I believe many countries can learn from the UAE on how to aspire to be more like this.
Entrepreneur & Investor: Chantel Elloway
Artwork: @enzianni_art
Photography: @aviva.ae
PR: @say__media