Alexander Koltsov, CEO of Amsaan Accessible Tours: Each week, My Morning Routine looks at how a successful member of the community starts their day — and then throws in a couple of random business questions just for fun. Speaking to us this week is Alexander Koltsov (LinkedIn), CEO of Amsaan Accessible Tours. Edited excerpts from our conversation:
I’m Alexander Koltsov, the CEO of Amsaan Accessible Tours. I have a deep background in leisure, travel, and tourism, and I’m known for my expertise in negotiation, tour operations, and event management, with a focus on driving business development.
My role revolves around crafting our company’s tourist offerings, negotiating with service providers, and ensuring optimal prices. I lead the team and report to the board of directors, overseeing management and brand development. I focus on nurturing talent, driving performance, and ensuring our brand resonates not only with our client base but also with business representatives who are willing to open their doors to deaf travelers.
Amsaan Accessible Tours was born from firsthand experiences witnessing the challenges faced by deaf travelers. Our mission is to make travel accessible to everyone, without exception. We are already creating inclusive tours that are 100% guided by a deaf team using sign language. This makes travel for deaf tourists unforgettable, highly safe, and comfortable. On the other hand, we also raise society’s awareness of existing accessibility issues and the importance of barrier-free environments in the modern world.
Sustainable tourism is the biggest trend in the industry right now, captivating attention with initiatives to minimize environmental impact, promote cultural engagement, and support local economies, including eco-friendly accommodations and community-focused experiences.
My mornings kick off with a brisk walk or a quick workout to get my blood flowing and boost my energy levels. After that, I take a few moments for mindfulness or meditation to center myself and set a positive tone for the day ahead.
Afterward, I dive into my day by checking emails and reviewing my calendar to prioritize tasks. [I usually have a] cup of coffee or tea while I jot down the top three priorities for the day on a sticky note, keeping things focused and manageable. Once I’ve mapped out my morning tasks, I dive right in.
I try to limit distractions during this time to maintain momentum. Throughout the morning, I also make sure to take short breaks to stretch, hydrate, and recharge as needed.
By mid-morning, I’ve usually knocked out the most important items on my to-do list. This sets a positive tone for the rest of the day and gives me a sense of accomplishment. Before I dive into meetings or calls, I take a moment to review my goals so I can stay aligned with my
priorities.
A typical workday for me is a blend of strategic planning, collaboration, and proactive communication. I begin by reviewing my priorities and setting clear objectives for the day ahead. Throughout the day, I engage in strategic planning sessions to align our team’s efforts with our long-term goals and objectives.
Collaboration is key in my role, so I spend a significant portion of my day working closely with team members, brainstorming ideas, and problem-solving. Whether it’s developing new tour packages, refining our marketing strategies, or addressing operational challenges, I’m actively involved in finding solutions and driving progress.
Communication is at the core of everything we do, so I make sure to stay in constant contact with our team members, stakeholders, and partners. Whether it’s through meetings, emails, or calls, I ensure that everyone is on the same page and that we’re all working towards our shared vision.
As the day progresses, I also dedicate time to address any unexpected issues that may arise. By the end of the day, I take stock of our accomplishments and identify any areas for improvement. In the evenings, I enjoy quality time with family, cultural experiences like theater and concerts, travel adventures, and indulging in my hobby of numismatics.
What’s next for me? I’m committed to ongoing growth and development. I want to continue to explore opportunities for education, career advancement, and industry leadership, while staying updated on emerging trends and best practices.
I advise people to study foreign languages. This advice, received from a mentor, taught me the value of language skills in personal and professional growth.