Talent Profile

Talent Biography

A gifted storyteller with a scholar’s curiosity, Ashli Komaryk invites cruise guests to look beyond the postcard and discover the remarkable human stories behind each destination. Her presentations combine vivid storytelling, historical insight, beautiful imagery, humour and surprising facts to create experiences that are as entertaining as they are informative. Ashli holds a degree in Art History from the University of Parma, completed entirely in Italian, and an MBA from Canada. After living in Italy for fourteen years, she returned to Canada and built a multifaceted career as a university instructor, leadership coach, speaker, facilitator and published author. Her teaching has spanned leadership, organizational behaviour, change, and hospitality and tourism. Fluent in English and Italian, and trained as an Italian sommelier, Ashli brings cultural fluency and genuine enthusiasm to topics ranging from Mediterranean and Caribbean history, artistic genius, culinary traditions and heritage, personalities and the drama hidden within famous places.

Show Description

Many Destination and Coaching/Leadership presentations available. Please enquire for full lists.

DESTINATION EXAMPLES:

The Spirit of the Caribbean: Born in Barbados - Raise your glass to Barbados, where rum was born and adventure was bottled! From sugarcane fields to Royal Navy decks and pirate coves, explore how this golden spirit fueled commerce, camaraderie, and Caribbean culture. Discover the legacy of Mount Gay—the world’s oldest rum—and toast to the island that started it all.

Walled City Wonders: Exploring the Heart of Cartagena’s History through its UNESCO Treasures -Step into a living colonial masterpiece as we explore the ancient fortifications, shaded plazas, hidden courtyards, and vibrant alleys of Cartagena’s Walled City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, twelve km (7.4 miles) of coral-stone walls, imposing bastions, and ornate gateways whisper tales of pirates, empire, and resilience.

Revolution, Rivalry, and the Race to Build the Panama Canal A century ago, ambition, politics, and perseverance collided in the tropics. Discover how revolutions, rival nations, and relentless engineers turned an impossible dream into reality. From France’s pioneering vision to America’s monumental achievement, this is the gripping story of how the Panama Canal reshaped world history—and human ambition.

Trade Winds and Empire: Tales of Aruba and Curaçao - Step back into the rich history of the ABC Islands, where Dutch merchants, Spanish explorers, and island dreamers crossed paths. Though united under the Dutch crown, Aruba and Curaçao forged unique identities — one golden and cosmopolitan, the other colorful and cultural. Discover how empire shaped paradise.

From Aphrodisiacs to Spices: The Culinary Secrets of Ancient Ephesus - In ancient Ephesus, food was power—used to heal, seduce, and connect with the divine. Enter a world where every ingredient carried meaning and every meal told a story. With echoes of mystery and magic, this is more than a lecture—it’s a journey into the sensual soul of a lost civilization.

Bubbles & Brilliance: A Sparkling Voyage Through Italy, France, and Spain - Embark on an effervescent adventure through Italy, France and Spain, beyond Champagne and Prosecco, to uncover some surprises along with the traditions, techniques, and terroirs that make the sparkling wines of Europe legendary. Perfect for enthusiasts eager to deepen their appreciation and knowledge of Europe's finest bubblies.

Happy Hour, Italian Style! - The aperitivo is more than just a drink—it’s a way of life and a cherished ritual. Join Ashli to explore the history, customs, and signature cocktails of Italy’s beloved pre-dinner tradition. Learn how Italians turn an ordinary evening into a celebration of connection, conversation, and culture.

LEADERSHIP/COACHING:

Lead with Curiosity: The Coach-Like Leader - Today’s employees do not need leaders to have all the answers; they need leaders who can unlock the answers in others. Ashli introduces practical coaching skills that help leaders ask better questions, listen more deeply and build greater ownership, confidence and capability within their teams.

Leading Through Change with Grace and Confidence - Change may be inevitable, but confusion, resistance and disengagement do not have to be. Drawing on proven change-leadership principles, Ashli equips participants to manage their own responses, communicate with empathy and help others move forward with greater clarity and confidence.