BCD Travel CEO Stephan Baars makes time to run several times a week, using the miles as part of his mental reset. This fall, he’ll channel those miles into a fall mission to help end modern slavery.
In October, Baars will join 100 BCD colleagues and hundreds of other runners and walkers for the TUI Palma Marathon in Mallorca. The run is a fundraising effort in support of A21, a global nonprofit working to end modern slavery.
A cause rooted in purpose
The idea started simply. During a company event, after an early morning jog, BCD Senior Vice President Lutz Nauert asked Baars, “Why don’t we run for a good cause?” That question quickly turned into action.
“We’re raising funds and awareness to bring light and hope to people trapped in one of the darkest injustices of our time.”
Stephan Baars, CEO, BCD Travel
BCD secured sponsorships for 100 employees to run and raise funds for A21. The goal: raise $50,000 and drive awareness of human trafficking—an issue affecting an estimated 50 million people worldwide, including 12 million children. As the initiative took shape, BCD chose a motivational claim to unite and inspire participants: Join the Race. Fund the Fight. End Modern Slavery. It’s a simple but powerful message that reflects the spirit of the campaign and the impact we hope to make together.
“We’re raising funds and awareness to bring light and hope to people trapped in one of the darkest injustices of our time,” Baars wrote on LinkedIn about the run.
For over five years, BCD has partnered with A21 to fund rescue, rehabilitation and prevention programs. Our other anti-trafficking initiatives include:
- Training employees to recognize and report trafficking.
- Advocating across the industry at global events.
- Raising funds and sponsoring initiatives like “Run for Freedom.”
- Engaging suppliers to join the fight.
BCD is also a signatory to The Code—short for The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism. By joining The Code, BCD pledges to implement child protection measures in its operations, raise awareness with employees and partners, and report suspected cases of exploitation.
Deeper reflections on leadership
Baars said the training journey taught him three things:
- Mental health is non-negotiable. Leaders must model what it means to care for both body and mind—not just for themselves, but for their teams.
- Purpose drives performance. When your “why” is rooted in something meaningful, you show up differently—with more focus, resilience and motivation.
- Leadership is action. It’s not just strategy or statements. It’s about using your platform to lift others—in business and in life.
How you and your organization can take action
Human trafficking is a global crisis—but working together can make a difference. Whether you’re an individual, a team leader, or part of a large organization, your actions matter:
- Educate yourself and your teams. Learn the signs of trafficking and how to report suspicious activity. Free resources are available through A21.
- Support anti-trafficking nonprofits. Consider partnering with organizations like A21 through donations, sponsorships, or fundraising events.
- Join The Code. If you’re in the travel or tourism industry, commit your organization to The Code’s six steps to protect children from exploitation.
- Use your platform. Share information, stories, and campaigns to keep this issue visible in your networks.
- Encourage corporate responsibility. Advocate for anti-trafficking clauses in supplier agreements and company policies.
More than running
Whether on the road, in the office or in our communities, the steps we take to fight exploitation can create a ripple effect. By educating others, investing in prevention, and standing against exploitation, we bring hope and freedom to those who need it most.
Join the Race. Fund the Fight. End Modern Slavery.
