Leader of the Year Awards 2025

Overall Winner

Mayank Khamesra 

Guiding trips across India since 2017, Mayank Khamesra, better known to many travellers as Moon, is praised again and again for his warm, calm confidence, thoughtful organisation and steady presence that makes his groups feel immediately at ease.  

Born and based in Udaipur, Rajasthan, Mayank didn’t set out to become a tour leader. He studied French, spent time living near Avignon, and once imagined a future in teaching. But after returning to Udaipur, he began showing French visitors around his hometown, and their curiosity encouraged him to change his career path. Determined to share Udaipur properly, he started reading, researching and learning the city’s history and legends in depth – and later joined Exodus as a guide in 2017. 

Runner Up

Tim Stephens

A runner-up who truly lives and breathes the mountains, Tim Stephens is praised for his dedication, high standards and the calm confidence he brings to every day on the trail. After 10 years racing on the Adventure Racing World Series circuit, he’s become the kind of leader travellers trust completely; strategic, safety-first and endlessly attentive. A keen photographer, Tim knows exactly where to find the best viewpoints, which only adds to those extra memorable moments in Mont Blanc. 

Runner Up

Glenda Araya

If there’s one thing travellers agree on, it’s that Glenda Araya makes Costa Rica come alive. Her passion for wildlife is impossible to miss, and she has a rare talent for spotting the smallest details, then sharing them in a way that gets everyone excited. Add in her inclusive leadership style and thoughtful care for every traveller, and it’s easy to see why she’s been named one of our 2025 runners-up. 

Runner Up

Biju Badri Kumar

A very worthy runner-up, Biju Badri Kumar has been delighting Exodus travellers since 2005 – swapping a call-centre headset for the call of Kerala’s backwaters, and never looking back. From the first warm Namaste, groups praise his calm kindness and remarkable knowledge, spanning flora and fauna, history and culture. Nominations also highlight his storytelling, making long journeys fly by with tales of local deities and Keralan cooking, alongside the steady support he gives the group throughout. 

Best Team Award

India – Biju, Mayank & Santosh

Some leaders are brilliant on their own – this new award for 2025 celebrates a team that delivers brilliance together. Our Best Team Award goes to Biju, Mayank and Santosh in India, recognised as the most consistently nominated team across all the countries we visit. Time and again, travellers praised the smooth organisation, thoughtful support and outstanding service that made their adventures feel effortless. 

Join Biju, Mayank & Santosh on our India Tours.

Highly Commended 

Sara Bull 

With a long record of leading and previous Leader of the Year wins, Sara Bull is Highly Commended for the consistently brilliant feedback she receives. Travellers describe her as caring, professional, knowledgeable and funny, with a knack for making everyone feel in safe hands. 

Highly Commended 

Fatima Dzehverovic 

New to guiding but already making her mark, Fatima Dzehverovic is Highly Commended for her natural leadership and standout customer feedback. Travellers praise her knowledge, enthusiasm and willingness to help, creating a group atmosphere that feels relaxed, welcoming and well looked after.