The path to executive leadership is rarely linear, and the skills that help leaders reach the top continue to evolve. For women in travel, long-term success isn't just about delivering results. It's also about building meaningful relationships, cultivating a strong executive presence and making intentional choices about what comes next.
That was at the heart of our recent Women Leading Travel LinkedIn Live, The Executive Advantage: Network, Career & What's Next. I was joined by Nina Gold, Senior Consultant at Skift Executive Search, and Erica Cary, Vice President, Global Human Resources at Hilton, for a candid conversation about what it takes to advance and thrive at the executive level.
Together, we explored how senior women can build career-defining networks, why sponsorship and strategic relationships matter, and how leaders can use AI to strengthen their executive presence without sacrificing authenticity. Nina and Erica also shared practical perspectives for navigating career transitions, positioning yourself for new opportunities and investing in your leadership long before you're ready to make your next move.
Whether you're actively considering what's next or simply thinking more intentionally about your long-term growth, the conversation offers insights you can put into practice now.
Watch the full conversation on Skift's YouTube channel.
– Elisabeth Segura
Strategic Content Senior Manager
EDITOR’S PICKS
SKIFT RESEARCH
LEADER SPOTLIGHT
Member Spotlight: Jennifer Shafer, Regional Vice President – West, Associated Luxury Hotels International
From leading with empathy to embracing a full life in balance, this member shares the values, lessons and relationships that have shaped her approach to leadership. She reflects on resilience, the evolving role of AI, what she looks for in future leaders and why keeping your crown on matters.
JOB OF THE WEEK
Director of Guest Experience, Kona Village Resort, A Rosewood Resort
This Hawaii-based role oversees the arrival and departure experience for VIP guests, ensuring a seamless, personalized luxury experience from first impression to last. The role leads the CORE and Concierge departments while coordinating across hotel operations to address guest requests, resolve concerns and maintain exceptional service standards.
BECOME A MEMBER
Women Leading Travel provides executive women in the travel and hospitality industry a place where they can unite, educate and inspire one another — a trusted community of like-minded executive professional women.an empowering experience that left me energized and motivated.
To me, Women Leading Travel represents women who create opportunities within their organizations, across countries and cultures, and who help pave the way for others to thrive in this dynamic and inspiring industry
