As we mark International Women’s Day and celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting two extraordinary women who have helped redefine what leadership looks like in the travel advisor space—breaking barriers, inspiring peers and leaving a powerful imprint on the industry.

Through decades of leadership, advocacy and innovation, both Kathryn Mazza-Burney, Chief Sales Officer at TRAVELSAVERS, and Nicole Mazza, who oversees marketing and supplier relations for travel agency network TRAVELSAVERS and its sister networks, The Affluent Traveler Collection and NEST, have helped shape the business strategies and partnerships that support thousands of travel advisors today.

Guiding Advisors Through Change—and Leading by Example
We asked Kathryn Mazza-Burney to reflect on the career moments that influenced her leadership approach and the guidance she offers women entering the industry today.

Recommend magazine: What experiences in your career have most shaped your leadership style in the travel industry?

Kathryn Mazza-Burney: Moments of real pressure have shaped me far more than any routine success ever could. Working in such a competitive industry forces you to stay sharp. But it’s the catastrophic events —the ones that shake travelers’ confidence—that truly define your leadership.

When everything feels uncertain, my team and I have learned to outshine others by doubling down on customer service and clear, steady communication. Those experiences taught me that people don’t just need answers; they need reassurance. They need to feel someone is leading with clarity and calm. Guiding my team through those high‑stakes situations has made me a more grounded, empathetic leader. It’s where I’ve seen the real power of showing up for people when it matters most.

Recommend magazine: What moment in your career made you feel your voice truly influenced change?

Kathryn Mazza-Burney: There was a moment when I realized my voice wasn’t just being heard. It was actually steering the conversation. Travel is such a high‑touch industry, and I knew we needed to elevate the human element in our relationships with our affiliated travel agencies. Our team of Business Analysts became true consultants to our agencies, working 1:1 with them to customize action plans to help them be more successful.

Soon, I saw competitors trying to follow our lead with a higher level of agency service. That was the moment it clicked for me: The industry was trying to catch up to what we’d already achieved. Knowing that an initiative I championed helped shape broader change made me feel both proud and energized to continue leading the way in travel.

Recommend magazine: What advice would you give to women entering the travel industry today who aspire to leadership roles?

Kathryn Mazza-Burney: I’d counsel women to step into the travel industry with both heart and intention. Our industry is fueled by our passion for travel, but leadership takes more than passion alone. It’s about strategy, success and influence—and don’t be shy about wanting those. Be clear that you want to lead. Say it out loud. Own your ambition early and unapologetically, because no one can advocate for a goal you keep hidden.

At the same time, build your circle. Be intentional about the relationships you invest in, because this industry runs on trust and connection. Passion will open doors, but confidence is what moves you through them and into leadership. When you combine both, you create momentum that’s hard to ignore.

Turning Challenge into Connection and Change
From leading through crisis to advocating for advisors at the national level, Nicole Mazza reflects on the experiences that continue to shape her leadership perspective.

Recommend magazine: What experiences in your career have most shaped your leadership style in the travel industry?

Nicole Mazza: The period that most shaped my leadership style was navigating through the pandemic. It showed me that empathy is not optional, vulnerability is not weakness and the strength of your leadership is directly tied to the strength of the people you choose to lead with.

The crisis made it impossible to lead on autopilot. Every day we faced tough decisions and a level of emotional vulnerability I had never experienced as a leader. As women, we’re often taught that showing emotion is a weakness, but I learned the opposite. Leading with compassion and empathy was essential for both our staff and our customers. Being open about the challenges we were all facing created trust, connection and clarity when everything else felt uncertain. It also reinforced how vital my team was and the importance of surrounding myself with strong, empathetic leaders who could steady others through uncertainty.

Recommend magazine: What moment in your career made you feel your voice truly influenced change?

Nicole Mazza: One of the most meaningful moments has been participating in ASTA’s Legislative Day. I’m fortunate to serve on several industry and supplier boards, and it is amazing to see positive change with travel brands as an outcome of those meetings, but having the chance to sit across from government leaders and advocate directly for the issues affecting travel advisors is incredibly powerful. Whether we’re addressing federal regulations, agency protections or the broader needs of our industry, knowing that my voice (and the collective voice of our industry) can help shape policy and drive real change has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

Recommend magazine: What advice would you give to women entering the travel industry today who aspire to leadership roles?

Nicole Mazza: First, build relationships intentionally. This industry thrives on partnerships. Find mentors but also find peers who challenge and support you. Your network will become one of your greatest assets.

Second, advocate for yourself early and often. Women in travel bring perspectives that are essential to shaping the future of the industry, but those perspectives need to be heard. Ask for the project, the promotion, the seat at the table.

Finally, stay curious. Travel is about discovery, and the leaders who succeed are the ones who keep learning, about technology, customer behavior and global trends. Curiosity keeps you adaptable and adaptability keeps you relevant.