Kris Endreson is a travel industry leader with over 20 years of cruise industry experience holding senior sales and marketing positions at both luxury and contemporary cruise companies. She’s the vice president of strategic sales at MSC Cruises USA. Endreson was vice president of sales for the Americas with SeaDream Yacht Club, director of global sales at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and as sales and marketing director for Crystal Yacht Expeditions and Crystal AirCruises. She earlier spent more than five years at Silversea, ultimately becoming vice president of sales for North America. Prior to Silversea, Endreson was a business development manager at Royal Caribbean where her passion for the cruise industry began. She’s also a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member! In this member spotlight, we asked her a series of questions so you can get to know her better.

  1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
    I read so much, its hard to say. But it’s mostly mind-numbing fiction — so nothing inspirational here from me!
  2. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team?
    To remember to take some time for yourself. Take that walk. It’s OK to step away.
  3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
    Not believing that everything happens for a reason and to trust yourself and your journey!
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    It’s never fun when someone is falling short on performance, but I look at that as an opportunity to coach them and to help them learn and grow.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
    I believe in the best of people. When they truly believe you believe in them and their abilities, you will get the best from them. Also, transparency and honesty is so important. Letting them know that it’s OK to voice their concerns and assuring them that we will overcome obstacles together.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    So many, but right NOW — Julia Child. Her story of tenacity and believing in yourself is so inspiring. She was a true pioneer.
  7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry?
    The cruise industry has been hit very hard due to the pandemic. We’re looking forward to coming back stronger than ever.
  8. What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
    Attitude
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    To take things in stride and take it one day at a time.
  10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    I just don’t really have time — unless I’m going on a super long road trip. I prefer to read.
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Honesty. Transparency. Communication. I lead by the Golden Rule: Treat others how you would like to be treated.
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I’m a super hard worker, but I don’t talk (or complain) about how hard I work. I just do it!
  13. What’s one habit you adopted while working from home that you kept/would like to keep with you as you return to the office?
    I’m now permanent WFH and I still struggle to find time for myself. But I’ve learned to turn it off after a certain time each day (for the most part!).
  14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
    I’m passionate about what I do and I truly care about the people I work with.
  15. What’s your favorite app?
    TikTok. YUP! (I follow people I can learn from.)
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    I love to watch period dramas. It’s my one true escape. I also mountain bike which I just don’t get to do enough. (My fault!)
  17. What’s your biggest accomplishment?
    My two amazing daughters. My oldest is a graphic designer and my youngest just graduated Summa Cum Laude from George Washington University with her graduate degree in Middle Eastern relations. Proud momma!
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Don’t be afraid to speak up and assert yourself!
  19. What gets you up in the morning?
    I’m so fortunate in that I love what I do so I embrace every day. I’m truly excited to start my days! (And equally happy at the end of them!)
  20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    Connecting and learning from other amazing women in our industry.

If you would like to become a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member or need additional information about our organization, click here.