Maria Llanso is the director of marketing at Suviche Hospitality Group. She is also a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality! In this spotlight, we asked Llanso a series of questions about her work, travel, goals, leadership philosophies and more so you can get to know her better.

  1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
    I recently enjoyed “Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age” by Jonah Berger. It offers valuable insights into creating viral marketing campaigns.
  2. What do you love most about the industry?
    I love the industry’s dynamic nature and the constant opportunity for creativity and innovation. It’s an ever-evolving field.
  3. What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
    I managed my dog’s influencer social media accounts in my free time. He has 30,000 followers. @bullyfambam.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    Balancing the diverse needs and expectations of team members, guests, and stakeholders can be challenging but it’s also rewarding.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
    I believe in setting a clear vision, providing autonomy, and recognizing individual contributions. Effective communication and trust are key.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    Sheryl Sandberg continues to inspire me with her advocacy for women in leadership and her commitment to gender equality in the workplace.
  7. Where do you believe the future of the industry is headed?
    I see the industry becoming more tech-driven, with a focus on personalization and sustainability as major trends.
  8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a potential candidate?
    I look for a candidate’s adaptability and willingness to learn. The industry evolves quickly, and we need team members who can keep up.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    I’ve learned the importance of work-life balance and self-care to maintain effectiveness in my role.
  10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    All of Tony Ribbons’ podcasts.
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Integrity, empathy, and accountability are fundamental values I prioritize as a leader.
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    People should know that I’m dedicated to achieving results through collaboration and innovation.
  13. Do you prefer to work in the office, at home, or hybrid?
    I believe in a flexible work approach and support a hybrid model that allows team members to choose what works best for them.
  14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
    I have a special affinity for Rome, Italy. The culture, food, and architecture there are truly captivating.
  15. What is a top item on your bucket list?
    I dream of visiting the Galápagos Islands to experience its unique wildlife and pristine natural beauty.
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    To recharge, I enjoy practicing yoga and spending quality time with my family and English bulldog.
  17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    My biggest accomplishment is leading a successful rebranding campaign that significantly increased brand recognition and revenue.
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    I would advise them to have confidence in their abilities, seek out mentors, and never be afraid to take risks.
  19. What gets you up in the morning?
    The opportunity to make a positive impact in the industry and inspire my team members to reach their full potential.
  20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    I value the network of like-minded women who share their experiences, insights, and support. It’s a great platform for collaboration and empowerment in the industry.

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