Sue Polson is the global director of airline crew/distressed passenger sourcing for TA Connections. She has a great passion for the travel industry and more than 35 years of experience in the airline industry and hotel procurement field. Polson started her career at US Airways (now American Airlines) as a flight attendant and retired her wings after 20 years. At US Airways, Polson also served 10 years as a union rep for the flight attendants on the hotel committee. In her current role she manages a team of 25 sourcing managers globally, handling hotel/transportation procurement for over 100 airline clients. Polson is 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?
    “The Inspirational Leader” by Gifford Thomas
  2. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team?
    My whole team is WFH globally! We use Slack a lot to keep together as a team and I have bi-weekly meetings. No micro-managing as the team works best controlling their workloads.
  3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
    Not speaking up and worrying about ruffling feathers.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    Dealing with different personalities and cultures since my team is global.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
    Try to keep a positive outlook on everything. I remind the team we’re not doctors curing a disease; don’t overthink or overstress about tasks. Do your best and the best will happen!
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president of the BWH Hotel Group. She has had a remarkable career and is so respected in the industry. She has risen up to the ranks where men used to rule in the industry.
  7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry?
    Normalizing some and not being so chaotic — in airports, planes, hotels, etc.
  8. What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
    Positive attitude, good listener, independent worker, and someone that wants to learn and grow in the role
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    I’m OK being at home for stretches at a time. I traveled extensively for 35 years. I also learned I’m not ready to retire anytime soon!
  10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    Gabby Bernstein’s Dear Gabby podcast
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Honesty, integrity, respect, wisdom and humility
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I’m honest and true to my values. I will also have your back in any situation if you’re honest.
  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?
    Meditation every morning
  14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
    She always has a positive outlook and speaks her truth!
  15. What’s your favorite app?
    I love my weather app and Pinterest.
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    I swim every day (most every day).
  17. What’s your biggest accomplishment?
    Starting my career over after a 20-year career as a flight attendant and rising up the ranks in corporate America. Personally, adopting rescue dogs and providing a loving home.
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Don’t be afraid to speak up and let people hear your opinions. Go for the opportunities! Even the ones you don’t think you may get. Continue to learn throughout your life, both professionally and personally.
  19. What gets you up in the morning?
    Gratitude
  20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    Networking with women in the same industry!

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