This week, we’re proud to feature Delia Osegueda, Senior Director of Global Partnerships at Blue Diamond Resorts, as our Member Spotlight. With over two decades of experience in global sales and a passion for people-first leadership, Delia shares her thoughts on career growth, values and the joy of creating meaningful connections, both at work and at home.

  1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
    I recently read “The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace,” by Gary Chapman & Paul White, and I found it very insightful – a great read for leaders working with people from different backgrounds.
  2. What do you love most about the industry?
    What I love most about the travel industry is its resilience – the way we adapt, recover and even find new opportunities in the face of challenges. It’s an industry that constantly reinvents itself, and that spirit of perseverance and creativity is truly inspiring.
  3. What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
    Despite spending over 20 years in global sales and hospitality, my original career path was journalism – I wanted to write for a newspaper. But then I took a part-time job as a call center agent for an airline and discovered the wonderful world of tourism… and I haven’t looked back.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    Balancing the big picture with the individual needs of my team. As a leader, I have to make decisions that drive growth and profitability, but I never want to lose sight of the people behind the numbers. Finding that balance – between strategy and empathy – is both the greatest challenge and the most rewarding part of leadership.
  5. What are your nonnegotiables when it comes to work-life balance?
    Presence, boundaries and well-being. No matter how demanding my role becomes, I protect time with my family – being home for dinner, attending my daughter’s school events or taking real vacations without distractions.
    Disconnecting and recharging isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity to bring clarity, creativity and resilience into my work. I also prioritize physical and mental health because without that foundation, it’s impossible to lead effectively.
    Honoring these nonnegotiables doesn’t just serve me – it sets an example for my team. It shows that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of balance.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    The women entrepreneurs I work with through Programa Velasco in El Salvador, a nonprofit where I serve as a Board Member. Many of them are building businesses from scratch while raising families and navigating daily challenges. Their determination reminds me what perseverance and hope look like in action.
  7. What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?
    Sustainability under pressure – and demand.
    Climate-driven events like heatwaves and wildfires are disrupting traditional destinations and pushing us toward greener travel options. Sustainability remains a priority, but now investing in resilient infrastructure is essential.
    Our love for this industry comes with a responsibility: to protect natural resources and ensure that infrastructures can withstand the growing demand for travel – especially in developing countries that depend on tourism for economic stability.
  8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
    A genuine passion for hospitality.
    Skills and strategies can be developed, but what sets someone apart is their ability to connect with people, adapt to different cultures and represent themselves authentically. I look for that spark – that understanding that we’re not just selling rooms or destinations, we’re creating experiences that impact lives.
    If a candidate shows curiosity, resilience and a desire to collaborate across diverse teams and markets, I know they’ll thrive.
  9. What’s something you learned about yourself in the past year?
    That it’s okay to slow down and enjoy the moment.
    For so long, I’ve been focused on the next goal, but this past year reminded me that joy often comes from appreciating where I am right now – personally and professionally.
  10. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
     “Ask questions!”
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Empathy, transparency and respect.
    Hospitality is about people, and that starts with how we treat each other – both internally and with our partners. I believe in listening, being clear and creating an environment where people feel valued and empowered to bring their best.
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    That I lead with integrity and a genuine passion for what I do.
    Building trust and strong relationships is at the core of how I lead – whether with my team, partners or guests. Authentic connections are the foundation of lasting success.
  13. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?
    Be intentional with communication.
    In a hybrid setting, it’s easy for people to feel disconnected. I set clear expectations, use the right collaboration tools and create regular touchpoints to keep everyone aligned.
    I also balance structure with flexibility – people need to feel trusted and connected to the bigger vision. When communication is clear and inclusive, productivity and engagement follow.
  14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to, and why?
    There are still so many places I haven’t seen yet – I try to visit a new country every year. But I grew up in El Salvador and left before turning 20, so going home is always my favorite. It helps me reconnect with my roots and my loved ones.
  15. What is the top item on your bucket list?
    To hike El Camino de Santiago in Spain.
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    I love planning things (hospitality is in my blood!). Whether I’m planning an outing for my daughter and her friends, a school fundraiser or hosting a night in – those things really relax me. He, he, he!
  17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    Raising my daughter to be an independent, intelligent and kind young woman.
    Of all the milestones in my career and life, seeing her grow into her own person with confidence and compassion is what I’m most proud of.
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Celebrate the small wins.
    Leadership isn’t always about the biggest recognition or the loudest prize – it’s about showing up, improving yourself every day and staying true to your values. Progress is built step by step, and those moments of growth – no matter how small – are what ultimately shape you into a stronger leader.
  19. What gets you up in the morning?
    The certainty that, no matter what challenges the world is facing, there is always progress being made. Each day brings an opportunity to move forward, contribute and be part of that positive change.
  20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    Being part of a strong community that truly understands the unique challenges we face in an industry that’s still largely male-dominated.
    Having a network of inspiring leaders to relate to, share experiences with and turn to for advice is both a great gift and an incredible source of support.