This week, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Lizette Castaneda, a dynamic leader and passionate advocate for connection, community and innovation in the travel industry. With over a decade of experience and a visionary mindset, Lizette brings deep insight, emotional intelligence and unshakable optimism to her role — and to the Women Leading Travel & Hospitality community. Read on to learn what inspires her, how she recharges and the advice she has for the next generation of women leaders.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
A: “More Than Enough” by Elaine Welteroth

What do you love most about the industry?
A: The people. Travel industry professionals are resilient, passionate, courageous and empathetic.

What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
A: After 10+ years of experience, I still get nervous before every networking event. I have to self-talk before entering rooms or spaces where a lot is going on.

What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
A: Working with different personalities and communication styles can be tough. As a leader, it’s about meeting people where they are and finding ways to bring everyone together toward a common goal.

What are your nonnegotiables when it comes to work-life balance?
A: I commit to shutting my laptop down at a certain time, and if something really can’t wait, someone will call or text. Truthfully, I can count on one hand how many times that’s actually happened.

What woman inspires you right now and why?
A: Heather Condeluci. She’s a dear friend who inspires me every day. She’s both a leader and a connector of people. What I love most about her is that it’s never about titles—it’s about people. If someone needs help, she’ll step in or connect you with the right person who can.

What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?
A: AI, Agentic AI, personalization and how travelers are using LLMs to curate their travel experiences for themselves and for others. I love being part of this new evolution, and seeing AI as something that supports me — rather than something that will replace me — has been a game-changer.

What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
A: While I haven’t conducted interviews recently due to the nature of my current role, developing my leadership skills has taught me to value emotional intelligence above all else. Whether I’m collaborating with peers or mentoring others, I pay close attention to how people communicate, adapt and connect with those around them.

What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
A: I’ve learned that when I choose courage over self-doubt and quiet the inner critic, I’m capable of more than I imagined. This past year, I leaned into storytelling, connection and building community, and I realized how much joy I find in amplifying the voices of others.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: Don’t miss the opportunity to put the thing out there — the work you’ve created, whether it be art, a piece of writing or your expertise. Your inner critic will tell you to wait until it’s perfect. It’s perfect now, and the perfect time is this present moment.

What values are most important to you as a leader?
A: Integrity, compassion, self-awareness, empathy, and creating a safe space where everyone can share ideas and solutions.

What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
A: I am a creative and a visionary, which means I dream really big. And my unshakable optimism means I will keep trying.

What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?
A: Be intentional about check-ins. Create space for people to be vulnerable and share. Celebrate everyone.

Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?
A: I visited Tecate often as a kid — my family is from there. The warm memories and all the amazing food. Every time I get a chance to go back, it’s such a special treat.

What is the top item on your bucket list?
A: Own a boutique hotel.

What do you do to recharge?
A: Taking long baths with a book or a great podcast.

What is your biggest accomplishment?
A: Creating a habit of checking in with myself. I’m a big journaler and do a lot of introspective work. I’m proud that I’m at a place where I truly trust my intuition and am not afraid of taking risks.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
A: Be curious. Be willing to learn. And remember, when you’re in a leadership role, you’re there for a reason. You’re in that position because you’re worthy and you deserve it. You won’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. Don’t tell yourself you’re an imposter because of it. Instead, seek out other women who might have those answers. Lean on them.

What gets you up in the morning?
A: The excitement and anticipation of life.

What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
A: The community. Everyone shares the same vision and is willing to share their expertise.

Connect with Lizette on LinkedIn.

Are you a member interested in sharing your journey? Please reach out to your team, we’d be happy to feature you!