This week, we’re featuring Saba Beyene, a passionate data leader at American Airlines and a valued member of Women Leading Travel. From leading high-performing teams to designing customer-centric strategies powered by AI and analytics, Saba brings both heart and insight to everything she does. Get to know her through this inspiring Q&A.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
I am currently reading “No Rules Rules” by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer. It offers a compelling look at how Netflix built a culture of innovation and accountability, something that resonates deeply with leading data, AI and analytics teams in a fast-evolving industry.

What do you love most about the industry?
The constant evolution. Travel and hospitality are dynamic, and being at the intersection of data and customer experience means you’re always learning and adapting to new behaviors and technologies.

What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a data nerd who stumbled into leadership and found my rhythm. Data is my compass; leadership is the journey. And I’m all in.

What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
Balancing strategic vision with day-to-day execution. It’s a constant balance between empowering your team and staying close enough to guide them effectively.

What are your nonnegotiables when it comes to work-life balance?
Protecting time for family and rest/sleep. I believe that when leaders model balance, it gives their teams permission to do the same.

What woman inspires you right now and why?
Emma Grede, CEO of Good American and host of one of my favorite podcasts, ”ASPIRE with Emma Grede”. Her commitment to empowering women and underrepresented communities is inspiring.

What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?
AI integration in the customer journey, Generative and Agentic AI are transforming how we analyze data, streamline revenue operations and personalize service.

What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
Curiosity. Skills can be taught, but a curious mind is what drives innovation and continuous improvement.

What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
That adaptability is my superpower. The past year has reinforced how important it is to stay flexible and open to change.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Lead with empathy, decide with data.” It’s a mantra that’s guided me through tough decisions and helped me build trust with my teams.

What values are most important to you as a leader?
Integrity, inclusivity and growth. I strive to create a culture where people feel safe, seen and supported to do their best work.

What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
I’m deeply committed to using data not just to drive business outcomes, but to create meaningful, human-centered experiences for our customers.

What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?
Over-communicate with intention. Create rituals like weekly pulse checks and virtual coffee chats to maintain connection and trust across locations.

Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?
Kyoto, Japan. The blend of tradition and innovation, the attention to detail and the serenity of the temples. It’s a masterclass in experience design.

What is the top item on your bucket list?
Travel to Marrakesh. I’ve never been to Morocco, but I can smell the food and spices in my head!

What do you do to recharge?
Long walks. They help me reset and return with a fresh perspective.

What is your biggest accomplishment?
Building a high-performing team from the ground up that transforms how our organization understands and acts on customer insights.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
You’re not lucky to be in the room; you’re qualified. You earned your seat, so own it.

What gets you up in the morning?
The opportunity to make a difference – whether it’s for our customers, our team members or the business.

What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
The community. It’s empowering to be surrounded by women who are not just leading, but lifting each other up.

Have a question or are inspired by her journey? Connect with Saba on LinkedIn.