Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Busse is an accomplished hospitality sales executive with more than 20 years of industry experience and a proven track record in strategic sales, business development, relationship management, and revenue growth. She currently serves as Director of Sales, Worldwide Accounts – Intermediary Group Sales at Hilton Worldwide Sales, managing global accounts and partnerships in a remote capacity from Las Vegas, Nevada. Jennifer began her hospitality career in 2004 in food and beverage at a Hilton Garden Inn in South San Francisco before transitioning into sales, where she discovered her passion for building relationships and creating meaningful business opportunities. Throughout her career, Jennifer has steadily advanced into positions of increasing responsibility and leadership. She began working in group sales at an Embassy Suites, where she was promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing and spent six years overseeing budgets, teams, strategic partnerships, and revenue objectives. She later joined the Hilton San Diego Bayfront complex, managing group sales across three properties, before moving to The Venetian | The Palazzo in Las Vegas in 2018 as National Sales Manager focused on West Coast technology accounts. After gaining additional entrepreneurial experience managing short-term rental properties and serving with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Jennifer returned to Hilton Worldwide Sales, initially in business development before advancing to her current director-level role. Her leadership journey has been strengthened by influential mentors, including Kendra Haims, Stephanie Mathis, Eileen Corrigan, Julie Hills, and Kim Napolitano, whose guidance and example have helped shape her professional growth. Jennifer approaches her career with authenticity, curiosity, and a strong commitment to relationships and collaboration. She believes in staying humble and hungry, actively seeking mentors, asking questions, engaging with others, and being willing to roll up her sleeves and learn through experience. She encourages young women entering the hospitality industry to have the courage to speak up, share their ideas, take thoughtful risks, and embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. As a mother and grandmother, Jennifer also places tremendous value on family and maintaining a meaningful balance between her personal and professional life. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in purpose, faith, integrity, compassion, and a genuine love of people, with a focus on creating lasting partnerships and making a positive impact through every professional relationship.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my genuine love of people and my ability to build meaningful relationships by being authentic and creating space for others to be their authentic selves. I believe in leading with openness, honesty, and integrity while having the courage and grit to pursue what matters to me. I strive to make decisions that minimize regret and ensure I never look back thinking, “I was going to do that.” Most importantly, I have learned not to define my identity or success by material things, but by the relationships I build, the values I uphold, and the impact I make.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to lead with purpose and remain grounded in the values that define who I am. My faith shapes how I approach my work, leadership, and relationships, inspiring me to strive for Christ-like character through grace, integrity, compassion, and humility. I believe in recognizing the strengths and individuality of others, creating opportunities for them to grow, and leading with authenticity and intention. Ultimately, I measure success not simply by professional accomplishments, but by the positive influence I have on others and the meaningful difference I can make.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to stay curious, be humble and hungry to learn, and actively seek out mentors who can help you understand the field and expand your perspective. Ask questions, engage with others, and be willing to roll up your sleeves and gain experience firsthand. Don’t be afraid to take risks, try something new, or fail; every experience is an opportunity to learn and move forward. Most importantly, have the confidence to stand up in a room, share your ideas, and make your voice heard. Women should never sell themselves short or wait until they meet every qualification before pursuing an opportunity. Have the courage to step forward, believe in your abilities, and engage fully in the opportunities in front of you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field often come from change, uncertainty, and the need to continually adapt. Throughout my career, I have learned to view challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities to grow, take on greater responsibility, and discover what I am capable of achieving. I have embraced opportunities to advance, step into leadership roles, relocate, and take on new environments even when I did not have every answer. These experiences have taught me to learn by doing, take ownership, and trust myself to figure things out along the way. I believe the greatest opportunity is to remain open to change, have the courage to step outside of my comfort zone, and recognize that confidence often develops through experience rather than waiting until I feel completely ready.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, family, purpose, and genuine care for others. My faith comes first and keeps me rooted in Christ, reminding me to extend grace, lead with compassion, and treat others with humility and respect. Family is my second priority and provides the foundation that keeps me grounded and balanced. I strive to live a purpose-driven life in which my faith, family, and career are aligned, allowing me to approach my work with intention while maintaining what matters most. Above all, I have a deep love for people and value the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, support others, and make a positive difference in their lives.
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