Her Story
About Kristen
Kristen Czarny serves as Vice President of Sales at Transcend Cruises with sole focus’s of developing the Vorporate/ Incentive market. She is based in Chicago, Illinois, bringing more than two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and international sales.
Her career began in hospitality as a bartender before progressing through operations, events, and sales roles at distinguished properties, including Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, SOFITEL, Mayakoba and Fairmont/ Raffles Hotels.
Her experiences across these organizations helped shape her passion for incentive travel, relationship development, and creating memorable experiences for corporate and group clients. Over the course of her 22-year career in the hotel industry, Kristen has worked across the United States, the Caribbean, Canada and international markets, including leadership roles with renowned luxury brands. In August 2026, she began a new chapter with Transcend Cruises, where she leads corporate groups for private luxury river-cruise charters. Her expertise focuses on developing innovative and flexible international river-cruise experiences, with itineraries ranging from 1 night and beyond. This flexible approach creates compelling options for corporate groups and busy executives while introducing clients to a distinctive format for meetings, incentives, and experiential travel while engaging a demographic to a cultural personalized experience. The technology and Wellness Spa is something that has not been seen in the river cruise industry. Kristen holds a BBA in Business Management and Sociology from Western Michigan University, along with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Holistic Sociology. She credits her education in sociology with strengthening her ability to understand people, anticipate client needs, and build authentic relationships in an industry centered on service and human connection. An active member of the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF), Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP), SITE and Envoyage, Kristen is committed to continued professional growth and industry engagement. She attributes her success to her genuine passion for her work, emphasizing that meaningful professional fulfillment comes from believing in what she represents, building trust, and creating value for clients rather than being motivated solely by compensation.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristen
01What do you attribute your success to?
Honestly, I think my success comes down to actually caring about what I do. I’ve always been picky about the opportunities I take — looking for what lines up with what I value, not just what looks good on paper. I’ve learned that passion is what actually drives me, in a way that nothing else really replaces. When I believe in what I’m working on, I show up with more energy and commitment, and that’s what pushes me to do my best work.
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02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is, “Don’t stop applying.” I took that advice beyond traditional job opportunities by applying to panels, conferences, and breakout sessions as a speaker. Those experiences pushed me outside the boundaries of my day-to-day role, challenged me to think differently, and opened doors to new perspectives, relationships, and opportunities.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to lead with your heart and remain true to who you are. Do not change yourself to fit someone else’s expectations; instead, embrace your strengths, values, and unique perspective. I also encourage women to support and uplift one another rather than viewing each other as competitors. The right colleagues and peers can challenge you, inspire your growth, and make you better. When women support one another, share opportunities, and celebrate each other’s success, we become stronger together and create a more inclusive and empowering industry for everyone.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is overcoming clients’ initial hesitation toward river cruising, particularly those who believe it is not the right fit for them. At the same time, this presents a tremendous opportunity to introduce them to new and innovative travel experiences. The flexibility of cruise lengths, ranging from one-night venue needs, to 2 night executive board meeting, or a 4+ night incentive and more - it’s truly endless capabilities; makes river cruising especially appealing to busy executives and CEOs who may not have the time for a long face value time. By offering options that fit different schedules and lifestyles, I can help clients discover the unique value of river cruising- by bringing them to experience unreachable location- while still being productive & collaborative for their companies success.
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 trust, hard work, empathy, patience, and kindness. I believe trust is the foundation of any meaningful relationship, both personally and professionally, and I deeply appreciate people who demonstrate a strong work ethic and commitment to what they do. I also strive to lead with empathy and patience, recognizing that everyone may be facing challenges that are not immediately visible. Above all, I believe in treating others with kindness, respect, and understanding, because a compassionate approach can make a lasting difference.
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