Her Story
About Kristina
Kristina Shipley is a Director of Sales at a property in Portland, Oregon. With approximately 32 years in the hospitality industry, she began her career working as a waitress in hotel restaurants after college, then moved into food and beverage banquet roles, followed by reservations, and has spent about 28 years in sales. In addition to her role managing accounts and driving revenue for the hotel, she serves as president of the local Portland chapter of the Global Business Travel Association, organizing events and interacting with business travel managers and suppliers. She is also on the board of the Lloyd Center Community Association as membership chair, participating in meetings, events, and community cleanup efforts. Shipley earned an Associate of Arts degree from Mount Hood Community College and attended Arizona State University.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I feel like other people in my life have encouraged me. I wasn't sure that I was management material 30 years ago, and so I have people in my life that encouraged me and told me that I should try that. The support of other people in my life, and other women colleagues encouraged me, so I don't think I would be where I am if I didn't have that encouragement.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Just to continue to build relationships, surrounding yourself with people who encourage you to grow, and just kind of be yourself, and lifelong relationships and connections come from that.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Continue to build relationships, always be honest and thoughtful and listening to grow. Don't be afraid to take risks and chances. If you're interested in something, learn about it and ask questions and grow from there.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Travel is down in a lot of cities since COVID, but Portland itself experiences a lot of reputation challenges as well with their economy. Our specific market has been challenged just to drive business. There's a lot of different properties in the area. We're all competing for the same business, but trying to overcome some of that is definitely relationships. People book and do business with the people they know and trust.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Just being honest and kind of listening to other people, helping people succeed. I definitely like to collaborate as a leader, and I always want people to learn and grow from my experiences. I come across as like a mom type to a lot of my co-workers and previous co-workers, and they stay friends and clients as well.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.