Exclusive Q&A: 20 Questions with Linda Beltran, VP of Corporate Communications at Holiday Inn Club Vacation

Linda Beltran is the vice president of corporate communications at Holiday Inn Club Vacations. She’s also a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member! In this member spotlight, we asked Linda a series of questions about both her professional role and personal life, including the woman who inspires her, her leadership style, her advice for the next generation of female leaders, and much more.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

My work and travel schedule do not allow time for me to be an avid book reader, which is something I lament, because I’ve always enjoyed reading. However, I did dive into the new Barbra Streisand bio, “My Name is Barbra”, and I have been enjoying uncovering details that I didn’t know, despite being a huge fan. However, next on my list is “All the Worst Humans: How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons, and Politicians” by Phil Elwood, which details the life and times of a PR pro. It should be fascinating!

What do you love most about the industry?

For me it is the network of friends, who have become like family, that I’ve made and who are now spread across the globe. I recently returned from a trip to Japan, where I lived and worked for two-and-a-half years. During my visit, I reunited with several of my former Ritz-Carlton colleagues, and it felt like no time had passed at all! I have long said, “Jobs may come and go, but it’s the friendships that remain,” and that is what I love most about the hospitality industry.

What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?

That I climbed Mt. Fuji during the time that I lived in Japan, and that I have visited every Major League baseball stadium, mostly by myself.

What’s the toughest part of being in charge?

I don’t think there is one singular “tough part” because “being in charge” is a bit nebulous and hyper dynamic, but I would say that making difficult decisions that can impact others’ lives and careers while also balancing the needs of the team, the organization, and individual stakeholders. Additionally, the responsibility of being accountable for the outcomes of those decisions, whether they succeed or fail, can be a heavy burden to bear.

What’s the best way you motivate team members?

For me, the best way to motivate team members is by recognizing their individual strengths and contributions, and supporting those talents by letting them shine, while also creating opportunities for them to grow and flourish. I also believe in celebrating successes, both big and small.

What woman inspires you right now and why?

My mom, who passed away in June 2023 from a long battle with cancer, was always an inspiration to me, and will continue to be for the rest of my life because she taught me what it is like to fight with grace, she always put others first, and was tough as nails, but gentle in spirit, etc. Her memory will fuel me for the rest of my life.

Where do you believe the future of the industry is headed?

I think “the industry” can be interpreted in two ways, so I’ll address this in parts. Regarding the future of the hospitality industry, I think you will never have a shortage of people who value travel, exploring new cultures, and spending quality time with friends and family. However, the level of customer expectations has increased significantly, so I believe we will see that some brands will begin (if they haven’t already) to incorporate AI to tailor individual guests preferences. Green/sustainability efforts will continue to play a part in the industry as will “smart rooms” that allow guests to control lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems through voice commands or mobile apps. And, as brands continue to work towards customer obsession, I believe that a focus on flexibility in bookings will become more commonplace, and that a focus is placed on enhancing loyalty programs and being authentically local with experiences and F&B offerings. As far as the future of hospitality communications, I feel we are going to see fewer and fewer instances of on-property positions, and a rise in regional positions or see corporate teams tackling the communications/media relations efforts with support from an outside agency. In my opinion, there are pros and cons to each scenario, but on a grander scale, it’s been refreshing to see some companies “discover or rediscover” the importance of the role communications has in messaging not only the “fun” news but the critical information, which became a necessity during those pre-, mid- and post-Covid, days.

What is one thing you look for when interviewing a potential candidate?

I wish I could be that precise, but an interview is a series of “things” and moments … punctuality, energy, how they carry themselves, their knowledge of the company and the position, thoughtful questions asked, solid examples of their work, and their ability to verbalize those examples, etc.

What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?

After the loss of my mother, I learned to be better at putting things into perspective. I think, by nature, my profession has shaped my habits to always be “on”. I prided myself to always be the first person in the office/the last to leave, the first to reply, etc., and presently, I find myself reasoning more on what is really an emergency, and what can wait. I suppose it’s also a bit about allowing time to give myself some grace, which I don’t think people do enough.

What’s your favorite podcast?

I commute to Orlando (from Tampa) every week, so you would think that drive would lend itself to podcast listening, but I quickly realized that people speaking made me drowsy, so I had to revert back to just singing in the car or making calls. But, when I have some downtime, I enjoy “SmartLess” with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. I love the guests, but also the dynamic between the three. So funny and no pretense.

What values are most important to you as a leader?

I think the same values that are important to me as a leader are the same that are important to me as a person … honesty, kindness, trust, reliability, and the desire to treat people the way that you want to be treated.

What’s the most important thing people should know about you?

Oh, these superlatives are a bit daunting! I’m not sure if it’s the “most important thing”, but what people should know about me is that I will always help you if I can. I truly believe that if you have the ability to flex your time and talents to make a difference, in a positive way, for someone, that you should … without hesitation, and with kindness in your heart. And I pray that the people who already know me, will keep me honest!

Do you prefer to work in the office, at home, or hybrid?

I have experienced all three scenarios, and the hybrid option is my preference. Thankfully, that is what I am enjoying with my current position.

Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?

Japan. I lived there for two-and-a-half years, and just recently visited (in June) to show my husband the beauty of this country and its culture. I have long said, “Travel is the gift that you give yourself”, and I am grateful that my profession coupled with my husband’s willingness to go anywhere, allows me to continue to explore new destinations – both foreign and domestic – on a regular basis.

What is a top item on your bucket list?

To see a Super Bowl in person, to travel to Greece, and to partake in an African Safari.

What do you do to recharge?

To recharge, I do a number of things … travel/visit family; hop on our Harley-Davidson and take a ride with my husband, Jeff; retail therapy; and/or binge watch a new show.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

I’m more about the aggregate, because so many things have added to my life, however, without question, I am grateful for all the twists and turns that my career and personal life have taken. No question, that I wouldn’t be at this very positive place in my life had it not been for all of those happenings. I’m still productive, still learning, still caring, still giving, so perhaps that is my biggest accomplishment? But, if I had to pick “one” thing that I am especially proud of, it would be The Wall Street Journal article I pitched about a motorcycle rally in my hometown of Hollister, CA. The editor actually assigned me the story because he wanted a first-person perspective. It ran on July 23, 1997.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

“Si, se puede!” (“Yes, you can!”) I suppose that’s my standard advice, regardless of the generation. The first: don’t compare yourself to others. No two people’s stories or trajectories are alike. Also, expect detours. Personally, I have had to navigate four layoffs, which I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. However, I can honestly say that each time I lost a job, I landed exponentially better. And, in some cases, it was a “push” that I didn’t know I needed. And, finally, believe in yourself, because if you are doing the best you possibly can, you will never let yourself down.

What gets you up in the morning?

My dogs, Daisy and Shelby! But on a non-literal level, what gets me out of bed is the hope that what I am doing on a daily basis is making a difference, whether that be on a personal or professional level.

What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?

The commonalities and the welcome and support that I have already received from the group.

Reprint with permission.