This International Women’s Day—and throughout Women’s History Month—we’re recognizing two trailblazing women whose vision, dedication and influence have created meaningful momentum within the travel advisor community.
Kristina Boyce, Sr. VP of Operations and Member Relations at Ensemble, and Shahla Lalani, Sr. VP of Marketing at Ensemble, have played central roles in the consortium’s transformation and renewed leadership position in the travel space. Boyce has focused on strengthening member operations, enhanced training programs and specialized advisor communities designed to drive efficiency, growth and collaboration. Lalani, meanwhile, has led the organization’s brand and marketing evolution, including the creation of the award-winning Range Travel magazine, a major brand refresh and innovative events that have elevated Ensemble’s visibility and member engagement. Together, their leadership has helped modernize the consortium’s tools, strategy and member experience, positioning Ensemble as a forward-thinking force within today’s travel industry.
Building Confidence Through Curiosity and Community
We asked Kristina Boyce to reflect on how continuous learning, collaboration and industry relationships have shaped her leadership approach and the advice she offers women looking to grow in the travel industry.
Recommend magazine: What experiences in your career have most shaped your leadership style in the travel industry?
Kristina Boyce: I’ve had so many experiences in my career where I realize how little I know. Early on, you can picture me face-to-face with a client at a tradeshow asking which route to take up the Inca Trail and is September a good time to go; it’s my first day in the role and the only answer I want to blurt out is, “I have absolutely no clue! Where is the Inca Trail?” A lack of knowledge can be scary and uncomfortable, but experiences like these have taught me that the best way to overcome that fear is to invest in yourself with a great team and community of peers and with as many learning opportunities as you can get. For travel professionals, it means investing in FAMs, in online learning and in attending conferences and building a network that you can connect with for expert intel. Having this foundation enables me to go into any experience armed with knowledge which quickly translates into confidence. It also gives me the humility to say “I don’t know” with confidence knowing I can quickly source the answer and circle back. The “it takes a village” adage rings very true in our industry; now, as a decision-maker, my team and my peers are my strongest asset.
Recommend magazine: What moment in your career made you feel your voice truly influenced change?
Kristina Boyce: I’m not sure that my single voice is so influential or that there’s any one defining moment. If anything, in my role, it’s my job to represent the voices of thousands of travel advisors and agency owners within Ensemble, with our partners and within the wider community to ensure they’re best equipped to fulfill their roles as travel professionals. When I can help influence change or connect them to a new product or service that services that goal, that’s a very rewarding feeling.
Recommend magazine: What advice would you give to women entering the travel industry today who aspire to leadership roles?
Kristina Boyce: First, build that “village”; this is a people business, and relationships are critical to success. Our industry is filled with brilliant people who are eager to help build up the next generation of professionals. Second, invest in yourself and your knowledge base; go on those FAMs, read the industry press, sign-up for the courses and attend that conference. Lastly, I think it’s important to say yes to opportunities, especially the ones that may take you out of your comfort zone; this is how you’ll meet people, challenge yourself and ultimately grow.
Turning Ideas Into Industry Impact
Drawing from a background in global advertising and brand strategy, Shahla Lalani shares how creative thinking and collaboration continue to influence her leadership approach in the travel industry.
Recommend magazine: What experiences in your career have most shaped your leadership style in the travel industry?
Shahla Lalani: Before joining the travel industry, I had the privilege of leading teams in London, Toronto and across the U.S. and Canada in the advertising world, working on some very fun global brands. Advertising is inherently creative and fast-moving—you’re constantly solving problems, rethinking strategy and bringing new ideas to life across different markets and audiences.
That experience shaped how I lead today. It taught me to value collaboration, to stay open-minded and to approach challenges with creativity rather than fear. I’ve tried to bring that spirit of innovation into travel—thinking differently about partnerships, marketing, experiences and how we support advisors. At the same time, I lead with curiosity. You don’t have to know everything; you do have to be willing to listen, learn, explore and create space for great ideas to grow.
Recommend magazine: What moment in your career made you feel your voice truly influenced change?
Shahla Lalani: I don’t think of it as one defining moment. Influence often happens gradually, through consistent effort and shared vision. In my role, I have the privilege of representing travel advisors and agency owners—and helping translate their needs into meaningful programs, partnerships and opportunities.
When creative thinking leads to something that genuinely helps our members grow—whether it’s a member being profiled in Range Magazine, or someone who walks away inspired by one of our events—that’s when I feel impact. It’s rewarding to see ideas evolve into real innovation that supports our community.
Recommend magazine: What advice would you give to women entering the travel industry today who aspire to leadership roles?
Shahla Lalani: Build your network—this is a people-first industry. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you.
Invest in your learning and stay curious. Creativity and innovation come from exposure—new experiences, new conversations, new ideas.
And don’t be afraid to bring your perspective forward. The industry benefits from diverse voices and fresh thinking. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being courageous enough to try something new and generous enough to bring others along with you.
