Featuring Megan Nielsen, Operations Manager at Gifted Travel Network

Leadership doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes practice, perspective, and a community of like-minded professionals that both supports and challenges you to grow. That’s exactly what Megan Nielsen, GTN's Operations Manager, found at the 2025 Young Leaders in Travel Council presented by the Travel A.L.L.I.E.S. Society.

This annual event brings together travel professionals under 40 who are actively growing their businesses and shaping the future of our industry. During the week, attendees step away from daily demands to focus on refining their purpose and developing the resilient leadership skills essential for navigating today's travel landscape. For Megan, it was a chance to step into that environment, exchange ideas with peers facing similar challenges and opportunities, and return with fresh perspective on what strong leadership looks like in practice.

As someone who guides GTN’s Benefit Delivery team and collaborates across departments to oversee how we deliver value to our network, Megan knows how critical strong leadership is. In her reflection on the event, she shares what it meant to connect with other rising leaders in travel and why those conversations matter for the future of our industry.

Last week, I had the privilege of representing Gifted Travel Network at the Young Leaders in Travel Council, a gathering of 30 professionals under the age of 40 who are helping to move the travel industry forward. This group included advisors, suppliers, business owners, and host agency employees, each with unique perspectives but united by a shared commitment to the future of travel.

Held in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, at the Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos, the destination set the stage for thoughtful discussions and meaningful connections. Surrounded by Cabo’s beauty, we had the chance to step back from our day-to-day work and focus on big-picture conversations. This year’s theme centered on communication and alignment, exploring how our values guide us, navigating tough conversations, and how to find clarity and purpose in what we do.

As Operations Manager at GTN, this opportunity challenged me to think differently about leadership. I came away with new friendships, fresh ideas, and the reminder that leadership is not just about a title, it’s about how we contribute, collaborate, and show up for others.

One of the most impactful moments of the trip came during our volunteer project at Casa Hogar, a local group home for minors. It was a humbling reminder of how tourism can uplift local communities and how important it is to give back when we are fortunate enough to be able to travel.

If I had to sum up my biggest takeaway, it would be that true leadership starts with self-awareness and the courage to be vulnerable and communicate openly. It is a lesson I will carry forward in my work with GTN and in supporting our community of advisors.