Shelly Cruz, Vice President of Global Sales, MGM Resorts International
This week’s Member Spotlight features Shelly Cruz, Vice President of Global Sales at MGM Resorts International. Her insights reflect a leadership style grounded in curiosity, adaptability and connection, from evolving strategies and meaningful content to the power of listening, relationships and lifelong learning.
- What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
“Strong Ground” by Brené Brown, trying to start 2026 off grounded! My favorite chapter is her reference to the Eagles and their successfully executed “tush push” play. - What do you love most about the industry?
Hearing other people’s stories — everyone has a great story to tell. I love learning how people got to where they are and what motivated them to get into a business built on connecting people and experiences. - What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
I am a serial dog adopter. I have four dogs and would have more if I had a larger backyard. - What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
Creating budgets. I’m ready for AI to take this task off my plate. - What are your nonnegotiables when it comes to work-life balance?
I book my vacations a year in advance and don’t deviate. That gives me something to look forward to when I’m working extra in a given week. And Friday is date night! - What woman inspires you right now and why?
Amanda Voss, our Vice President of Sales at Bellagio. I watch her be superhuman all the time — an incredible leader to her team and the industry, a mom, a wife, someone who works out at 4:30 a.m. every day and still looks like she’s 30, all while juggling life. I don’t know how she does it! - What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?
People’s attention spans. They don’t want to sit in general sessions for hours. Content has to be more meaningful, more engaging and delivered in sound-bite size. - What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
Attitude is everything. I also look at how they continue to stay educated on industry trends and what ideas they have to stay ahead of the competition. - What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
People will say more, and I will learn more, if I stay quiet in the moment. - What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You must evolve and change your strategy every year. Do not be stagnant, the competition will blow straight past you. And be first to the ball. - What values are most important to you as a leader?
Honesty and quick decision-making. - What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
I value being around people I can learn from, so tell me your ideas, your dreams or your “what ifs.” I’m ready to listen, and some of the best ideas come from brainstorming together. - What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?
Connect different remote team members to work on projects together and watch the magic happen. - Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to, and why?
Any Sandals Resort. The service, food and beverage, and water sports are absolutely incredible. - What is the top item on your bucket list?
To see Ireland and to golf in Scotland. - What do you do to recharge?
Golf and the spa. - What is your biggest accomplishment?
Being able to publicly speak with confidence. - What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Knowledge is power. Read as much as you can about a topic, educate yourself and you’ll be the most valuable person in the room every time. - What gets you up in the morning?
My dogs, and seeing them excited to start every day. - What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel?
The connections. Being able to hear others’ stories and know that others are going through similar challenges as I am. Knowing there is a massive support system just one call or one email away is a great feeling.
Connect with Shelly Cruz on LinkedIn.