Member Spotlight: Katie Brown, Vice President of Brand & Resort Strategy, Steamboat Resort

This week’s Women Leading Travel Member Spotlight features Katie Brown, Vice President of Brand and Resort Strategy at Steamboat Resort. Katie brings a grounded, candid perspective on leadership shaped by more than three decades in the snow sports industry, alongside a deep commitment to building community, culture and connection. In this conversation, she shares everything from the books shaping her thinking to the leadership lessons that continue to guide her work.

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

I’m usually juggling a couple of books at once—typically historical fiction (because to me, that feels like the real story) and something in the business or personal growth space.
I recently finished "The Lion Women of Tehran" by Marjan Kamali, and I was captivated. I learned so much about Tehran and the realities women face there, all while rooting hard for the heroine as she navigates impossible circumstances. The title alone is powerful, but as you read, you’re taken on an emotional ride—feeling inspired, frustrated, appalled and honestly stunned that so much of what she depicts still happens today.
For personal development, you really cannot go wrong with Brené Brown. Her latest book, "Strong Ground," landed in my hands at exactly the right moment. It’s all about holding steady in the middle of life’s contradictions, which feels… very now. What I love is how grounded and human it is—less “corporate advice,” more “here’s how to stay true to yourself while the world spins.” It’s the kind of book that makes you breathe a little deeper, get grounded and say, “Okay, I can do this.”

2. What do you love most about the industry?

The people. In the snowsports world, they are the heartbeat of everything—the guests, our teams and the leaders who keep pushing the industry forward. There is this incredible passion that runs through the sport, creating a culture that is resilient, fun and somehow still upbeat even when Mother Nature decides to… take a personal day.
This season started with low snowfall (thanks, universe), and yet our guest scores have been unbelievably high. People get it—they know we can’t control the weather, and they forgive us for not having a direct line to the snow gods. They are here for the full experience: the brand, the community, the vibe and of course the thrill of getting on the mountain, even if the snow showed up fashionably late.
That shared love, energy and resilience—that is what makes this industry feel like home.

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

A lot of people don’t know this, but I started out as a kids’ ski instructor for a single ski season after college. And then… I never left. I’ve worked my way up the ladder through guest services, worldwide sales and am currently the VP of Brand and Resort Strategy at the same resort for more than 30 years.
Every year has felt completely different (sometimes wildly so), and I am still learning something new pretty much every day. It has been an unexpected, winding, incredibly rewarding journey that all started with helping little kids make their first turns on snow. Who knew?

4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?

Letting someone go is the part of leadership that hits me right in the gut—every time, even if you know it is the right thing to do. And I think it should. Dolly Parton said it best: “When you stop caring or tearing, then you need to get out of trying to be the leader.” That’s my north star on tough days.

5. What are your nonnegotiables when it comes to work-life balance?

Don’t we all love the term “work-life balance”? I’m still not convinced it actually exists. Recently, during a spa visit (where I was attempting to relax and not think about my inbox), I heard someone use the phrase “work-life harmony.” And honestly, it clicked. It feels more realistic, and a lot kinder.
For me, my nonnegotiables are my family, my health and my self-worth. If any of those start slipping, that’s my signal that I’m out of harmony. That’s when I have to stop, reset and bring things back into alignment. When I do, I show up as a better human, a better mom and a better leader. And everyone benefits when I’m in harmony.

6. What woman inspires you right now and why?

I’m inspired by a close friend in travel who spent 20+ years rising to the C-suite at a major airline, then—in her early 50s—left to build her own company. She’s a powerhouse who follows her passion, lifts others as she goes and proves reinvention is possible at any stage—while championing women in travel and business at every turn.

7. What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?

AI—probably the most predictable answer these days, but honestly, I’m fascinated by what it could mean for all of us in travel. The possibilities feel endless. Everything from automating those time-consuming weekly reports (no one will miss them!) to giving us richer insights about who our guests are and what matters to them.
I love the idea of using AI to personalize experiences in a way that feels thoughtful, not creepy—helping guests discover new destinations, activities, or little touches that make their trip feel uniquely theirs.
And look, I’m not envisioning AI robots clicking into skis and cruising down the mountain (although that visual is… something). It’s more about freeing up time for humans to do the human things—thinking creatively, connecting with guests and yes, getting out to enjoy the travel experiences that got us into this industry in the first place.

8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?

I lean on Patrick Lencioni’s “humble, hungry and smart” model, and it’s honestly been such a good gut check over the years.
When those three things are out of balance, it shows. If someone is super hungry and smart but not humble, the vibe can get… a little self-important. On the other hand, if someone is wonderfully humble but doesn’t have those smart instincts, it’s tough to picture them leading confidently.
The thing is, we can teach skills all day long, but personality and core behaviors? Those are much harder to build from scratch. So finding that mix of humble, hungry and smart has been the most reliable way for me to find people who really thrive in our culture.

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

This past year, I’ve learned that I don’t have to keep proving myself. I don’t know if it’s maturity, experience, or just finally exhaling, but something shifted. I’ve settled down a bit and started focusing on what matters instead of constantly trying to validate my worth to everyone around me.
A big mindset change came from Brianna Wiest’s The Mountain Is You. She talks about how real growth isn’t about proving people wrong—it’s about feeling so grounded and hopeful about where you are going that those old doubts stop taking up space. That idea really hit home for me.
This year, I finally felt that—and it feels incredibly freeing.

10. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Choose your battles.” Simple, but wow, has it saved me in every area of life—work, family, friends, all of it.
In the industry, I’m known as Red Hot because I’m incredibly enthusiastic, passionate and occasionally fiery. I have this tendency to take on everything at once and then wonder why nothing gets done.
Learning to pause and ask myself, “Is this worth the energy? Is this the right battle? Or is there something bigger and more meaningful I should be focusing on?” has been a gamechanger.
Crisis mode isn’t healthy, and I don’t have the energy for it. Picking my battles keeps me grounded, effective and happy.

11. What values are most important to you as a leader?

Honesty and loyalty. Honesty because people deserve clarity and truth—it builds trust faster than anything else. And loyalty, because showing up for each other, supporting one another and having each other’s backs creates a culture where people feel safe to grow and do their best work.

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

I’m passionate—yes, sometimes “Red Hot”—but it always comes from wanting to make things better for the people around me. I care deeply about my team, I show up fully, I am unbelievably loyal and I’m committed to lifting others as I climb.

13. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?

Try to bring the human element into being online. It doesn’t have to be anything big—just small reminders that we’re all real humans behind the screens and not a collection of disembodied voices. Sharing a quick personal win or struggle, kicking off with a lighthearted question, or doing a simple “how’s everyone doing today?” goes a long way.
And yes… cameras on. Not because anyone wants to be camera-ready at 8 a.m., but because seeing someone’s smile, raised eyebrow, or their dog casually wandering through the background makes everything feel more natural. Plus, it reduces the odds of that inevitable moment when someone starts talking passionately for 40 seconds before we all jump in with, “You’re on mute!”
Hybrid work just works better when we intentionally create little moments of connection (and embrace the accidental comedy that comes with it).

14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?

Picking one is almost impossible; every trip I take inspires me in its own unique way. But if I have to choose, it’s a toss-up between the Galápagos and a Grand Canyon river trip.
The Galápagos feels like nature showing off. So many climates, creatures and wild contrasts packed into one place… Darwin was definitely onto something there.
And then there’s the Grand Canyon, which is just pure, humbling magic. Being on the river, looking up at those massive canyon walls, you instantly feel like a tiny blip in the universe—in the best possible way. The power of the water and the quiet, mystical desert stay with you long after you’re home.
Both places moved me deeply—just in very different ways.

15. What is the top item on your bucket list?

Continue traveling the world with my family—experiencing new cultures, terrain, traditions and people.

16. What do you do to recharge?

I usually head straight for nature. A walk on our family ranch, first tracks on a powder morning, or a good bike ride—anything that gets me outside and resets my mind.
And when I’m completely worn out? A day at home with zero plans and zero people works wonders. Give me a great book… and yes, possibly a Housewives reality binge to completely escape reality for a bit. No shame—sometimes that’s exactly the kind of recharge a person needs.

17. What is your biggest accomplishment?

I’m proud of so many things I’ve done with my teams over the years, but one of my biggest accomplishments is launching the women’s ERG at Steamboat and creating our Sisters’ Symposium.
It started as a simple idea to bring women and allies together—and it has grown into this incredibly powerful event (now in its fifth year) that blends networking, camaraderie and learning in one unique space.
We bring in female leaders from across our sister resorts—and even have participation at the corporate board level. Being in the snowsports industry gives us such a rare opportunity to play and learn in the outdoors: skiing, snowboarding, yoga, sound bowls, first tracks, honest chairlift conversations—it’s this perfect mix of energizing and grounding.
Every year, carving out the time and resources to plan it is a challenge, but it’s so needed in our industry. My hope is that it keeps building confidence, strengthening networks and creating the kind of relationships that lift teams from the inside out.
At the end of the day, my personal goal is simple: advocate for and elevate women, on the slopes and in the boardroom.

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

Keep pushing, and push together—not against each other.
Female leaders are still underrepresented at the highest levels, and because of that, it can sometimes feel like there are only a few seats at the table. That pressure can unintentionally make women compete with one another rather than lift each other up.
We call it the “crab theory.” Put a bunch of crabs in a bucket, and instead of helping one climb out, they pull each other down. We absolutely can’t do that.
We need to advocate for ourselves and for each other. Mentoring, supporting and celebrating other women is how we create more seats—not just for ourselves, but for the women coming up behind us. Elevating one woman helps elevate all of us.

19. What gets you up in the morning?

The people—our guests, my team, our community and this whole wonderfully wild industry. I love seeing someone arrive as a total city slicker and leave with a cowgirl hat, a giant smile and a story they can’t wait to tell. I get that same spark from the folks I work with every day—creating moments, solving problems and laughing our way through it all.
In short: the people get me up… and if a guest leaves with a cowgirl hat, a yeehaw and a story they can’t wait to tell, well… who needs an alarm clock?

20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel?

I get excited about meeting other inspirational women—and making friends along the way. I love swapping stories, learning from each other and feeling that spark when a room fills with women and allies who genuinely want to support one another.
There is this buzz of excitement and possibility, like, “Alright! Let’s do it!”
Being part of that kind of momentum? It’s better than a bluebird powder day—and that’s saying something.

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn to learn more.