KATIE STARR ESPINOZA
Pasadena,CA
Summary
Distinguished career in brand management, collaboration, and leading cohesive teams while assuming control of strategic, complex projects. Recognized for inspiring others to develop confidence, passion, and innovation through collaborative leadership. Active within an environment representing over 50 nationalities globally. Extensive background in business integration, talent acquisition, training, and problem solving. Able to work successfully in demanding environments and continually drive results.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager Operations, Guides, Talent & Trips Services
Adventures by Disney & National Geographic Expeditions
10.2020 - Current
- Leads a team of six managers, sixty frontline direct reports, and over one hundred frontline contracted staff.
- Demonstrates leadership skills, resulting in exceeding expected performance metrics.
- Manages strategic partnerships to deliver robust training experiences, and build analytics-driven metrics databases.
- Facilitates team meetings and workshops to align on goals and strategies.
- Monitors compliance with industry regulations and company policies to mitigate risk.
- Analyzes the competitive landscape to adjust strategies and maintain a competitive advantage.
- Creates detailed reports on project progress for senior management review.
- Leads the annual financial planning cycle, featuring forecasting and thorough financial analysis to maximize resources.
- Cultivates enduring connections with important stakeholders, including guests, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
- Oversees talent acquisition, training, and development programs to build high-performing teams.
- Collaborates with external vendors to negotiate contracts that meet company requirements while minimizing costs.
- Organizes team activities to build camaraderie, and foster a pleasant workplace culture.
- Leads cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones, ensuring collaboration and efficiency.
Senior Manager, Talent Management
Adventures by Disney & National Geographic Expeditions
02.2019 - 10.2020
- Led team of 6 managers and 150 hourly cast members through effective training, performance reviews, and mentoring.
- Led group of 250 distinguished National Geographic Experts and Photographers.
- Executed impactful educational programs alongside Walt Disney World Learning and Development team.
- Drove revenue growth by training team members in delivering outstanding services, securing a guest return rate over 50%.
- Developed new recognition programs to enhance employee satisfaction.
Manager, Guide Operations
Adventures by Disney
12.2014 - 02.2020
- Delivered exceptional guest satisfaction results, regularly exceeding company benchmarks in the Disney Signature Experience segment.
- Enabled cast members to access real-time guest feedback, enhancing their engagement and responsiveness.
Regional Manager, Trip Operations
Adventures by Disney
02.2008 - 12.2014
- Implemented strategies to foster team growth through mentoring.
- Oversaw vendor relationships and contracts to align with organizational standards.
- Drove business improvements by elevating supplier service to align with Disney benchmarks.
- Spearheaded initiatives aimed at driving financial performance and operational success.
Manager, Adventure Guides
Adventures by Disney
10.2005 - 02.2008
- Appointed inaugural leader for new venture.
- Oversaw recruitment, training, and supervision of front-line cast members.
- Established policies that drove departmental success for 125 team members globally.
- Awarded the business unit's inaugural Disney Mousecar for outstanding achievement.
Manager, Operations Training
Disney Regional Entertainment
04.2003 - 10.2005
- Launched eight ESPN Zone locations.
- Designed and facilitated educational programs tailored for salaried cast members.
- Directed recruitment, hiring, and training of new staff members.
- Honored as first-ever recipient of Delivering the Difference Award.
- Recognized by staff with the Most Valuable Manager Award.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of North Carolina - Asheville
Skills
- Accountability
- Influential
- Active Listener
- Loyal
- Appreciative
- Responsible
- Assertive
- Results-Driven
- Confident
- Self-Aware
Leadership Qualities
- Accountability
- Influential
- Active Listener
- Loyal
- Appreciative
- Responsible
- Assertive
- Results-Driven
- Confident
- Self-Aware
- Empathetic
- Self-Motivated
- Honest
- Works with Integrity
Timeline
Senior Manager Operations, Guides, Talent & Trips Services
Adventures by Disney & National Geographic Expeditions
10.2020 - Current
Senior Manager, Talent Management
Adventures by Disney & National Geographic Expeditions
02.2019 - 10.2020
Manager, Guide Operations
Adventures by Disney
12.2014 - 02.2020
Regional Manager, Trip Operations
Adventures by Disney
02.2008 - 12.2014
Manager, Adventure Guides
Adventures by Disney
10.2005 - 02.2008
Manager, Operations Training
Disney Regional Entertainment
04.2003 - 10.2005
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of North Carolina - Asheville
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