A Q&A With Kerry MacPherson, Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing, Carnival Corporation & plc

Kerry MacPherson is the senior director, strategic sourcing, at Carnival Corporation & plc, where she focuses on indirect spend supporting the North America supply chain. She’s also a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member! In this member spotlight, we asked Kerry a series of questions about both her professional role and personal life, including the woman who inspires her, her leadership style, her advice for the next generation of female leaders, and much more.

1. What do you love most about the travel and hospitality industry?
   Being part of something that helps bring fun, memorable experiences to people.
2. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
   Managing both upward and downward. You need to stay adaptable and open to new ideas in a business environment that's constantly changing,
3. What personal skill or attribute do you believe is most responsible for your success?
   My collaborative leadership style and commitment to transparent communication
4. What woman inspires you right now and why?
   Liz Cheney. While we may not share the same views, I have immense respect for her courage and integrity. Her dedication to truth and democratic values resonates deeply with me. Watching her navigate complex challenges with such grace and determination inspires me to stay true to my own convictions and approach my professional and personal life with the same level of integrity and resilience. She reminds me that it's possible to respect and admire someone, even if we don't always agree, and that standing up for what's right is a universal value.
5. What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why? 
   Artificial intelligence. It has the potential to transform various aspects of how we operate and interact with guests (e.g., streamline supply chain processes by predicting demand, optimizing inventory levels and improving logistics; help us understand guest preferences and behaviors; enable us to understand market trends and customer segments better).
6. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
   Emotional intelligence in the context of supplier and or guest relationships. Can they navigate difficult conversations while maintaining professionalism, driving results and maintaining the relationship? Can they pick up on subtle cues during a negotiation or meeting that might affect the outcome?
7. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
   My capacity for resilience and empathy has been profoundly shaped by recent experiences. The loss of my brother-in-law after his battle with brain cancer taught me to cherish moments with loved ones and be present for my family. This personal journey deepened my empathy and understanding of the emotional struggles others face. Professionally, managing a remote team through a challenging yearlong reorganization, where they lost a cherished leader and faced an uncertain future, highlighted my ability to adapt and lead with compassion.
8. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
   Don’t accept criticism from someone you wouldn’t go to for advice. While not always easy in the moment, it has taught me to carefully consider the source of feedback and focus on constructive criticism from trusted mentors and peers.
9. What values are most important to you as a leader?
   A great leader is someone who genuinely cares about their team and audience, is transparent and authentic in their actions, thinks long term, understands their own strengths and weaknesses, takes responsibility for their actions, and remains flexible in the face of change.
10. Do you prefer to work in the office, at home, or hybrid? Why?
    I enjoy and prefer working remotely. Over the past five years, I've found that remote work allows me to build much deeper connections with my stakeholders. By meeting in spaces that make more sense for our discussions — whether it's a ship visit or walking a conference —  we've developed a better understanding of each other's needs and requirements. This approach has not only saved time but also fostered stronger relationships and more effective collaboration than sitting in an office together.
11. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?
    Too many to choose from; I love to travel for fun. The beauty and people of Ireland; Hawaii, any island for their relaxed way of living; the food in Barcelona; the charm of the French countryside on a river cruise.
12. What is the top item on your bucket list?
    To see the Northern Lights from Norway.
13. What do you do to recharge?
    While it can be exhausting in its own way, I love to travel to new places with my husband and friends.
14. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    My family
15. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Own your voice. Speak up, be heard, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back.
    Lead with empathy; understand (actively listen) and uplift others; leadership is about service.
    Work hard and stay focused. Success requires dedication and perseverance.
    Be bold and take risks. Don’t be afraid to step into the unknown to create change.
    Ignore the naysayers. Don’t let others define your worth or potential. Go where you are valued.
    Lift others as you climb. Support and mentor other women along the way.
    Stay true to your values. Integrity and authenticity are key to lasting impact.
    Take care of yourself. Balance ambition with self-care and well-being.
16. What gets you up in the morning?
    My dogs Max and Hagan.
17. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    As a new member, I'm still discovering all the fantastic resources and benefits the organization offers. Interacting and learning from other members has been incredibly enriching.