Spotlight on Michelle Bender, Sr. Sales Director, Enterprise, SiriusXM

Michelle Bender is the Senior Sales Director for Enterprise at SiriusXM, bringing creativity, strategy and a passion for connecting with clients to every project. A dedicated leader and lifelong traveler, Michelle prioritizes building strong relationships, fostering inclusive teams and inspiring the next generation of women in travel and hospitality.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” (with my daughter).

What do you love most about the industry?
The creativity and strategy of clients.

What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve had a love of travel from the moment I made my first paycheck. I have always prioritized seeing as much of the world as possible, meeting people everywhere I go and learning all about different cultures.

What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
The toughest part of being in charge as a female leader is walking that fine line between being confident and being perceived as approachable. There’s often an extra layer of pressure to prove yourself while being strong, empathetic, decisive, and collaborative all at once. But I’ve learned that the best thing you can do is lead with authenticity.

What are your nonnegotiables when it comes to work-life balance?
My top priority is always my kids. They come first, and I do my best not to miss any of their important moments. However, when work does need to take priority, I use it as a teaching opportunity, helping them understand why I work, what commitment looks like and that when I miss something, it’s because I’m working to give them the best life possible.

What woman inspires you right now and why?
Taylor Swift… Yes, I’m a Swifty! But it isn’t just about the catchy music or her shows. Swift consistently plays the long game and thinks about the big picture. Whether shifting genres, embracing streaming platforms after initially challenging them or orchestrating global tours that double as economic powerhouses, she’s proven to be adaptable while maintaining a clear long-term vision.

What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?
A key trend to watch is the rise of AI-driven personalization, where every journey becomes uniquely curated. From smart recommendations to dynamic pricing and real-time support, AI is redefining how travelers connect with brands. For marketers, tracking this trend unlocks opportunities to build deeper loyalty, deliver seamless experiences and turn every trip into a brand story that feels made just for the traveler.

What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
Self-motivation. I want someone who doesn’t wait to be told what to do, but takes initiative, finds solutions and takes pride in driving things forward.

What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
I thrive by being challenged and taking risks. I’m at my best when I’m under pressure.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Step out of your comfort zone. I’ve always believed in going after roles that push me to grow. If I feel a little underqualified, that’s actually a good sign. It means I’m stepping into a space where I’ll learn, stretch and become better.

What values are most important to you as a leader?
To be authentic, vulnerable, approachable yet strong and decisive.

What's the most important thing people should know about you?
The best way I could describe myself is “work hard, play hard.” I put all myself into doing the best I can at work so that I can enjoy life to the fullest in my free time.

What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?
Have accountability set up with the team while also trusting them to be self-sufficient. We have clear lines of communication around deliverables and many touchpoints. I also start with trust and lean in where I see I’m needed, which builds a strong foundation from the start.

Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?
Lake Como, Italy, where I got engaged. I loved the perfect mix of amazing food, being on the water and exploring all the charming little towns.

What do you do to recharge?
Pilates, massage and travel.

What is your biggest accomplishment?
Raising great, sweet kids who care about others and know the value of working hard.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
One of the most important things about choosing where to work is the people. When you’re surrounded by great teammates who support you and who you genuinely want to support, it makes the tough days easier and the great days even better. The right people truly make all the difference.

What gets you up in the morning?
My alarm… I’ve never been much of a morning person and have always been a night owl!

What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel?
To connect and hear from other inspirational leaders.Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn to learn more.