20 Questions With Trista Miller, Managing Director - Domestic Reservations, American Airlines
This week’s Member Spotlight features Trista Miller of American Airlines. A thoughtful, decisive leader, Trista brings empathy, clarity and purpose to her work, along with a deep belief in the power of travel to connect people and create lasting impact. Here, she shares insights on leadership, balance and what continues to inspire her.
1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
"The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins. It reinforced the discipline of focusing on what truly matters and letting go of noise that doesn’t move the needle.
2. What do you love most about the industry?
Travel connects people, cultures and opportunities in a way few industries can. At its best, it creates moments people remember for the rest of their lives.
3. What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
I’m deeply empathetic. People sometimes assume decisiveness means distance, but I care a great deal about the human impact behind every decision.
4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
Carrying the weight of decisions that affect real people, often without being able to share all the context or uncertainty that comes with them.
5. What are your nonnegotiables when it comes to work-life balance?
Protecting time for family, avoiding constant crisis mode and making sure intensity is purposeful, not performative.
6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
Women who lead with both conviction and grace, those who have weathered real life, stayed anchored in their values and still show up steady and generous.
7. What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?
AI-driven customer experience. When used thoughtfully, it can remove friction and free people to focus on what matters most: human connection.
8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
Ownership. I’m drawn to people who take responsibility, learn quickly and don’t wait to be told to care.
9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
That rest and boundaries don’t reduce my effectiveness — they protect it.
10. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You can be kind and still be clear. Clarity is a form of respect.
11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
Integrity, accountability, empathy and courage — especially when decisions are difficult.
12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
I take responsibility seriously. If I commit to something — or someone — I follow through.
13. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?
Measure outcomes, not presence. Trust people, communicate clearly and make expectations explicit.
14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?
Japan. It’s a master class in hospitality, intention and respect for both tradition and innovation.
15. What is the top item on your bucket list?
Seeing more of the world with the people I love. Travel is better when it’s shared.
16. What do you do to recharge?
Travel, quiet time and being fully present with family — no multitasking, no noise.
17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
Raising strong, capable daughters while building a meaningful career.
18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Don’t wait to be ready. Lead with confidence, set boundaries early and don’t confuse likability with effectiveness.
19. What gets you up in the morning?
The chance to build something better — for customers, teams and the people counting on me.
20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel?
Being part of a community that supports, challenges and elevates women who are shaping the future of the industry.
Connect with Trista on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.