Connecting Travelers to Extraordinary Places: A Conversation With Chief Sales Officer Kathi Riddle
After nearly three decades with The Walt Disney Company, where she held leadership roles across several areas of the business, Kathi Riddle brought her passion for travel and unforgettable guest experiences to Lindblad Expeditions. As Senior Vice President, Chief Sales Officer, she focuses on helping more travelers discover expedition cruising, connecting them with journeys that bring them closer to remarkable places and people around the world.
Tell us about your professional journey. What experiences helped shape your career path?
I joined the team about two and a half years ago after spending 28 years at The Walt Disney Company, where I worked in finance, revenue management and business transformation across several areas of the company, including Parks & Resorts and Consumer Products, both in Orlando and in Shanghai, China.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from many strong female leaders who served as mentors to me. Their experience and encouragement shaped how I approach leadership today.
How did you come to work with Lindblad Expeditions? What about our mission resonates most with you?
I have always had a passion for travel and for working with brands that truly stand for something. There are many travel companies, but very few that combine the quality, reputation and environmental values that Lindblad Expeditions does.
We don’t just take people to incredible places—we bring the pages of National Geographic to life. Our guests experience the beauty and wonder of our planet firsthand, and through that experience they develop a deeper appreciation for it. When people fall in love with the places they visit, they naturally want to help protect them, just as we do.
Senior Vice President, Chief Sales Office Kathi Riddle presents to travel advisors aboard the National Geographic Endurance. Photo: Alex Maguire
Why do you love to travel and explore the world?
I love discovering places I’ve never seen before, but even more than that, I love connecting with people from different cultures and learning from them.
Some of my favorite travel moments happen when you leave the big cities and find yourself in smaller towns or villages. That’s where you really get a sense of how people live day to day—spending time with their families, sharing traditions and taking pride in their communities.
Do you have a favorite voyage with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions?
My favorite voyage so far has been to French Polynesia. Lindblad Expeditions' founder, Sven Lindblad, was our expedition leader and he customized so many aspects of the voyage for us. His wife Kristin and daughters, Delfina and Isabella, sailed with us and introduced us to some of their favorite islands, people and cultural experiences. Those personal connections made the trip incredibly special.
One evening that stands out was a star-filled night when Cultural Specialist Tua Pittman, a traditional Polynesian navigator, gave us an incredible stargazing class out on the water. It was one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had—honestly better than any fireworks show I’ve ever seen.
What advice would you give to women who aspire to leadership roles in your field or in travel?
Go for it! Dream big and don’t give up. Find a mentor you trust and invest in that relationship.
Riddle with Lindblad Expeditions' CEO Natalya Leahy and the staff of the National Geographic Endurance.
What excites you most about the future of exploration and travel with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions?
The potential ahead of us is incredibly exciting. Our guests love the brand and the experiences we provide, and they trust us to take them to extraordinary places in meaningful ways.
We truly offer the best expedition experience in the market, and I believe we’re just getting started. There is so much opportunity to grow, to reach new explorers and to continue sharing the wonder of our planet.
