Fresh from her win as Most Outstanding Sales Executive – Air at the 2025 NTIAs, Delta Air Lines’ Nicole Laurie chats with Karryon about what drives her, what she loves about the industry and the travel tip she swears by (hint: it involves a piano and a big hit). Oh, and who’d play Nicole in a movie?
As Delta gears up to launch its first Melbourne–Los Angeles service, Nicole’s energy and enthusiasm mirror the momentum of the airline: connected and ready for take-off.
Congratulations on the win… what does this award mean to you personally and professionally?
Personally, it means a great deal. It validates the passion I’ve poured into this industry and the relationships I’ve built along the way. To have the opportunity to be acknowledged at the travel industry’s night of nights is truly rewarding.
I was fortunate to win the award in 2022, however, due to personal reasons it was the first NTIA awards that I was unable to attend in many, many years! I was so sad to miss the moment. Therefore, I was genuinely ecstatic on Saturday evening to be able to celebrate with my peers.
On another personal note, my children see the work I put into my role and the sacrifices I make; winning this award helps to teach them that things don’t just land in your lap – it takes determination, passion, commitment and a strong work ethic to succeed.
Professionally, I am honored to win this accolade. It is a testament to the incredible trade partners I work with and the trust we have built together.
It also motivates me to keep pushing boundaries, championing the Delta brand, and continuing to elevate our presence in the market. This isn’t just a win for me – it’s a win for the whole network of people who make what I do possible.
What are you most excited about that’s coming up – either for yourself or the industry broadly?
Delta Air Lines is flying out of Melbourne for the first time which is very exciting! Our MEL-LAX service launches 5 December and with this additional capacity, we are now supporting the Australian and New Zealand markets with more services than ever before.
For myself, time with family and friends over the festive season. I love Christmas, summer in Coogee – and it will be nice not to pack a bag just for a little while!
What does the future look like for you?
Honestly, the future feels really exciting. I’ve got a lot I still want to achieve – both professionally and personally – and I’m lucky to be in an industry that constantly inspires me.
I’m looking forward to continuing to grow, taking on new challenges, and finding fresh ways to support our trade partners. I’m all about embracing opportunities and staying open to what’s next.
What advice do you have for anyone starting a career in the industry?
The travel industry is dynamic, rewarding and full of incredible people. My biggest advice would be: build genuine relationships, stay curious and be adaptable. No two days are the same, and that’s part of the magic.
Also, don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and diversify – every experience adds value, helps you grow and makes you more empathetic to your clients needs. Be authentic, bring passion, work hard and you’ll go far!
What do you love most about your job and/or the travel industry?
The people! The travel industry is truly unique in this way. It is full of extraordinary, like-minded, passionate people that I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside.
Many of the people I work with started off as colleagues, clients or even competition – and they are now close friends. People I choose to spend time with, not have to because I am at work.
The relationships I have built and continue to build in this industry mean so much to me.
Care to share a fun travel tip that you swear by when exploring new places?
Explore! Get off the beaten track, engage with locals, try something authentic!Whether it is walking through rice paddy fields, or on a lesser known beach, climbing mountains, eating local or discovering a hidden dive bar – embrace every moment. And if you are in the US and after a good bar, try a duelling piano bar, they are always fun – take $5 and request Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin”.
Who’d play you in a movie?
Hmm, a tricky one! Although neither of these really look like me, I would be happy with Drew Barrymore or Julia Roberts.
Drew for her warm, down-to-earth persona, sense of humour, openness, lust for life and infectious, empathetic energy; Julia for her determination and work ethic.
The NTIA 2025 gala brought together over a thousand professionals and stakeholders to honour excellence, innovation and resilience – and, of course, to party in true travel style. Read our wrap of the event and more here.
