In Good Company with Karen Kuttner Dimitry, National Geographic-Lindblad

In Good Company is a series by AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives®, spotlighting the people behind the brands shaping today’s incentive travel landscape.

This week, we sat down with Karen Kuttner Dimitry (email or follow on LinkedIn), VP of Affinity/Charter Sales at National Geographic - Lindblad Expeditions, for a quickfire Q&A.

The rule is simple: one word to one sentence max. Fast, fun, and unexpectedly insightful.

1 - Window seat or aisle?

Aisle.

2 - First trip that changed you?

Galápagos.

3 - Early mornings or late nights?

Both!

4 - One thing you always unpack first?

Packing cubes.

5 - Your travel uniform?

National Geographic-Lindblad gear.

6 - A destination that surprised you?

Antarctica. I went for the penguins, but was completely wowed by the ice.

7 - Coffee order on the road?

Same as in the office: latte.

8 - Ocean or mountains?

Ocean.

9 - The best part of being at sea?

Time to slow down and be together with your group.

10 - Favorite kind of traveler to work with?

Like-minded groups that are passionate about travel.

11 - A moment on a trip you’ll never forget?

Being in a Zodiac while orcas glide beneath us.

12 - What makes a group work?

My favorite part of rapport developing is watching the moment when individuals shift into a true community. When guests start looking out for one another, sharing genuine excitement, and feeling comfortable enough to be fully present and engaged in the experience together.

13 - Quiet mornings or lively dinners?

Both.

14 - Something people misunderstand about expedition travel?

There’s something for everyone, and activities are designed for all activity and mobility levels.

15 - Paper notebook or phone notes?

Paper. Even an old Day-Timer.

16 - Favorite shipboard ritual?

Recap. It’s my favorite National Geographic-Lindblad tradition: a relaxed evening gathering before dinner where the team and guests come together to share highlights from the day, deepen what we learned, and look ahead to tomorrow.

17 - Sunrise or sunset?

Sunset.

18 - What “good company” means to you?

A good company for me is one that has strong values and puts people first. Guests. It shows care not just through excellent service, but through meaningful experiences, trust, and attention to detail.

19 - One word you associate with trust?

Integrity.

20 - A place you’d return to again and again?

Antarctica.

21 - Your strength in a room full of people?

Making everything feel comfortable.

22 - What energizes you mid-trip?

The bonds that are created.

23 - Favorite travel snack?

Gummy candies (my favorite at home too!).

24 - The most rewarding part of your job?

Guests coming back thrilled and even moved.

25 - The biggest myth about group travel?

That you have to do everything together, when there are always opportunities to do different things.

26 - Your ideal day at sea looks like?

Time on deck looking out for wildlife, coupled with time on our Open Bridge with the officers.

27 - Order or flexibility?

Both. Flexibility is key to all of our expeditions.

28 - What makes travel meaningful?

Feeling connections and better understanding a part of the world.

29 - One thing you’ve learned about people?

It is best to listen to better understand their needs.

30 - What you notice first when meeting someone new?

How much they listen.

31 - Favorite kind of conversation?

Honest and candid.

32 - A place that feels grounding to you?

The beach.

33 - What keeps you curious?

Travel keeps me curious. Experiencing new cultures, landscapes, and ways of thinking constantly makes me want to learn more.

34 - What still excites you about travel?

All travel, and the chance to experience something new or different.

35 - Something you’re proud of, quietly?

Building long-term partnerships with 30+ years’ experience.

36 - Right now, you’re most grateful for?

Our wonderful partnerships.

Looking to charter something unforgettable?

Connect with Karen Kuttner-Dimitry at chartersales@expeditions.com to explore expedition and charter options with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

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Know someone in the incentive travel industry who deserves the spotlight?

Nominate them for In Good Company by emailing AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives at hello@authenticmice.com.