The Travel Leader

Summary In this episode of the Travel Leader Podcast, Eunice Perez shares her inspiring journey in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of helping others, resilience in the face of challenges, and the balance between leadership and empathy. She discusses her experiences as a single mother, the values that guide her leadership style, and her desire to empower others. Eunice reflects on her accomplishments, the self-doubt she has faced, and her vision for the future, which includes inspiring others through public speaking and mentorship. Highlights Eunice's passion lies in helping others succeed in the hospitality industry. Resilience is built through overcoming challenges and self-doubt. Leadership requires a balance of warmth and decisiveness. Motherhood has shaped Eunice's approach to work-life balance. Integrity and kindness are core values in Eunice's leadership style. Eunice aims to inspire and empower others, especially women and single mothers. Building trust with team members is essential for effective leadership. Eunice believes in leading by example and being hands-on. Self-doubt is a common experience, but support from others can help overcome it. Living in gratitude is a key part of Eunice's philosophy. Sound Bites "You have to stand tall and speak up." "I want to prove you wrong." "Title does not make us better than anybody." "I want to see people go further." "Live in gratitude all the time." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:59 The Red Thread of Hospitality 06:09 Resilience Through Challenges 08:53 Leadership Traits and Approachability 11:59 Balancing Leadership and Empathy 14:58 The Role of Motherhood in Leadership 17:52 Values and Integrity in Leadership 20:59 Inspiration and Motivation 24:05 Empowering Others 27:05 Pride in Accomplishments 29:49 Overcoming Self-Doubt 33:02 Key Leadership Skills 36:08 Vision for the Future https://www.linkedin.com/in/euniceperez9876/ ___________________________________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Summary In this episode of the Travel Leader Podcast, host Rachel Vandenberg interviews Davonne Reaves, founder and CEO of The Vonne Group. They discuss Davonne's journey in hospitality and hotel investment, the importance of branding, her leadership style, and the significance of building trust and integrity in business. She shares her experiences with imposter syndrome, her sources of inspiration, and the pressure of being a role model. She emphasizes the importance of setting high standards, being transparent, and the responsibility she feels to uplift others in her community. The conversation concludes with Davonne's vision for the future and her desire to create a nonprofit to help others achieve their goals. Highlights Personal branding has been important to her success Transparency and honesty are key leadership traits. Setting high standards is essential in business. Inspiration can come from personal experiences and community. Being a role model carries pressure but is rewarding. Pride in personal growth is important for self-esteem. It's okay to prioritize self-care and personal needs. Legacy and impact on future generations are vital goals. 00:00 Introduction and Inspiration 03:50 The Importance of Brand Identity 07:50 Leadership and How Davonne is Perceived 13:06 Standards and Accountability 18:32 Challenges and Triumphs in Male-Dominated Industries 21:01 The Responsibility of Having a Seat at the Table 23:20 Purpose-Driven Branding and Empowerment 24:50 Finding Inspiration and Motivation 32:36 Faith and Letting Go of Control 38:08 Prioritizing Yourself and Managing Stress 40:53 Creating a Vision for a Positive Legacy 42:47 Being Proud of Your Accomplishments https://www.linkedin.com/in/davonnereaves/ ___________________________________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Highlights Empathy is a crucial element in leadership. Leaders should model the behavior they wish to see. Understanding employee feelings can lead to better solutions. Diversity in perspectives enhances decision-making. Self-awareness is key to effective leadership. Navigating hard times can lead to personal growth. Summary In this episode of the Travel Leader Podcast, Rachel Vandenberg speaks with Morgan Van Liew, the National Director of Operations at LAZ Parking. They explore the importance of empathy in leadership, the value of self-awareness, and the significance of diversity in the workplace. Morgan shares personal stories that illustrate how leading with empathy can transform organizational culture and employee engagement. He emphasizes the need for leaders to understand the whole person, recognizing that personal and professional lives are interconnected. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating hard times, the pride in personal and professional achievements, and the vision for a more equitable future in the hospitality industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Connections 02:03 The Role of Empathy in Leadership 10:03 Leading with Empathy: A Case Study 18:02 Self-Awareness and Leadership Style 26:58 The Importance of Diversity and Learning 33:05 Navigating Hard Times in Leadership 39:55 Pride in Personal and Professional Achievements 45:55 Vision for the Future and Advocacy ________________________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Highlights Caring and listening are essential leadership qualities. Empowering others to grow is a leader's responsibility. Setting high standards is crucial for success. Inspiration comes from seeing others achieve their potential. Trusting your team fosters autonomy and growth. Listening goes beyond hearing; it's about understanding. Summary In this episode of the Travel Leader Podcast, Horace T. Brooks, the general manager of the Marriott Hotel in Key Largo, shares his journey in leadership within the hospitality industry. He emphasizes the importance of confidence, caring for team members, and the power of listening. Horace discusses how he empowers his staff, sets high standards, and inspires others to grow. He reflects on overcoming self-doubt and the significance of having a vision for the future of hospitality, encouraging young people to explore careers in this vibrant field. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Confidence in Leadership 04:59 The Importance of Caring and Listening 11:53 Empowering Growth and Learning 17:50 Setting Standards and Accountability 25:00 Inspiration and Motivation in Leadership 32:01 The Power of Trust and Autonomy 37:54 Overcoming Self-Doubt 43:06 The Art of Listening 45:56 Vision for the Future of Hospitality ___________________________________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Highlights A desire to challenge oneself can lead to new opportunities and career growth. A strong sense of justice and fairness can shape one's values and actions. Leading by example, good communication, and a genuine interest in people are effective leadership skills. Humor and empathy can create a positive and productive work environment. Gaining perspective and not taking things too seriously can lead to better decision-making. In this episode of the Travel Leader Podcast, host Rachel Vandenberg interviews Susan Barry, President of Hive Marketing and host of the Top Floor podcast. Susan shares her career journey, from working in restaurants and opening hotels to starting her own marketing business and podcast. She discusses her entrepreneurial spirit, drive for autonomy, and the curiosity that has fueled her career. Susan emphasizes the importance of empathy, humor, and authenticity in leadership and highlights her passion for helping female founders in the hospitality industry. The episode is filled with personal insights and leadership wisdom. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Inspiration for Starting a Podcast 02:37 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Autonomy and the Desire for Control 05:23 A Strong Sense of Justice and Fairness: Guiding Values in Leadership 08:12 Leading by Example: Humor, Empathy, and Genuine Interest in People 10:35 Gaining Perspective and Not Taking Things Too Seriously 16:27 Exploring the Future of Hospitality on the Top Floor Podcast 19:57 Empowering Others: High Expectations and Good Communication 23:20 Leadership Skill: Humor, Empathy, and Genuine Interest in People 26:31 Vision and Ideas: Embracing Curiosity and Exploring New Possibilities 29:46 Final Thoughts and Shameless Self-Promotion __________________________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Highlights Gumption, which means spirited initiative and resourcefulness, has been the red thread throughout Dina's career and personal life. Listening to feedback, reflecting, and adapting are essential for personal and professional growth. Self-acceptance and the willingness to evolve are key to becoming a better leader. Empathy, humanity, and emotional intelligence are crucial leadership skills for connecting with and empowering others. Success as a leader involves lifting and growing the entire team, not just oneself. In this episode of the Travel Leader Podcast, Rachel Vandenberg interviews Dina Niekamp, Associate Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Branding at Miraval Resorts. They explore key themes in leadership, including the importance of "gumption" as a driving force in Dina's career, the significance of self-acceptance and non-judgment in personal and professional growth, and the evolving nature of leadership that embraces empathy and vulnerability. Dina shares her strategic approach to leadership, emphasizing the need for collaboration across departments and the value of including team members in the decision-making process to achieve shared goals. The conversation also highlights the balance between personal and professional life, the power of feedback, and the importance of lifting others as you grow. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Branding 09:54 Integrated Sales and Marketing Campaigns 17:22 Personal Life and Leadership 20:44 Being a Lefty and Personal Attributes 29:06 Empathy and Humanity in Leadership 36:03 Underestimating and Overestimating Oneself 41:58 Lifting and Growing the Team 44:25 Vision for Success 46:07 Closing Remarks and Gratitude ___________________________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Highlights Taking risks can lead to unexpected and great rewards in both personal and professional life. Self-care is essential for being the best version of oneself and making a positive impact. Having high expectations of oneself and others can drive personal and professional growth. Sharing personal stories and leading by example can inspire and motivate others. Living in line with one's values is crucial for personal fulfillment and success. Empowering others and providing opportunities for them to succeed is a motivating factor for Rachel. Rachel Humphrey, founder of Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance and interview host for DEI Advisors shares her career journey and reflects on the thread that weaves through her life, which is the willingness to take risks and the unexpected rewards that come with it. Rachel emphasizes the value of self-care and being true to one's values. She describes herself as a strategic thinker with high expectations of herself and others. Rachel inspires and motivates others through sharing her story and leading by example. She shares her motivation to empower others and provide opportunities for them to succeed. Rachel reflects on her proudest achievements, including raising her daughters. Her vision includes seeing more women in leadership positions in the hospitality industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Connection through Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance 03:11 The Power of Taking Risks in Your Career 08:09 The Importance of Self-Care for Success 12:48 Setting High Expectations for Personal and Professional Growth 25:00 Living in Alignment with Your Values for Fulfillment and Success 26:50 Empowering Others and Providing Opportunities 28:12 The Importance of Sharing Insights and Being a Support System 30:53 Proud Moments: Raising Daughters and Self-Care 34:07 Overcoming Underestimation and Taking Risks 37:02 The Value of Feedback and Seeking Input 40:46 A Vision for Beach Life and Women in Leadership ___________________________________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Highlights: Modeling the behavior as a leader to build customer connections and create exceptional experiences Transparency, trust, and accountability are essential in effective leadership. Self-awareness and reflection are crucial for personal and professional growth. Empowering others involves building trust, clear communication, delegation, and celebrating their accomplishments. Advocating for oneself and asking for what you want is important in career advancement. Summary: Join us for an inspiring journey with Lisa Garner, a trailblazing leader in the travel and hospitality industry! Lisa passionately shares her secrets to forging unforgettable customer connections, nurturing relationships, and empowering her teams to reach new heights. With a heart dedicated to service and a knack for being a true people person, Lisa delves into the core values of transparency, trust, and accountability that define her leadership style. She reveals how self-awareness and reflection have fueled her incredible personal and professional growth. Bursting with pride over the transformative impact she's had on her teams and the remarkable success she's achieved, Lisa envisions a future where she continues to make waves and uplift others in the industry. Get ready to be inspired and motivated by Lisa's dynamic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection 02:07 Being a People Person and Creating Great Experiences 04:22 Describing Lisa's Leadership Style 07:22 Balancing Toughness and Support as a Leader 09:27 Core Values and Integrity 11:16 The Role of Empathy in Leadership 13:44 Attitude and Lessons Learned 19:23 Recognizing Personal Values and Beliefs 22:27 Inspiration and Motivation to Make a Meaningful Impact 25:46 Empowering Others and Building Trust 28:08 Underestimating Oneself and Overcoming Fear 29:58 Leadership Skills and Relying on Relationships 34:17 Advocating for Yourself and Asking for What You Want 37:28 Leading with Connection and Building Diverse Teams 41:00 Gratitude and Contentment in Personal Accomplishments 43:03 Closing Remarks _____________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Highlights Leaving things better off than when you arrived Lan's commitment to bringing more women and underrepresented groups to conference stages. The impact of seeing diverse faces in leadership roles. Practical advice for overcoming obstacles and fostering ambition. The importance of mentors and champions in career growth. Summary Lan Elliott, Principal and Co-Founder of Acacia Hospitality, discusses her career and the impact she wants to have in the travel industry. She has always wanted to make a difference and leave her corner of the world better than she found it. She has worked on transformative portfolio deals, expanded hotel brands, and built high-performing teams. Now, she is focused on advancing women in hospitality leadership and increasing diversity in hotel ownership. She believes in the importance of representation, showcasing different voices, and creating awareness. Lan describes herself as direct, honest, tough, fair, and caring. She values building relationships, being a fountain of inspiration, and having a growth mindset. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Collaboration 04:39 Advancing Women in Hospitality Leadership 10:31 Building Strong Relationships and Teams 16:59 Embracing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles 24:27 Ambition and Women's Leadership 29:53 Finding the Right Mentors 32:23 Being a Fountain of Inspiration 37:38 Reading People and Growth Mindset 41:33 Dreaming Big and Promoting Diversity The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Highlights: The attraction of the hospitality industry Modeling change and innovation The importance of psychological safety Creating a culture of feedback Trust, empathy and treating team members as human beings Open communication Summary In this conversation, Rachel Vandenberg interviews Arun Upneja, the Dean of the School of Hospitality Administration at Boston University. They discuss Upneja's career in the hospitality industry and his role as an educator. Upneja emphasizes the importance of constant innovation and change and discusses the need to embrace new technologies and adapt to changing customer expectations.Arun believes that leaders should have a startup mentality and be willing to break down walls and constraints to drive change and innovation.  Arun also shares his approach to leadership, which focuses on treating people as human beings by fostering trust, respect, and open communication. He stresses the need for self-awareness and continuous learning in leadership development.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:23 The Impact of Education 06:10 Preparing Students for Change 09:39 Leadership Approach 16:02 Finding Meaning in Life and Work 23:57 Embracing Change and Innovation: Thinking Outside the Box 26:05 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Continuous Learning in Leadership 29:29 Having a Startup Mentality: Breaking Down Constraints 31:20 Empathy and Growth: Treating Employees with Humanity _________________________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Highlights: -Finding your voice -Intentional communication/ speaking up -Balance in leadership -Feedback culture -Creating connections, clarity and authenticity -Role models and standards of behavior -Imposter syndrome, growth, learning Jason shares his journey of finding his voice and how it has shaped his career in the restaurant industry. He emphasizes the importance of intentional communication and speaking up for oneself and the team. Jason also discusses the significance of balance in leadership and the need to surround oneself with people who compliment their weaknesses. He highlights the role of feedback and creating a culture of learning and improvement. At his core, Jason sees himself as a bridge, connecting ideas and making meaningful connections. In this conversation, discusses the importance of clarity, connection, and authenticity in leadership. He also highlights the impact of role models and the power of standards and values. We also dive into imposter syndrome and the need to embrace growth and learning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Recognition 02:14 Connecting with the Hospitality Industry 02:45 Finding His Voice in the Hospitality Industry 05:22 The Importance of Speaking Up and Balancing Leadership 09:43 Jason's Leadership Style and Strengths 14:42 Recognizing Weaknesses and Creating a Feedback Culture 24:53 Jason Brooks: A Bridge Connecting Ideas and Making Connections 25:55 Introduction and Background 26:48 The Influence of Role Models 28:15 The Importance of Standards and Values 32:22 Embracing Growth and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 35:58 The Impact of Coaching in the Hospitality Industry 45:33 Vision for Coaching in the Hospitality Industry 47:04 Conclusion and Closing Remarks ____________________________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

A first-generation immigrant to the United States from Nicaragua, Karen Kühl has 35 years of rich and varying experience in the tourism industry. Though she now serves as the Executive Director of the Cayuga County Office of Tourism, she got her start in the industry as a young adult—working in hostess, bartender, and front desk agent positions. From there, she climbed her way to the top as an extension of her natural leadership skills. She took on roles as a restaurant manager and resort manager, started her own agritourism tour operator, and so on until she found herself where she stands today.  Here in Cayuga County, she has been instrumental in implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, both in and out of the office. Under her leadership, the Cayuga County Office of Tourism has reached the Certified By Travel Union (CBTU) Level One designation and is now actively working toward pursuing the level two category by improving its internal DEI policies and procedures. Additionally, she has been instrumental in positioning Cayuga County as an epicenter of Black and activist history, embracing Harriet Tubman’s legacy in Auburn and the roots of the Underground Railroad in the area.   Karen Kühl is an example not only of a strong Latinx leader in the tourism industry, but also of an individual with a staunch commitment to making her destination a safe and welcoming place for visitors and residents alike.  _____________________________________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Jacob Messina, the CEO of Stayntouch, is a seasoned leader with a profound understanding of technology's critical role in the hospitality sector. Before taking the reins at Stayntouch, he served as the Senior Vice President of Technology & Innovation at MCR Hotels, where he oversaw technology for a portfolio of 150 hotels. With over a decade of experience at Loews Hotels & Co., his expertise spans hotel technology, distribution, and digital transformation. Jacob's unique blend of hotel and tech knowledge positions him as a dynamic force propelling Stayntouch's innovation in the hospitality industry, all with a strong commitment to the customer experience.  _____________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Dorothy Dowling, ISHC is a seasoned management consultant and growth advisor, with Horwath HTL with over 40 years of experience in the global hospitality industry. As the former Global Chief Marketing Officer and SVP of Sales at Best Western, she excelled at shaping marketing and commercial strategies. Dowling actively contributes to HSMAI and is a special advisor to the HSMAI Foundation Board. Her industry leadership earned her prestigious Lifetime Achievement awards from HSMAI, the NYU Investment Conference, and GBTA. She holds an Honours BA and MA from the University of Waterloo, completed executive programs at Harvard and MIT, and holds postgraduate certifications in D&I and ESG from Cornell. Dowling is also a public trustee at CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE), the third largest Storage REIT, and is Director-certified by the National Association of Corporate Directors https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothydowling/ https://global.hsmai.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/HSMAI-Foundation-State-of-Talent-2024.pdf _____________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Stephanie Sparks Smith, CHDM is CEO and Digital Matriarch at Cogwheel Marketing TM️ and partner and consultant at Cayuga Hospitality Consultants. Her agency focuses on helping hotel owners and management companies drive incremental exposure and revenue to their websites and online channels through hotel digital marketing and advertising. The expertise of Cogwheel Marketing is knowing the intricacies of the branded hotel systems and understanding where brand marketing stops and hotel level marketing begins. Cogwheel Analytics TM️ , developed by Cogwheel Marketing, is a hotel digital marketing reporting and BI tool that aggregates data from multiple sources to allow companies to identify trends and opportunities in their online presence. https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-sparks-smith/ Resources mentioned in the episode: The Energy Bus https://jongordon.com/book/the-energy-bus/ The Big Leap https://www.amazon.com/Big-Leap-Conquer-Hidden-Level-ebook/dp/B0026772QU _____________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

As a graduate student deeply interested in hospitality, Krystal Qi is honored to contribute to the advancement of the hospitality industry. In her role as the program coordinator for corporate engagement at the University of South Carolina, Krystal facilitates connections and supports industry initiatives with humility and dedication. Leveraging her background in hotel operations, Krystal is committed to continuous learning and growth. With a focus on excellence and integrity, she navigates the complexities of the field diligently. Krystal eagerly embraces oportunities to explore new strategies and trends, striving to make a positive impact in the hospitality industry. Krystal is currently part of She Has A Deal, and has served as a student ambassador for ALIS three times.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yiming-krystal-qi-40042a194/ _____________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Allie joined the Uncommon Hospitality team in 2020 after relocating to Maine from Australia. She looks after the brand, voice, and identity of each hotel in the portfolio and creates strategic marketing plans to drive new guest acquisition, retention, engagement, and lifetime value. Allie utilizes a variety of tactics to introduce guests to the hotels and ensure they return again and again—she is an expert in digital marketing, social media, influencer management, local partnerships, and more. Allie attended American University in Washington, D.C. and the University of Technology in Sydney, studied abroad in Rome, and completed online courses from Harvard Business School and Cornell University. She lives in South Portland with her husband, Ciaran. https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-meyer/ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Traveling through young adulthood with an intense fascination with maps and cartography in general, a career in land use management and geography seemed like a natural fit. Upon graduation from Clark University during the peak of the "Great Recession", like most other millennials, Paul refocused from his dream job towards something that would pay the bills. That lead him to the travel industry, specifically, a travel broker, where we channeled his past experiences and knowledge of the world to help aspiring globetrotters optimize their travel routes. His ability to merge logistical efficiency with intercultural communication and an understanding of diverse regions led him to pivot to a digital marketing role, and the boutique hotel management field. As Migis Hotel Group's Director of Digital Marketing & Sales, Paul directs all revenue management and marketing strategies, focused on combining only the best of corporate practices and expertise with the traditions and legacy of quintessential New England innkeeping. _________________________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Vanessa Miller is a chef and operations strategist with more than 18 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Miller’s unique perspective on restaurants and hospitality combines front-of-house and back-of-house management experience with an analytical approach to operations, fueled by Economics and Political Science training from Tufts University, where she also played basketball. Starting in restaurants at the age of 16, Miller quickly climbed the ranks and, with no formal culinary training, transitioned to the kitchen where she discovered her passion for food and honed her culinary talent. In 2013, at the age of 24, Miller became the youngest female Executive Chef in New York City when she opened The Dalloway in SoHo. Guided by a ‘team-sport-inspired’ leadership philosophy, Miller has executed creative and sophisticated menus, led diverse teams, and managed operations in a variety of leadership roles in NYC, including Director of Food and Beverage, Director of Restaurants, and Director of Culinary Operations. In her current role as Senior Director of Food and Beverage for 21c Museum Hotels, she oversees food and beverage operations for the company's 8 properties, including the development and execution of culinary and restaurant concepts, menus, and service standards. _________________________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.

Mimi Oliver (www.waterwalk.com) is chief executive officer of WaterWalk, the nation’s most innovative flexible lodging brand. Mimi is a true ground up WaterWalk expert having learned from the best—her grandfather and founder of WaterWalk, the late Jack DeBoer. Over the years, she has worked in most business units of WaterWalk, led the introduction of their Generation 2.0 concept and has raised over $110 million in equity and over $125 million in debt for the company. Mimi was recently recognized as a “Female Force in Hospitality and Real Estate” by International Hospitality Media and participated in the Wall Street Journal’s roundtable of Most Influential Women in Hospitality. She has been featured in Hotel Management Magazine’s 30 under 30: The Hotel Industry’s Top Rising Stars edition as well as their Most Influential Women in Hospitality edition. Under her leadership, WaterWalk was awarded “Best Places to Work in Wichita” by Wichita Business Journal in 2022. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimi-oliver-954317203/ _________________________________________________ The Travel Leader is brought to you by The Travel Leader Coach, a content and coaching platform founded by Executive Leadership Coach, Rachel Vandenberg. Learn more at www.thetravelleadercoach.com.