Work + Wander

In this episode of Work + Wander, Jay and Jess chat with Lillian Baker, Corporate Responsibility Performance Analyst at Travel + Leisure Co., who turned her internship into a full-time career. Lillian shares her journey from masters graduate to full-time associate, what it’s like to make an impact through corporate responsibility, and her advice for anyone looking to turn an internship into a launchpad. Plus, she takes us along on a dream trip through the South of France — complete with great food, wine, and a heatwave.

Join us as we sit down with Edwin Pierre-Louis, multi-site General Manager for Club Wyndham National Harbor and Club Wyndham Old Town Alexandria. Edwin shares his journey from starting at La Belle Maison in New Orleans to leading teams that create unforgettable guest experiences in the D.C. area. He dives into his philosophy of leadership, how he develops his team, and the small details that make a big difference in hospitality. Plus, Edwin takes us along on his personal adventures—from a dream anniversary trip to Costa Rica to his favorite city escapes—while sharing travel tips, guilty pleasures, and insights on making every guest feel truly cared for.

In this episode of Work + Wander, Jay Cocorullo and Jessica Badlam sit down with Caitlyn Ledden, Assistant General Manager at Club Wyndham Kingsgate. Caitlyn shares how the Leadership Development Program kickstarted her career, the mentors who guided her along the way, and what drives her as she works toward her dream of becoming a General Manager. She also takes us beyond the resort with stories of travel adventures — including an unforgettable stop to pet lambs on the side of an Irish road.

In this episode of Work + Wander, hosts Jay Cocorullo and Jessica Badlam chat with Jonathan Topolosky, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Margaritaville Vacation Club. Jonathan shares how he got his start in real estate and construction, grew his career, starting at National Harbor before moving down to Clearwater Beach, FL, and ultimately found his most recent role at Travel + Leisure Co.’s corporate headquarters in Orlando. He reflects on a family trip to Hawaii that sparked his passion for the power of leisure travel, and how that experience continues to shape his leadership today.

Our journey begins! Meet Jay and Jessica as they launch Work + Wander — the podcast where career stories meet dream destinations.Full Description:In our very first episode of Work + Wander, hosts Jay Cocorullo and Jessica Badlam introduce the podcast, share the story behind its creation, and give you a sneak peek at what’s to come. You’ll hear about our mission to connect career journeys with dream destinations, and how conversations with inspiring colleagues will bring Travel + Leisure Co.’s “Put the World on Vacation” vision to life.From personal stories to professional insights — and a little wanderlust along the way — this is your passport to the people, places, and possibilities that make our company so unique.