Whether early in a hotelier's career or after rising through the ranks, being surrounded by leaders and peers with the same vision and values is critical to success.
Sarah Dinger, senior vice president of franchise operations at My Place Hotels, said the company's co-founder and Chairman Ron Rivett and his grandson, President and CEO Ryan Rivett, instilled the passion for hospitality within her. They encouraged and supported her growth professionally within the industry as well as personally.
Brittney Jones, vice president of strategic partnerships at Raines, said Grey Raines, the principal and managing director of the hospitality development, management and investment company, was someone who played a pivotal role in helping her create a path that led her to her current role.
Dawna Comeaux, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Spire Hospitality, said peers, team members, guests and others all can contribute to overall career success.
Here's more on the career journeys of these three women in the hospitality industry.
What inspired you to enter the hospitality industry?
Jones: My career in the hospitality industry began almost by chance. In my hometown, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how a single hotel investment could transform an area. Not only did this development bring much-needed economic activity, but it also created jobs, opened up additional opportunities for growth and helped revitalize a downtown. Seeing this transformation was a pivotal moment, and it inspired me to pursue a career in this industry.
In February 2015, I accepted the role as director of sales at Hotel Florence. Coming from outside industries, I [knew] very little about the industry. But I quickly fell in love with it.
It has been exciting to watch Raines grow as it has over the last 10 years. I feel incredibly fortunate, and I give credit, and also gratitude, to Grey Raines, principal and managing partner, for bringing me into meetings and conversations early on that exposed me to many areas of the business; ultimately, creating a path that led me to where I am today.
Comeaux: While planning my brother’s wedding, I had the pleasure of meeting the catering director at the Marriott in San Antonio, Texas, who graciously let me follow her around for the weekend. I honestly thought hotels were just for vacations. The diversity of the business, coupled with the opportunity to make an impact on people, made it a compelling career choice. I was completely enamored with the hotel industry from that moment forward.
Dinger: While my tenure in hospitality started in restaurant management, my story at My Place began with my relationship with our founders Ron Rivett and his grandson Ryan. Since starting with the company in 2012, Ron and Ryan not only shared their vision for My Place with me but also instilled within me a perspective and passion for the hospitality industry that’s been decades in the making; all while encouraging and supporting me to grow both personally and professionally.
What are some key lessons you've learned throughout your career as you've worked your way up through the ranks?
Jones: It is OK to say "no" when necessary. As an early-career professional, I was often eager to please and would take on too much at once. When faced with a request that I feel is outside of my scope, or if I don't have the time to take it on, I've learned that it's OK to say "no." This helps me keep a healthier work-life balance, while still maintaining the respect of my colleagues. Learning to effectively say "no" is an invaluable skill that has served me well throughout my career.
It takes a team. Additionally, I've learned the importance of collaboration and asking for help when necessary. As a leader is often tasked with making important decisions and delegating tasks, it can be tempting to try and do everything yourself. However, reaching out to colleagues, partners and other stakeholders can help ensure you make the best decisions possible. Collaboration is key when it comes to achieving success in any industry, and hospitality is no different. It's important to remember that it takes a team to get things done.
Don’t forget to have fun. I have learned that no matter what situation you are in or the challenges you face, having fun is important. Life is too short to waste time worrying about what other people think or who we should be. Instead, focus on your journey and make sure you enjoy it. A sense of humor and a positive attitude can go a long way in any situation. When you take time to savor the moments, appreciate progress made and enjoy the rewards that come with hard work, it can truly make all the difference. It is easy to get overwhelmed and overworked — but don’t forget to have a little fun along the way!
Comeaux: First and foremost, surround yourself with great people with the same vision and values. It’s also important to be open-minded and learn from everyone — peers, team members, guests, everyone helps to contribute to the overall success of an individual and the team.
Dinger: Two of the most important lessons I’ve learned are areas I strive for continuous improvement: Hard work doesn't go unnoticed [and] be an advocate for yourself.
If you work hard enough, you will succeed. However, it's equally important to take time for self-care.
Don't assume anybody knows what you want. Vocalize your goals around those that will help hold you accountable for achieving them.
How has the pandemic changed you as a leader?
Jones: The pandemic has been a difficult experience, but it has also allowed us to become more agile and resilient in our approach. Through this, I have realized how important it is to be able to recognize and act on opportunities when they arise. We focus on having contingency plans in place so we can quickly adjust our strategies and continue to operate effectively. This has been instrumental in allowing us to stay ahead of the curve and respond quickly to changing market conditions. This shift in mentality will ensure our ongoing success as an organization.
Comeaux: Pivot fast, embrace and learn from the past but don't cling to it.
Dinger: Through the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, I drilled down on what I believe to be the two core components of leadership — be present and be supportive.
How do you feel women can develop their leadership skills? What has helped you?
Jones: Avoid stagnation, and never stop learning. Anyone can develop their leadership skills by embracing and nurturing a culture of continuous learning. Constantly staying current on trends, industry events and developments in your field allows you to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive. By understanding new perspectives, being open to feedback, and taking the initiative to learn more in any given situation, you can refine existing skills and acquire new ones. Learning new skills and gaining knowledge not only helps to grow professionally but can also develop a sense of personal accomplishment and confidence.
Learn from criticism — ask for advice and feedback. Seek advice and feedback from experienced individuals who can provide insight as to how you can grow as a leader. By asking for guidance, you can identify areas where you need more development and take steps toward becoming a more polished professional. Additionally, it is just as important to be open and receptive to feedback from colleagues. Being willing to take constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity for growth will show others that you are invested in self-improvement.
Comeaux: I have always tried to work hard, surround myself with aligned values, learn from others, and work with a good mentor.
Dinger: Those around me will recognize that I lead from the front. Expect your path to leadership to be paved in hard work. Some qualities of other effective leaders that I have tried to incorporate into my own day-to-day are to be a listener first, not just to formulate a response, but to truly listen. Be a lifelong learner, a strong motivator and be decisive but also be empathetic.
I also recognize I have a strong support system, which I’ve fortified throughout my career through networking opportunities. These people have broadened my perspective and pushed me to be a better version of myself.
What advice would you give to women entering the hospitality industry now or to those working their way up the ranks?
Jones: Embrace challenges and persist through obstacles. Women entering the workforce now, or those striving to move up the ranks, should welcome and embrace challenges that come their way. Taking on challenges can be intimidating at first but it's important to remember that obstacles in life are inevitable — no success story happens without overcoming some form of adversity.
The best part about taking on a challenge is that it gives you the opportunity to learn, grow and develop new skills. Each challenge can act as a stepping stone, allowing you to build your confidence and give yourself more experiences, which will equip you for the next step in your career. Learning from each obstacle encountered builds character and resilience, something which is invaluable when striving for success in any field.
Progress over perfection. This can be tough for a lot of people, but it is essential to embrace progress over perfection. This means celebrating the small wins and putting your focus on each step forward you have taken rather than aiming for perfect outcomes. By taking this approach, you can stay ahead of the competition and help your organization thrive in an ever-changing environment.
Comeaux: Find the right environment where you can thrive, take risks and grab opportunities as they arise.
Dinger: Be willing to take a risk. Try to hold as many titles as you can — not every opportunity will present itself as obvious. Work hard even when you don’t think anybody is watching — integrity goes a long way in today’s world. Dive headfirst into mastering the task at hand and be confident promoting yourself as an expert.
How have you built your confidence and/or resilience over the course of your career?
Jones: Be self-aware and believe in yourself. In my experience, confidence and resiliency are skills that must be cultivated. It is important to remain self-aware in order to make sure that you maintain a positive outlook, both professionally and personally. Being aware of your strengths, weaknesses, motivations and beliefs is critical to your success. Acknowledging areas of improvement is key to becoming better at what you do, and it is necessary to understand not only how we affect ourselves but also how we affect others. Through understanding ourselves and others, we can build the confidence and resiliency needed to reach goals. With a strong sense of self-awareness, we can create a positive and productive environment for ourselves and those around us.
Dinger: I have always struggled to push myself outside my comfort zone — but the result of doing so has been where I have grown the most. Learn to set reasonable goals and understand that constructive criticism is part of a thriving corporate environment. For me, I gain much of my confidence through understanding, so I’ll take the time here in this last question to reemphasize to always be learning!