Laura Pallotta - Regional Vice President, Sales and Distribution
1) How did you get your start in hospitality and tell us a bit about your path?
I started my career in sales when I was just 12 years old, working in a ladies' clothing store part time while I was in school. From there, I worked various retail sales jobs throughout high school and university, before starting in the hospitality industry working in sales for an off-premises catering company.
Soon after, that catering company ended up taking over management of a hotel and that's how I started my career in hotel sales. I never looked back. I love the hotel industry because there are so many different types of customers and an incredible variety of hotels and roles available. There truly is something for everyone.
I worked in a variety of hotels - including airport, downtown, extended stay, luxury - and ultimately joined Delta Hotels in 2003. After progressive roles in Canada, and Marriott's acquisition of Delta Hotels in 2015, I was asked to lead Marriott's Canada Sales Organization and begin the integration of Marriott with Delta Hotels, and eventually, Starwood Hotels.
2) International Women's Day is all about promoting a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. What are some of the things that you've been a part of within Marriott and the industry to effect change?
I am very proud to be the Co-Chair of Marriott Canada's Inclusion Council since 2017. We are focused on creating more opportunities for women and those with diverse backgrounds to advance their careers, as well as youth employment through university/college engagement and creating pathways for future leaders.
I am excited about the work we are doing with women, particularly now as there has been an enormous impact on women through this pandemic. We have fostered support and career pathways through our Afternoons of Engagement where we discuss common issues women are facing today and how Marriott can support their career goals and planning.
I am also an active member of the Ryerson University Ted Rogers School of Hospitality Industry Advisory team and regularly speak to young people about career paths in hospitality. I recently mentored some women graduates who are starting their careers in the hotel industry.
3) How do you juggle the demands of work and life? What do you do to find balance?
Lucky for me, I have a sense of humor and a strong network of support, including my husband, family, and friends around me. My husband is a great partner, and we help each other manage our children's needs and have some fun along the way. I try not to get overwhelmed by leaning on others when I need them and provide that same support as well. I manage to stay on top of it all by focusing on being present when I am at work, and then being present for my family when we are together. I also try and not be too hard on myself. Perfection is not possible, but 80% is! Isn't that an "A"?
For balance, every morning I try and go for a good walk. During that time, I get some fresh air, a bit of exercise, and think about my day ahead while reminding myself what I am grateful for. Recently I have become a golf and pickleball nut. These are very social sports, and I am fueled by spending time surrounded by new people.
4) What barriers did you face in your career? How did you break them?
I grew up in a working-class family and wasn't quite sure what a successful business career looked like, and if it was even attainable for me. I sometimes suffered from a lack of confidence and second guessed myself. When I joined Delta Hotels and eventually Marriott I felt so supported. I was afforded great leaders who mentored me and sponsored me and was given the opportunity to take personal and business training that eventually inspired me to pursue senior leadership. I have never looked back, and I am so proud to be a part of this organization and leading the industry here in Canada.
5) What advice would you give young people interested in pursuing a career in hospitality?
The travel and hospitality industry is fun and exciting, and there are so many different pathways to pursue - hotels, restaurants, meeting and events planning, destination marketing organizations, and more. The world of hotels is an incredible opportunity! Every discipline is covered in our business - sales, finance, operations, law, human resources, sustainability. You can travel the world and work anywhere and meet amazing people that will be friends and colleagues for life. Travel is roaring back now. Over this pandemic people recognized more than ever the power of travel and how it fuels you and the incredible importance of human connections.
Roz Winegrad - Area Vice President of Owner and Franchise Services of Canada
1) How did you get your start in hospitality and tell us a bit about your path?
I have been with Marriott for 35 years. I started my career in the culinary field. I graduated from culinary school after a BA in history, and my first job out of culinary school was at a Marriott hotel. I was eager to join a company that had a management career path, and I was quickly offered the Management Training Program.
2) International Women's Day is all about promoting a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. What are some of the things that you've been a part of within Marriott and the industry to effect change?
Marriott has been a leader in this area. In Canada, we have led the Women Supporting Women initiative, which fosters a gathering of women leaders from within Marriott, and among hotel owners, university leaders, and industry leaders. The purpose of this gathering is to identify ways to promote women in hospitality. I also work with Castell Group and Castell at College on their diversity efforts. The Castell at College program is one that I have recently participated in, leading a panel discussion for university students with women leaders in hospitality.
3) How do you juggle the demands of work and life? What do you do to find balance?
To me, balance is not the question - the goal is to blend the demands of my personal and professional life in a way that works for me. Hospitality is not a 9-to-5 business. There are times I take off midday to spend time at my son's school, but then I work later into the evening to catch up. Certainly, this requires family and friends that accommodate and understand the demands of the career.
4) What barriers did you face in your career? How did you break them?
Starting my career as a woman in culinary was certainly a challenge 35 years ago; however, all along the way I stayed focused on the goals that I set out for myself and never compromised my personal integrity.
5) What advice would you give young people interested in pursuing a career in hospitality?
This business provides an amazing career opportunity. It's exciting, fun, and has enormous opportunity for growth. While not easy, it is certainly rewarding. I have friends for life from working in hotels, corporate and regional roles with Marriott. It's well beyond just a job. And the demand for talent is huge - with a renewed demand for travel, we need great people to join us!
Brenda Rodricks, Area General Manager, Montreal
1) How did you get your start in hospitality and tell us a bit about your path?
My parents were from India and part of the Anglo-Indian community. In our culture, hospitality is part of the DNA, and in our household, my mother was always making everyone's favorite food and my father was always ensuring that everyone had their favorite drinks. Our house was always full, and my parents made every single person feel special and welcome. Growing up in this environment, making people happy and comfortable, it was a natural evolution for me to be attracted to the hospitality industry.
My start was at age 16 working in the laundry department part time and summers, and from there I rotated to room attendant, server, hostess, short-order cook and room service. I quickly developed a love of this industry and pursued a career in it via a few different brands and getting in-depth experience in front office, food and beverage and sales and revenue management. My career with Marriott started in 2009 when I was hired to open the Montreal Airport In-Terminal Hotel!
2) International Women's Day is all about promoting a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. What are some of the things that you've been a part of within Marriott and the industry to effect change?
I have always believed that women have many natural talents suited for this industry, and I have always promoted and supported women in the industry. I had the honor of being the first woman President of the Montreal Hotel Association and used this platform to encourage women to pursue a career in this amazing industry. After joining Marriott, I was invited to be the first Canadian representative in 2011 with Marriott's Diversity and Inclusion group. Through this, I learnt about and promoted all the various key initiatives to the Canadian market. Additionally, diversity and inclusion initiatives and events were supported by our Business Council which I had the opportunity and privilege of leading for seven years.
3) How do you juggle the demands of work and life? What do you do to find balance?
I find balance by constantly reminding myself of what my priorities are - both business and personal - and trying not to get lost in the whirlwind. I have learnt to discipline myself to focus on one thing at a time, continually develop the skill of saying no gracefully, and to become more efficient with my time. I am also trying to constantly learn from people, books, podcasts, etc. to become a better leader and a better person. I am also a believer in using breath work when there are deadlines and pressures and using meditation to ensure I keep things in perspective and for clarity of thought.
4) What barriers did you face in your career? How did you break them?
I think we all face barriers in our careers, and the way I always approached breaking them was by doing my homework. I did, and still do, analyze each situation and all possible solutions so that I can concisely present my suggestions based on facts and experience. I also try and ensure that my communication is clear and understandable to my audience. I have found this approach reinforced my credibility and helped me gain the confidence of those involved in business situations.
5) What advice would you give young people interested in pursuing a career in hospitality?
Take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you to learn and grow. Keep an open mind on how you want your career to progress - you never know where it will lead you!
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