In this episode, Leanne Harwood, SVP and Managing Director of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands in the Americas for IHG, shares her fascinating career journey from bartending at a ski resort to leading six iconic hotel brands across the Americas.

Listeners will learn:

• The pivotal moments that shaped Leanne's career, including her first expat role in Vietnam (02:45) and transitioning from hotel operations to corporate leadership (07:56)
• Practical tips for adapting to new cultures and environments when moving for work (04:38)
• The importance of mentorship in building confidence and navigating unfamiliar settings (09:42)
• Strategies for staying calm and composed under pressure (13:19)

Mentions:

• Vietnam (02:56)
• Saigon (03:17)
• Australia (03:06)
• Georgia, USA (07:18)
• Europe (10:22)
• New Zealand (10:43)
• Karin Sheppard, Managing Director for Europe at IHG (10:11)

Listen to more episodes with Leanne: 

• Scent, Spice, and Service: The Sensory World of Six Senses
• Inside IHG’s People Programs: Creating Leaders in Hospitality
• The Secret to Profit and Guest Satisfaction? Clarity in Leadership

This episode is brought to you with support from Shiji Group, the global hospitality technology leader that helps hotels streamline operations and transform guest experiences. Recognized by their clients for their best-in-class solutions and exceptional service and support, Shiji Group is trusted by leading brands worldwide to activate technology faster, increase operational efficiency, and drive better business results.

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Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands