Using this space to congratulate Nancy also allows me to discuss diversity, or lack thereof, in this industry.
A true leader
I will always remember the respect Nancy showed me a decade ago when I was a regional sales manager responsible for selling her advertising in HOTEL BUSINESS®. The bottom line is that she didn’t always buy what I was selling. However, she was respectful, always making an effort to have me feel as if I were the only person in the room. It comes as absolutely no surprise to me when I hear that this is how she treats everyone. This undoubtedly has been one of the secrets to her success over the years, and in my opinion, is one of the traits of a true leader.
Using this space to congratulate Nancy also allows me to discuss diversity, or the lack thereof, in this industry, a topic that is top of mind to both she and I. It was not surprising that Nancy spoke of the subject during her acceptance speech. “Women have hit the top, and the good news is they’re running some of the best and biggest companies in the world,” she said. “The bad news is, women in top leadership roles are still in a tiny minority. In this year’s Fortune 500, there are only 18 women CEOs. It should be 50/50, and some day it will be. But only if we as leaders—male and female—do something about it. We can not do anything about other industries, but we can do something about our own.”
Promoting diversity
I’m sure it was just a coincidence, but there was certainly a bit of irony that the same week Nancy was named the association’s Chair, the AH&LA released a new video on the importance of diversity to the lodging industry. The seven-and-a-half minute video, produced by the Association’s multicultural & diversity council, features seven prominent CEOs highlighting the importance of diversity to their companies. The comments emphasize the legitimate business reasons for promoting diversity among their employees, vendors and guests.
Although, as an industry, many are beginning to experience better times, there are still plenty facing rough times out there. The AH&LA will be well served by Nancy Johnson, who will undoubtedly share her development and operational expertise with any hotelier in need, whether they are an AH&LA member or not. That’s just her style.