Her Story
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth Leighty is a dedicated sales and hospitality professional currently serving as a Front Desk/Sales Associate at Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, Illinois. With approximately 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, she has developed a strong background in customer service, sales, upselling, team support, and operational management. She is known for her positive attitude, reliability, strong work ethic, listening skills, and ability to solve problems while consistently exceeding expectations.
Alongside her professional career, Elizabeth is pursuing studies in Entrepreneurship at McHenry County College, with plans to continue toward a higher degree in Business with an emphasis on Management and Hospitality. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and her college’s business club. Her previous experience as a Retail Sales Lead at Little Green Apple Hallmark strengthened her abilities in team support, store operations, display setup, opening and closing procedures, and sales. She has also gained experience as a hospice caregiver, further developing her compassion, responsibility, and ability to remain composed in challenging situations.
Elizabeth is passionate about continuous learning, leadership development, and helping others reach their potential. She values mentorship and actively seeks guidance from knowledgeable professionals while remaining open to opportunities for personal and career growth. Beyond her work and education, she mentors young adults and has an interest in community service, including potential volunteer work with NAMI. Her career journey reflects resilience, dedication, and a commitment to growth, and she continues to build on her hospitality and sales expertise as she prepares for future leadership opportunities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elizabeth
01What do you attribute your success to?
A lot of it is utilizing resources that are out there. I don't try and do everything on my own. I think to be truly successful it's essential for me to lean on people who have more knowledge than me and to know what questions to ask and just pick their brain. Stay teachable all the time. There's always something I can learn from somebody.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I think the best advice I ever got I actually just got it not too long ago from one of my professors who said that you should frequently ask your current employer not just at a review but every couple of months just say you know what would you like me to accomplish within the next 3 months? What are your goals for me for the next 90 days? Set a goal for me to achieve for the next 90 days. That kind of gives them an incentive to push you a little bit harder and it gives you an incentive to work towards to climb up the ladder.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn to enjoy the job. Fall into it and learn to love it. Enjoy your time here. Don't view it as something that you're forced to go to every day. It's a happy place. I work at a resort. People are thrilled to come to a resort.
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