Jessica Calhoun
Jessica Calhoun is a dynamic operations and training leader with more than a decade of experience in hospitality, customer service, and national program development. She currently serves as a National Program Trainer with ABM Industries, where she leads the implementation of strategic training initiatives across national platforms. In her role, Jessica facilitates engaging virtual sessions, equips regional and operational managers with the tools they need to succeed, and leverages data insights to continuously improve program performance. Known for her people-first approach, she blends operational excellence with a passion for empowering leaders at every level.
Jessica began her career in hospitality in 2014 with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, which later merged with Marriott International. Starting as a training assistant, she quickly advanced to sales and service supervisor before stepping into a training supervisor role. During this time, she served as a key liaison between call centers and hotel leadership, coordinating executive visits and supporting general managers and sales teams. Her long hours and dedication provided her with invaluable visibility across the industry and deep experience in leading leaders, managing direct reports, and driving performance in fast-paced environments.
Over the years, Jessica has held leadership roles with organizations including 24-7 In Touch, Quicken Loans, MCI, Cox Communications, and Azamara, gaining experience across operations management, executive support, technical service, and cruise sales leadership. Today, she supports teams operating within major distribution environments, including Amazon and Walmart facilities, where she trains managers on device usage and operational systems for maintenance and janitorial teams. A self-proclaimed data enthusiast, Jessica uses tools such as Power BI to analyze performance across markets including Austin, Georgia, Florida, the Mid-Atlantic, New York–New England, and Houston, translating numbers into meaningful stories that drive accountability and growth.
• Vatterott College - Associate's degree, Medical/Clinical Assistant
• Nominated for Supervisor of the Year (twice)
• Selected as Woman of the Year during International Women's Month
• Domestic Violence Advocacy
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God, but also hard work. That's number one, absolutely. But it is also dedication, it's never giving up, even when you feel like you want to throw the towel in. It's just finding that extra push to keep going, because you're not doing it for just you, you're doing it for those around you, whether that be your home life where you have children, or in your professional career. I still have people that reported to me in previous employment that still reach out to this day and say, oh my god, you were the best trainer or best supervisor I've ever had, like, thank you so much for caring about me and not seeing me as just a number. So, I feel like you just have to keep pushing, keep striving, and don't be a knowledge keeper. Don't gatekeep knowledge. Pass it on. Someone could use it.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is 'Be the Duck.' We see ducks, and it looks like they're just floating across the water, right? But underneath, their feet are frantically kicking. So when systems are shutting down, or logins are not working, or your computer is on the fritz, those are all the things that happen in the background, but you have to stay smooth on the surface so that those who report to you and those around you don't also feel the panic. So be the duck.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work, true leadership is about getting in the trenches with your team and doing the work with them. As a leader, if you're not able to do the work that you're requiring of those who report to you, I think you're at a disadvantage, and it's hard to get their buy-in. You have to be able to get in there with them and do the work. That's what I feel like true leadership is, and it's knowing that if you are the smartest person in that room, you should find another room to get into so you can continuously learn. You should always be a student. In my personal life, I'm an avid reader - reading is something that I've enjoyed since I was a kid. I set a goal every year of how many books to read from different genres, and I set it at 250. The closest I've gotten to it is 236 books. I also love cooking, and that is a really big passion of mine, to learn different cuisines. The one that I am wanting to start honing my skills in now is the European and Asian cuisine.