Kelly Kirby

I would say hard work, and really just digging in and doing whatever I needed to do to be successful. I think my best career advice is really just to take everything that you learn and don't take it for granted, because some things that you learn that you don't think you'll ever use, you'll use eventually, and you'll be glad that you paid attention when you could. Knowledge is power, and as a female in an industry that, like most industries, is male-dominated, it takes a lot to be some of the most knowledgeable in the room. But when you have all that knowledge at your fingertips and in your tool belt, then you can just make yourself that much more powerful as a spokesperson.

I think my best career advice is really just to take everything that you learn and don't take it for granted, because some things that you learn that you don't think you'll ever use, you'll use eventually, and you'll be glad that you paid attention when you could. Knowledge is power, and as a female in an industry that, like most industries, is male-dominated, it takes a lot to be some of the most knowledgeable in the room. But when you have all that knowledge at your fingertips and in your tool belt, then you can just make yourself that much more powerful as a spokesperson.

I would say, if it's not in your blood and you're not passionate about it, don't pursue it, because it is hard work, and there are long days and long hours, and it doesn't always go great. But you just have to keep pushing through, because when things do go well, it's a high that you've never experienced, and it's something that's gonna pay you back tenfold.

I would say, as a female in this role, that when you are passionate, you are sometimes labeled as emotional, which is frustrating, because if a male had similar feelings or viewpoints, they would be considered good at their job and just general passionate versus kind of a hysterical, emotional woman who is letting that get to her. That's probably been one of my bigger challenges. And then just being always able to speak up and be heard in a room full of men. I always think back to how it must have been in the 50s and 60s, and how far we've come, but there's still a long way to go, and I hope that my daughter doesn't have some of the challenges that I've had in my career. The hospitality industry is really only 30% female-led. In terms of opportunities, probably our biggest opportunity in the events world is that we're the sounding board for the client on what they want for every operational and non-operational department in the hotel. If the client's voice isn't being heard through us, then it doesn't happen, and that can be frustrating when it doesn't always come to fruition.

Definitely honesty and integrity. That's really keys to how I live, both personally and professionally. The way that I'm viewed by others is probably a little too important to me, but it's really kind of the testament to who I am as a person. I have a really strong work ethic, so I appreciate others that I surround myself with that have one as well. I'm very passionate about what I do, because I am the face of the hotel for my groups and my team, and I want to make sure that I kind of walk the walk and talk the talk.