Lily Feng

I attribute my success to believing in myself and staying grounded in gratitude. Early on, it’s easy to compare yourself to others or chase someone else’s version of success. Over time, I’ve learned to focus on becoming a better version of myself every day—that mindset has been a game changer.

Gratitude is a daily practice for me, something I’ve strengthened through yoga training. I make it a point to reflect on a few things I’m thankful for each day. That perspective keeps me centered, positive, and resilient, even in challenging moments.

I also believe that true influence starts with authenticity. When you genuinely care, lead with emotional intelligence, and take the time to support and uplift others—especially when they’re going through tough times—you create a lasting impact. Success, to me, is not just about personal achievements, but about bringing others along with you.

At the end of the day, I feel incredibly fortunate to have a high-performing team, a supportive and loving family, and a career that allows me to grow while helping others do the same.

One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve ever received came early on from a mentor who was a CEO of a management company. When I asked him what my goal should be, he challenged me to think bigger and longer term.

He told me to map out a vision for my career: become a general manager in my 30s, a vice president in my 40s, and a president in my 50s. That advice shifted my mindset from focusing on short-term wins to building a long-term path with intention and purpose.

I took that guidance seriously, and I’m proud to say I became a general manager in my early 30s. More importantly, it taught me the value of setting clear goals, staying focused, and continuously growing into the next stage of leadership.

My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: believe in yourself and stop doubting your worth.

I’ve seen so many talented young women hold themselves back because of self-doubt. It’s easy to get caught up in comparisons, especially with the influence of social media, but not everything you see reflects reality. Don’t measure your journey against someone else’s highlight reel—focus on your own growth and potential.

One practical habit I always share is to stop over-apologizing. So many young women start their careers saying “sorry” for things that don’t require an apology. Instead, build confidence in your voice and your presence. I even encourage them to look in the mirror every day and remind themselves, “I’m not sorry.” It may sound small, but mindset matters.

What you believe internally shapes what you attract externally. If you lead with confidence, positivity, and a glass-half-full mindset, you’ll start to see those opportunities and energies come back to you.

Trust yourself—you’re more capable than you think.

One of the biggest challenges in our field right now is communication and transparency. In the hotel industry, we operate 24/7—there’s no pause button. Because of that, even a small breakdown in communication can have a significant impact.

For example, something as simple as a missed note during a shift handover or stand-up meeting—like a guest leaving an item for a friend, or an update not being logged in lost and found—can lead to service gaps. These moments may seem minor, but they directly affect the guest experience.

Hotels are ultimately judged by customer satisfaction, and guests see us as their home away from home. That means every detail matters. If communication breaks down between departments, it can overshadow all the great work happening elsewhere.

At the same time, this challenge presents a big opportunity: to strengthen communication, improve transparency, and implement systems that ensure nothing falls through the cracks. When we get that right, we elevate the entire guest experience and set our teams up for success.

The values that matter most to me, both in my work and personal life, are family, gratitude, and people.

My family—my husband and my children—are my foundation. They keep me grounded and remind me what truly matters. That sense of love and support carries into how I show up professionally.

At work, I value my team deeply. Building and supporting a high-performing team is incredibly important to me. I believe when people feel valued and supported, they can do their best work.

Gratitude is something I practice every day, inspired by my yoga training. I make it a habit to reflect on a few things I’m thankful for daily. That mindset keeps me positive, focused, and resilient.

At the end of the day, I feel fortunate to have a fulfilling career, a strong team, and a loving family—and I don’t take any of it for granted.