Her Story
About Luisa
Luisa Forney is a seasoned Human Resources professional and currently serves as Director of Talent & Culture at Broken Sound Club in South Florida. In this role, she focuses on talent development, employee engagement, workplace culture, recruitment, and fostering an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and connected. She brings extensive experience in the hospitality and private-club industry, with expertise spanning employee relations, benefits administration, record keeping, operations management, problem solving, negotiation, recruitment, and event management. Her leadership approach is defined by determination, empathy, and reliability, along with a genuine commitment to helping people feel seen and part of something meaningful.
Forney has developed a progressive career in human resources leadership throughout South Florida's hospitality sector. Prior to joining Broken Sound Club in January 2024, she served as Director of Human Resources at Boca Woods Country Club and held multiple leadership positions with St. Andrews Country Club, including Assistant Director of Human Resources and Senior Human Resources Manager. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Benefits Account Executive with Emphasis Benefits and as Human Resources Director at The Seagate Hotel & Spa. Through these roles, she has developed a well-rounded understanding of human resources strategy and operations, while building strong relationships with employees, managers, and fellow professionals across the hospitality industry. She earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Keiser University.
At Broken Sound Club, Forney continues to champion relationship building, professional development, and a people-centered workplace culture. She values the connections she has formed throughout her career and actively supports opportunities that encourage networking, collaboration, and growth among hospitality professionals. Her professional responsibilities also involve coordinating with club leadership, including consulting with the General Manager regarding work-related expenses and opportunities. Through her leadership, Forney strives to balance organizational needs with the human side of the workplace, creating an environment built on trust, respect, consistency, and meaningful engagement.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Luisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my willingness to pursue education while remaining open to discovering where my true strengths and interests were best aligned. Although I went to college and earned my degree in a particular field, I realized afterward that the career path I initially envisioned was not exactly what I wanted to pursue. That realization encouraged me to remain flexible, explore new opportunities, and build a career based on my strengths, experiences, and passion for working with people.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to understand that effective leadership requires balancing the needs of employees with those of the organization. Listening to employees, understanding their perspectives, and creating an environment where they feel heard can make a meaningful difference in workplace culture and performance. I also believe in taking time to reflect on decisions, learn from each experience, and continuously look for ways to improve. Mentors such as Craig Martin and Kent Kosak have been especially influential in shaping my empathetic and strategic approach to leadership and have reinforced the importance of listening, thoughtful decision-making, and continued growth.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goals. In human resources and leadership, effective communication, consistency, and collaboration are essential to creating a strong workplace culture. I see an ongoing opportunity to strengthen communication between employees and leadership, clarify expectations, and ensure that everyone understands their role and how their contributions support the organization’s broader objectives. When people feel informed, heard, and aligned, it creates a more cohesive and productive environment.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life are my love for people and my desire to help others. I believe in treating everyone with honesty, empathy, integrity, and respect, regardless of their position or circumstances. I strive to listen, understand different perspectives, and lead with compassion while remaining true to my principles. For me, building genuine relationships and making a positive difference in the lives of others are at the heart of both meaningful leadership and a fulfilling life.
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