Marlena L. Barauskas

I attribute my success to my passion for people, adaptability, and lifelong learning. Each step of my 25-year journey in management and HR — from Pizza Hut to Starbucks to Blind Tiger — has taught me the importance of empathy, creativity, and communication in leadership. I believe in creating an environment where everyone feels valued, and I’m constantly seeking new ways to grow, both personally and professionally.

Some of the best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mentor and CEO, Roberto Torres, who reminded me that its not what you say, its what your employees hear. Making sure we are present in the moment with our employees and creating a culture of understanding is feedback that I have taken with me in every managerial scenario I've encountered, which creates an environment where everyone feels seen and heard. Another mentor and close friend, Jody Brown, taught me the value of authentic networking and building a genuine personal brand. These are lessons that have shaped how I lead and how I've grown in this fast-paced industry.

My advice to young women entering the hospitality industry is to stay curious, adaptable, and open to learning — this field is always evolving, especially with the rise of AI, and growth comes from embracing change with confidence and curiosity.

One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field is managing generational differences in communication and work styles. As a manager, I’ve learned to meet people where they are, adapting to new forms of communication while still emphasizing personal connection, accountability, and respect to help young employees grow into confident professionals.

Kindness, empathy, and inclusion are at the heart of everything I do. I believe in making sure everyone feels seen and heard, both at work and in the community. Through initiatives like our Blind Tiger Snap Meal project providing free meals to children on SNAP benefits, I’m reminded that true hospitality is about care, connection, and giving back.