Olivia Hoblit

When I look back on my career, I think about the people, lessons, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped me into the leader I am today. I have spent 29 years in the hospitality industry, and over that time, I have learned that positions are earned through hard work and perseverance, but true leadership is defined by how you lead, how you treat people, and the opportunities you create for others. Over time, my work in philanthropy and service has become just as important to me as my professional career, giving my work a deeper sense of purpose.

Early in my career, I was fortunate to have mentors who believed in me and took the time to teach me the business. They taught me to learn every part of the operation, work hard, stay humble, treat people with respect, and always take care of my team. Those lessons shaped the way I lead today, and they are lessons I strive to pass on to others.

Integrity has always been my guiding principle. I believe in doing the right thing, even when it is the harder path. Success should come from hard work, respect, and how you treat people along the way. Your reputation and character will follow you throughout your career, and they matter more than any title.

Over the years, I have realized that my leadership is guided by three principles: integrity, people, and purpose. Integrity means doing the right thing and staying true to your values. People means taking care of your team, supporting your community, and helping others grow. Purpose means using the opportunities you are given to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

In August 2023, I transitioned from a beach resort destination to the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, where I now serve as Director of Lodging Operations. While I brought years of experience in lodging operations, I stepped into a new environment and industry. The World Equestrian Center is not only a world-class equestrian venue but also a large luxury resort and event destination, featuring multiple hotels, dining outlets, retail spaces, and a major event and expo center that hosts competitions, conferences, and large-scale events throughout the year.

I have also come to understand the significant impact the equestrian industry has on the local economy, bringing visitors from around the world and supporting local businesses, tourism, and the broader community. When I first arrived, I had to learn an entirely new world—from understanding different equestrian disciplines to witnessing firsthand the incredible partnership between horse and rider. Observing that relationship, along with the level of trust and discipline involved, gave me a new appreciation for the sport and the people who are part of it. It is a sport built on trust, discipline, and communication, and in many ways, those same principles apply to leadership and teamwork.

Establishing the Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation in honor of our late, beloved Trinity became a defining part of my life and purpose. Through the foundation, we support neurological research, physician training, and patient care for brain aneurysms, stroke, and other cerebrovascular conditions. Over the years, we have worked diligently to grow the foundation and expand our impact by supporting programs that make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.

This work has profoundly changed my perspective on both leadership and life, giving my efforts a deeper purpose. The foundation continues to inspire me to lead with compassion, commitment, and a strong sense of responsibility to help others. It is a way for our family to honor Trinity’s life by helping save the lives of others.

I also believe that, as women in leadership, it is important to support one another and open doors for the next generation. I would not be where I am today without mentors who believed in me, and I truly believe God placed those people in my life for a reason. Because of that, I feel a responsibility to guide and support others as they grow.

I believe we are placed where we are for a reason. My goal has always been to help people grow, build strong teams, give back to my community, and create opportunities for others. If I could share anything with other women, it would be this: be true to yourself, work hard, never compromise your integrity, and do not be afraid to take chances. Surround yourself with the right people, continue to learn, and never lose faith in God and the path set before you.

At the end of the day, success is not just about your position. It is about the people you help, the lives you impact, and the difference you make along the way.