Rebecca Lynn Giles
Rebecca (Becca) Giles is an accomplished Sales Manager and Assistant General Manager at Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin, where she has cultivated a reputation for operational excellence, sales leadership, and team mentorship. Becca’s career journey began in the medical field, where she spent over a decade as a special needs caregiver. Her experience in caregiving instilled a deep commitment to service, safety, and empathy—values she seamlessly brought into the hospitality industry. Throughout her tenure in hospitality, Becca has distinguished herself through her innovative approach to crisis management, operational strategy, and guest experience. Mentored by industry leaders, she developed a passion for sales strategy and leadership, earning recognition as IPD Hospitality’s Sales Manager of the Year in 2025. Her dual role in hotel operations and team development demonstrates her dedication to empowering employees while delivering exceptional service to guests. She is also preparing to launch Crisis Bridge Solutions, an initiative focused on enhancing safety and communication within hospitality and business environments. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Becca is an active community leader, collaborating with local organizations and supporting charitable initiatives such as Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin, DECA Judge, and Toys for Tots of Racine. Her leadership, innovation, and impact in hospitality have earned her recognition as an Influential Woman in Wisconsin in 2026. Committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, Becca exemplifies purpose-driven leadership, inspiring teams, improving systems, and creating meaningful contributions both in her workplace and her community.
• Nursing Assistant Certification
• 2025 IPD Hospitality Sales Manager of the Year
• Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin
• Toys for Tots
• DECA Judge
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to my late father, who instilled in me strong values, work ethic, and confidence at a very young age. His belief in me laid the foundation for everything I strive to be today. I am also deeply grateful for the leaders who took a chance on me early in my hospitality career — particularly my Regional Operations Manager, who has guided and mentored me since the very beginning, and my Regional Sales Manager, whose continued support and belief in my abilities have played a vital role in my growth. Their mentorship, encouragement, and trust have allowed me to step into challenges with confidence. Lastly, I owe much of my success to the incredible team at our hotel. Their dedication, collaboration, and shared commitment to excellence inspire me every day. I would not be where I am without the faith, guidance, and support of those who believed in me and helped shape the leader I am today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always be true to myself. When you lead with your heart, hard work, and passion, beautiful things will follow. Sometimes success takes time, but trusting the process is just as important as the destination. I’ve learned never to settle for less — if you’re not fulfilled, it’s okay to pivot, find your path, and pursue what truly brings you happiness. When passion and purpose align, growth naturally follows.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to believe in yourself even before others do. Be open to learning, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to start at the ground level — every experience teaches you something valuable. Lead with kindness, passion, and integrity, and never underestimate the power of hard work and a positive attitude. Find mentors who inspire you, but also trust your own instincts and voice. Most importantly, don’t settle for a role or environment that doesn’t value you — this industry has endless opportunities, and there is a place where you will truly thrive.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in our field right now is navigating constant change — from evolving guest expectations to staffing and technology shifts. However, I truly see this as one of our greatest opportunities. Hospitality is no longer just about providing a place to stay; it’s about creating meaningful experiences, building genuine connections, and leading with empathy. The industry is evolving, and those who adapt, stay passionate, and invest in their people will continue to thrive. I believe the future of hospitality belongs to leaders who are flexible, people-focused, and committed to growth — even during challenging times.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, compassion, balance, and genuine connection. I believe in leading with empathy — supporting my team, creating meaningful experiences for our guests, and being an active, positive presence in our community. I value collaboration and trust, knowing that success is built when people feel respected, heard, and appreciated. At the same time, I strongly believe in balance. Showing up fully for my family, while also being committed to my professional responsibilities, is essential to me. Equally important is making time for my own well-being, because I know that caring for myself allows me to be the best leader, teammate, and person I can be. When values align across work, family, and self, everything else falls into place.