Influential Woman · Hospitality Management

Tara McConnell

Regional Director of Sales Marketing, Trishul Hospitality

Daniel Island, SC

8Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Associates Degree Travel & Tourism Member Board Member IHG Culture Council - Suite Brands Member Steering Committee IHG Suite Brands Member Member Palmetto Military Support Group Member Ambassador Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce Member Member Mt Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Member Member Travel Council Member Member Summerville Chamber of Commerce Member Member Charleston Marriott Business Council Member Member/Events Committee - MASC Member Founder Lowcountry Legends-IHG Edition

Her Story

About Tara

I have more than 30 years of success in the hospitality industry to include sales, marketing, training, and operations. The thrill of closing a sale and exceeding my own expectations never gets old. What's even better than that, is watching those that I have/had mentor(ed) soar beyond even what they thought possible. My goal is to always teach those that want to be taught, celebrate their successes, learn from mistakes, and continue to learn new things every day.

Quick Facts

IndustryHospitality Management
Based inDaniel Island, SC
Languages English
Specialty Hospitality Management, Sales & Marketing, Customer Service & Sales Training
Volunteers with Donations - Food Bank
- Volunteered - Lowcountry Orphanage
- Donations/Volunteered - Local Chambers, Back Packs for Kids
- Donations - Toys for Tots
- Volunteered - Palmetto Military Support Group
- Donations - Hurricane Relief for Asheville, NC

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Tara

01What do you attribute your success to?

I have been in the hospitality industry for most of my life and I still LOVE what I do! Culture is a "feeling" and when it's delivered appropriately, magic happens, and you create customers for life. I still get excited to this day when our guests share amazing experiences, and when the team knocks it out of the Park. Nothing makes me happier than to watch a team member soar ahead, close that big account, and grow each year.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

You cannot control other people's thoughts and actions, only your own. You will work with many different people and personalities and what works best for you, may not be what works best for them, and that's okay. There can be multiple ways to get the same end result, so stay open minded to the process.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Always stay uncomfortable! When you find yourself complacent, you are not moving forward. Continuously challenge yourself! If you fall, get up, ask yourself what you could have done differently, adjust, and try again, and possibly yet again. As long as you are trying and learning to pivot, you are one step closer to winning. Follow through with your ideas and make them a reality.

Taking just one step is one step closer to success. The only way to truly fail is to not try at all, so stay uncomfortable and always challenge yourself!

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenge in the industry right now is finding great employees that have passion and dedication. There were so many people that had to leave the industry during COVID and have not returned.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Truth, patience, kindness, teamwork, supportiveness, empathy

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