Influential Woman · Hospitality

Tori Smith

Executive Assistant, The Tampa EDITION

Tampa, FL

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's degree in Resort Hospitality Management Degree Florida Gulf Coast University Degree 2021 Member Marriott Next-Gen Business Council

Her Story

About Tori

I've been in the hospitality field since 2016, working my way up through service roles to my current position as an Executive Assistant, which I've held for three years. In this role, I handle my executive team and facilitate my general manager's calendar. I manage all communication with my executive team from outside clients and vendors, handle travel arrangements, and oversee administrative tasks and office operations. I really have my hands everywhere, making sure that everything runs smoothly and that everybody communicates with one another. What inspired me to get into this field was that I really wanted to be an event planner, and I just love helping people and making people happy. I'm really big on making sure that everybody's taken care of. I'm very hospitable, and I've just always been like that. The values most important to me in my work are professionalism and genuine care and compassion for others. I think if you're not happy doing what you're doing, and that's not your sole mission, then why are you in hospitality? I'm really dedicated, and I always like to make sure that whatever task I have, it gets done and it gets done the right way.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Tori

01What do you attribute your success to?

I'm really dedicated, and I always like to make sure that whatever task I have, it gets done, and it gets done the right way. But I attribute that to my dad. He was a business owner, so I know that he was a hard worker, and I looked up to him for that. My dedication and commitment to completing tasks correctly comes from watching him and learning from his example as a business owner who worked hard.

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

If you're not happy doing what you're doing, then you need to find something else to do. This advice has really stuck with me and guides how I approach my career. I believe that if you're not happy and that's not your sole mission, then there's no point in continuing down that path.

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

Speak up, nothing changes if nothing's being said. Use your voice because, you know, it deserves to be heard. Don't stay silent when you have something to say, because your perspective and input matter. If you don't speak up, things will stay the same, so make sure you advocate for yourself and share your ideas.

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

Making sure you handle guest issues with the proper care is really important in hospitality. For me, I don't have many issues, but it's mainly just making sure that everything's running smoothly everywhere. I kind of have my hands everywhere, so the key is making sure everybody communicates with one another and that everything runs smoothly across all areas.

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

Professionalism is very important to me, but also genuine care and compassion for others. That's really big for me. I think if you're not happy doing what you're doing, and you're not there with care and compassion as your sole mission, then why are you in hospitality? Being genuinely invested in helping people and making sure they're taken care of is at the core of everything I do, both professionally and personally.

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