Vanessa Nettles

I attribute my success to faith, discipline, resilience, and the people who have supported and shaped me along the way. I believe true leadership begins with humility, a willingness to learn, and a genuine commitment to serving others. My daily foundation of prayer, reflection, and time with family keeps me grounded and focused on what matters most.

Professionally, I credit my success to building strong relationships, investing in my teams, and creating a culture where people feel valued, empowered, and connected. In hospitality, success is not only measured by operational results but by the impact we have on our guests, our associates, and our communities. Staying consistent, embracing challenges, and leading with empathy have allowed me to grow throughout my eight years in the industry and continue making a meaningful difference.

The best career advice I've ever received is to follow through. I didn't really follow through that much early in my career - I kind of took people's word for things when they said they did something, but I didn't follow through to verify it. When I learned the importance of following through, it made a big difference. Some things can get forgotten, some things can just get left to the side, or simply not done. So following through has become the most important practice for me, and it's made all the difference in my work.

My advice to young women entering the hospitality industry is to believe in themselves, embrace every opportunity to learn, and never underestimate the value of their voice. Hospitality is a people-driven industry, and the ability to build relationships, lead with empathy, and create meaningful connections is a powerful strength.

Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone, take on challenges that stretch you, and learn every aspect of the business. Your career will be shaped not only by your accomplishments, but also by your character, your consistency, and how you treat others along the way.

Find mentors who will challenge and encourage you, stay committed to personal growth, and remember that leadership is not about a title—it is about influence, service, and the impact you make on others. Bring your authentic self to the table, because your unique perspective is one of your greatest assets.

Lastly, and Most importantly, protect your values and stay grounded in who you are. Success is not just about how far you go; it is also about how many people you help rise with you.

One of the biggest challenges I face right now is finding the right talent—especially individuals who truly understand the level of professionalism, hospitality mindset, and customer service excellence required at the front desk. In our industry, the front desk sets the tone for the entire guest experience, so it’s critical to have people who not only have the skills, but also the attitude and presence to represent the brand well.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, integrity, consistency, and compassion. My faith is the foundation of everything I do—it keeps me grounded, gives me direction, and reminds me to lead with purpose rather than emotion or pressure.

Integrity is also essential to me. In hospitality, trust is everything, whether it’s with guests or with your team. I believe in doing the right thing even when no one is watching and holding myself accountable to a high standard of professionalism and character.

Consistency is another value I live by. I believe success is built in the small, everyday habits—how you show up, how you treat people, and the effort you bring each day regardless of circumstances.

And finally, compassion matters deeply to me. I strive to lead with empathy, to understand people where they are, and to create environments where both guests and team members feel valued and respected. Whether at work, at home, or in the community, I want people to feel seen and supported when they interact with me.