Wendy I. Smith

My leadership has been shaped by people—and by the resilience required to find my place in unfamiliar spaces. I came to this country without speaking the language, learning not only English but an entirely new culture while navigating expectations I had never encountered before. I began working at a very young age, driven by necessity, responsibility, and a desire to move forward. Those early experiences instilled discipline, adaptability, and an enduring respect for work—lessons that continue to inform how I lead today. As Head of Human Resources for Palm House, a boutique luxury property in Palm Beach, my role is inherently strategic, focused on aligning people, culture, and performance at the highest standard.

At an executive level, human resources is not transactional; it is foundational. It is where culture is protected, standards are set, and people are empowered to perform with confidence and clarity. My passion for this work is deeply personal. I understand what it means to be new, to feel unseen, and to have to earn credibility through consistency and effort. That understanding shapes my approach to leadership—one grounded in high expectations, fairness, and genuine advocacy for people.

Throughout my career, I have overseen all facets of human capital, from recruitment and training to compliance and benefits. Yet the most defining moments have emerged during periods of challenge—guiding teams through change, rebuilding trust, and creating stability in complex environments. My professional journey has not been linear. It has been shaped by diverse academic paths, industry-focused training, and an immersive residency experience that strengthened both my perspective and my leadership under real-world pressure.

I believe distinction is built through depth, not speed. The obstacles I have faced reinforced the value of patience, mastery, and intentional leadership. In luxury hospitality—and in leadership more broadly—what endures is integrity, consistency, and a genuine commitment to people.

I am particularly passionate about inspiring other women to lead with confidence, resilience, and authenticity. I believe representation matters, and that leadership is most impactful when it opens doors for others. My goal is not only to build strong organizations, but to leave behind cultures where women—and all people—feel empowered to grow, lead, and define success on their own terms.

I have been blessed to have several mentors throughout my life whose guidance has shaped both my values and my career. One lesson that has stayed with me is that discipline and consistency outperform talent when talent is undisciplined. They taught me that meaningful success requires sacrifice, steady commitment, and doing the work the right way. Those principles guide how I lead at work, how I parent, how I serve my community, and how I show up each day—earning trust over time and remaining grounded through challenge.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to choose a field you’re genuinely passionate about and commit to mastering it. Build credibility by understanding how decisions impact performance, risk, and results—not just culture. Be yourself, lead with dignity, and respect your own standards as fiercely as you uphold the organization’s. Speak up even while you’re still learning, seek feedback early, and understand that confidence doesn’t come from having all the answers, but from clarity, preparation, and consistency. Protect your values, choose mentors who challenge you, and remember that your perspective belongs in the room. Find fulfillment in the work itself, because sustained joy is what makes long-term excellence possible. Growth isn’t always linear, but sustained excellence is what ultimately sets you apart.

In hospitality today, the greatest challenge is consistency at scale. Guests expect deeply personalized experiences while also holding brands to impeccable, non-negotiable standards. Delivering both requires disciplined operations, emotionally intelligent leadership, and leaders who understand the work—not just the title.

This moment also presents an opportunity to redefine luxury through intention rather than excess. True differentiation comes from anticipation, genuine human connection, and teams who feel seen, trained, and empowered. Technology can enhance efficiency, but it will never replace the impact of people who take pride in the craft of service.

Those who invest in culture, accountability, and long-term excellence will shape the future of luxury hospitality—not by following trends, but by setting the standard.

I believe deeply in doing the right thing, honoring commitments, and treating others with fairness and dignity. Discipline and consistency matter to me because trust is never built in moments—it’s earned over time. In both life and leadership, I value caring for people and creating moments of joy. When individuals feel supported and can enjoy the journey, relationships strengthen and outcomes improve naturally.

Beyond my corporate leadership roles, service has always been central to who I am. I am deeply committed to nonprofit and community-based work, including partnerships with youth-focused organizations where I speak with high school students—particularly young women—about purpose, discipline, and self-worth. Within my church community, I serve as a Sunday school teacher for middle school girls, drawing on my ongoing studies in theology and psychology to support them during formative years. For me, mentorship is not a title or initiative—it is a daily responsibility.

My professional journey across diverse cultures and environments has shaped a global perspective that informs how I lead, make decisions, and build trust. It allows me to navigate complexity with empathy, adapt with intention, and connect meaningfully with people from all walks of life. My passion for food and travel further deepens this lens, continually reinforcing my belief in the power of shared experiences, resilience, and human connection.