In an exclusive interview, Laurie Blair, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Marketing and Loyalty at Hyatt, shares invaluable career insights that can transform your professional journey. From overcoming setbacks to embracing growth, her story is a masterclass in resilience and ambition.
Embracing Imperfection and Growth
Laurie Blair reflects on a pivotal moment in college when she received her first B grade. Her mother's response, 'It's about time you learned you weren't perfect,' taught her a hidden lesson in perseverance. Blair now sees such "B moments" as opportunities for growth. "That uncomfortable state is the most exhilarating place to be," she says, emphasizing that it's where the most significant personal and professional development occurs.
Career Journey and Leadership at Hyatt
After graduating from the University of Michigan's business school, Blair spent 11 years at Walgreens, helping build their loyalty program. She later joined Hyatt, where she now leads global marketing, partnerships, and financial products. "This is the first time I haven't just been a functional leader of marketing, but so much more," she notes, highlighting her excitement in managing projects like Hyatt's credit card portfolio and continuously learning new skills.
Blair's role allows her to connect with people and work on experiential brands. "When it comes to an experience, there is no more important brand than the hotel industry," she explains, expressing gratitude for her career in hospitality.
Daily Routines and Stress Management
- Morning Routine: Blair rises before 6 a.m., avoids checking email immediately, and spends quality time with her daughter before school.
- Typical Day: Focused on World of Hyatt, she collaborates with her team to enhance brand performance and envision the future of travel.
- Stress Relief: She takes walks around her Chicago office building, practices mindfulness, and uses breathing exercises to regain focus.
Preparation and Confidence in Meetings
For Blair, success in big meetings stems from thorough preparation. "If you did the work, you can then walk in confident and ready to deliver," she advises. She anticipates potential questions and helps her team prepare by "poking holes" in their plans beforehand.
The Best Career Advice: Be a "Hand Raiser"
Early in her career, a mentor told Blair, "What you need to do is be a hand raiser." This means actively seeking opportunities and volunteering for new challenges. Blair has embraced this mindset, always saying, "I want to be a part of that!" to drive her career forward.
Relaxation and Personal Interests
To unwind, Blair turns to reading, having completed over 80 books last year. Reading helps her avoid doom-scrolling and relax her mind, alternating between educational content and light beach reads.
Exciting Developments at Hyatt
Blair highlights key projects at Hyatt, including:
- Sponsorship of the Audi F1 team through World of Hyatt.
- Reopening of the Park Hyatt Tokyo and opening of Alila Mayakoba in Cancún.
- Expansion into safaris in partnership with Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
She teases more collections and capsules to come, showcasing Hyatt's innovative approach to hospitality.
This interview offers a glimpse into the strategies and mindset that have propelled Blair to the top, providing actionable tips for anyone looking to advance their career.
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