Nicole Eutsey is the vice president of operations at Century Hospitality, an affiliate of Century Equities, whose primary focus is on hospitality development and management. Eutsey has held leadership positions at Holiday Inn Express, Archon Hospitality, Hampton Inn & Suites, and more. She’s also a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member! In this member spotlight, we asked her a series of questions so you can get to know her better:

  1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
    I’ve recently started “The Secret” by Rhonda Bryne. The message of the book is that you should challenge yourself and you can overcome anything if you put your mind and heart into it. If you believe in yourself, there’s simply nothing more powerful than that. It’s an interesting and thought-provoking book that I will most likely read several times.
  2. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team?
    Communication and trust. During these unprecedented times, everyone has been challenged with their personal life along with work life. We don’t have a lot of hybrid positions, but when a team member needs to work from home, we support it and are very understanding.
  3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
    In my younger years (mid 20s), I didn’t realize my full potential or the value and guidance I could provide others who were working their way up through the industry as I was. After being a part of a few hotel openings, GM roles and guiding teams, I realized my potential was much more than I gave myself credit for.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    Adapting to all the changes currently with staffing, demand and supply, and shifting gears to help team members create balance in their personal lives. Overall, having to make harder decisions than I had to before.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
    Encouragement and recognition. I’m a servant leader who is always willing to help in any way possible and I strive to make sure our team members feel supported.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    Do I have to pick one? I have a few. Lisa Checchio, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Wyndham Hotel and Resorts, is the most humble, light spirited, and passionate person. Her ability to connect on so many levels and provide guidance from the executive team of Wyndham inspires me. On another note, my mother is my inspiration to continue to be who I am and follow my dreams.
  7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry this year?
    Transient and corporate travel coming back! Being able to connect with clients, team members, etc., that we’ve been unable to see for two years.
  8. What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
    Passion and personality! I’ve always been a strong believer that I can teach you what you need to know, but I cannot teach personality.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    Patience is No. 1. Faith in every decision I make or we make as a team is the right decision.
  10. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Respect and trust. It’s simply two words that go hand-in-hand.
  11. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I love the hospitality industry and I cannot see myself doing anything else. It’s my passion! I want to continue to grow, learn and help others achieve their goals.
  12. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
    I’m a reliable, hardworking, passionate woman who always has the best interest of the team and my company as a priority.
  13. What’s your favorite app?
    Facebook for the most part, but I also enjoy looking at Instagram and LinkedIn, mostly to follow our hotels’ presence and content along with being able to connect with other hoteliers.
  14. What do you do to recharge?
    I love to travel (sunny weather only), spending time with my family on our boat and relaxing on a warm day soaking up Vitamin D.
  15. What’s your biggest accomplishment?
    After almost 20 years in the hospitality industry, starting out as a banquet server and working my way up through every department, my biggest accomplishment was being promoted to vice president of operations with the company I work for currently.
  16. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Never say never. It may take a while to get to where you want to be, but hard work, dedication and passion will get you there. Set a goal and go for it!
  17. What gets you up in the morning?
    Coffee is No. 1, and then knowing that I have a company and a team to represent and assist with whatever comes our way that day. I enjoy that every day is different than the day before, even when it could be a challenge.
  18. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    I’m excited to meet women in the industry, share experiences, help each other grow, and simply expand my networking circle.

If you would like to become a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member or need additional information about our organization, click here.