Lacy Peterson is the general manager of The Glass Light Hotel & Gallery in Norfolk, Virginia. She previously worked in leadership positions at The Blackburn Inn and Oakhurst Inn, both in Virginia. Lacy is 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?
    “Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown
  2. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team?
    Live each day with positive intentions towards your team. Surprise someone with a special note.
  3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career? 
    Letting someone else tell me that I wasn’t worth it and doubting myself because of it.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    Always needing to be the positive leader for my team and keeping my head high when I feel the hardship too.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
    Creating a positive environment and asking each team member how they will demonstrate excellence and who they will lead.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    My mother. She has such a beautiful soul. She has breast cancer that has metastasized throughout her lungs but continues to stay strong and positive. Her human kindness is never altered even though she is suffering.
  7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry this year?
    Less transactional experience and more positive human interactions; influence young leaders to deliver high performance.
  8. What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
    Their outlook on life and their goals for one year, three years, five years. I want someone with a good foundation of their path and how to achieve those goals.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    I’ve learned I’m a very humble person, but also have the willpower to lead and guide an incredible team.
  10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    Business Made Simple
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Truth, integrity and genuine respect for others
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I’m an intentional person; I live each day with kindness and prioritize around my future goals.
  13. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
    A knowledgeable, creative, strong, kind leader
  14. What’s your favorite app?
    YouTube Music
  15. What do you do to recharge?
    Take a walk or ride my bike
  16. What’s your biggest accomplishment?
    Opening three boutique hotels and making my mark on each property
  17. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    You’re stronger than you think. Stay humble and your path to success will be very clear.
  18. What gets you up in the morning?
    Sunshine, my husband and daughter, my dog, and the incredible people I work for and with.
  19. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    The powerful minds of incredible women, leadership, and their love for hospitality.

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