20 Questions With Armonie Boucharens, Manager, Procurement, Marriott Vacations Worldwide

Armonie Boucharens is the manager of procurement for Marriott Vacations Worldwide. She’s also a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member! In this member spotlight, we asked Armonie a series of questions about both her professional role and personal life, including the woman who inspires her, her leadership style, her advice for the next generation of female leaders, and much more.

1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
   “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. It’s had a significant impact on how I approach problem-solving in business. It emphasizes the importance of testing ideas quickly and learning from them — something I’ve applied in my strategic sourcing work. Whether it’s testing vendor relationships or piloting a new procurement process, it’s all about learning fast and iterating. I think it’s particularly relevant in a time when industries are rapidly evolving and the ability to adapt is crucial.
2. What do you love most about the industry?
   The dynamic nature of it. There’s always a new challenge around the corner, whether it’s finding ways to drive down costs or identifying strategic partners who can help us innovate. I also enjoy the human side of it — building relationships with suppliers and internal teams, and seeing how those relationships evolve into something impactful for the company. It’s rewarding to know that the decisions we make in procurement can drive significant savings while also supporting the growth and success of our travel business.
3. What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
   People might be surprised to learn that I’m a bit of a nomad at heart. Even though I’ve settled in Orlando for my husband, I make it a point to travel back to France every year to reconnect with my family and heritage. I also travel extensively for work and leisure. My love for travel and exploring new cultures plays a huge role in how I approach business. I believe that understanding different perspectives, both globally and locally, is key to being successful in any industry, especially one as diverse as strategic sourcing in the travel industry.
4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
   Finding the balance between meeting the company’s strategic objectives and ensuring that my team feels supported and motivated. Sometimes, the pressure to deliver cost savings or implement new initiatives can make it easy to lose sight of the people who make it all happen. I’ve learned that you have to be intentional about creating space for both — the team’s wellbeing and the company’s bottom line. It’s a delicate balance but ultimately, people are what drive success. I’m always conscious of that.
5. What personal skill or attribute do you believe is most responsible for your success?
   My ability to think analytically is probably the skill that’s been most responsible for my success. In procurement, there are a lot of moving parts — data analysis, financial forecasting, supplier negotiations, and cost modeling — and being able to break down complex problems into manageable pieces has been invaluable. I also think curiosity plays a big part. I’m always looking for new ways to do things, whether that’s leveraging technology or simply asking, “Is there a better way to approach this?” This mindset keeps me adaptable and open to innovation.
6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
   Right now, Amanda, my boss, is someone who deeply inspires me. She’s incredibly strategic and has a unique way of empowering her team while setting high standards for performance. Her leadership style is a great blend of support and challenge — she pushes us to grow but always has our backs. She’s someone who leads by example, demonstrating resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Watching how she navigates complex business challenges with grace and poise has had a profound impact on how I approach my own leadership.
7. What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?
   I’m closely tracking the trend of automation and artificial intelligence in procurement and supply chain management. As industries become more digitized, AI has the potential to revolutionize how we manage suppliers, predict demand, and optimize costs. This is particularly important in my field, where cost savings and efficiency are top priorities. I’ve been looking into how we can use AI tools to streamline vendor management and improve decision-making processes, making them faster and more data-driven. It’s a game-changer, and I believe it’s where the future of procurement is heading.
8. What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
   Adaptability. The business environment is constantly changing, and in procurement especially you need to be able to pivot quickly. Whether it’s a shift in supplier availability, a new industry regulation, or a sudden need for cost reductions, adaptability is key. I try to understand how candidates have handled unexpected challenges in the past and how comfortable they are with ambiguity. I believe that if you can adapt, you can succeed in almost any role, particularly in fast-paced industries like mine.
9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
   That I can handle more pressure than I previously thought. Between coordinating multiple RFIs, overseeing cost-saving initiatives, and managing vendor relationships, there were moments where I felt like I was juggling too much. But each time, I found a way through. I’ve become more confident in my ability to prioritize, delegate, and stay focused on the bigger picture. This year has been a reminder that resilience is built through experience. I’ve become better at trusting myself and my team to deliver under pressure.
10. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
    To “never settle for the status quo.” This advice has driven me to constantly seek improvement, whether it’s finding new ways to reduce costs or rethinking how we manage our supplier relationships. It’s easy to get comfortable with the way things are, but true growth comes from challenging yourself and your processes. This mindset has helped me push boundaries and make significant contributions to my organization.
11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Integrity, transparency and collaboration. I believe that trust is the foundation of any successful team, and that comes from being honest and upfront with your team and stakeholders. Collaboration is also key — no one achieves success in isolation. I strive to foster a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas and where we work together towards a common goal. Integrity ensures that we always do what’s right, even when it’s not the easiest option.
12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    That I’m driven by curiosity. I’m constantly looking for new ways to improve, whether it’s by learning from others or exploring new technologies and methodologies. I think this curiosity is what has helped me grow in my career — it keeps me open to new ideas and solutions that might not have been immediately obvious. At the same time, I’m deeply committed to my team and always looking for ways to support their growth as well.
13. Do you prefer to work in the office, at home, or hybrid? Why?
    I prefer a hybrid model. It gives me the best of both worlds — when I’m in the office, I have face-to-face interactions that help build stronger relationships with my team and vendors. It’s easier to collaborate on complex projects and have spontaneous conversations that can lead to great ideas. On the other hand, working from home allows me to focus deeply on strategic tasks without distractions, and it gives me the flexibility to manage my time more efficiently. It’s about finding that balance between productivity and connection.
14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?
    The south of France. There’s something so magical about it — from the stunning Mediterranean coastline to the incredible food and culture. It’s a place where I feel deeply connected to my heritage and can fully recharge. Every time I visit, I come back with a renewed sense of inspiration and peace. It’s my go-to destination when I need to escape and refocus.
15. What is the top item on your bucket list?
    Traveling to Japan. I’ve always been fascinated by the blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology that defines the country. I want to experience everything from the temples and tea ceremonies to the bustling streets of Tokyo. It’s a place where innovation and culture coexist, and as someone who loves both, it feels like the perfect destination.
16. What do you do to recharge?
    I love spending time with my dog, Boo, and cooking at home. There’s something therapeutic about preparing a meal from scratch, and it allows me to switch off from work and focus on something creative and personal. Walking Boo also gives me a chance to clear my mind and enjoy the outdoors. Those small, everyday moments are how I reset and recharge for the busy days ahead.
17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    My biggest accomplishment so far has been leading a major procurement project that resulted in multimillion dollar savings for my company. It was a complex project involving multiple vendors and tight deadlines, but in the end we were able to negotiate favorable terms that had a significant impact on the bottom line. It was a testament to the power of strategic sourcing and showed me the real-world value of the work we do in procurement.
18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Be bold and take risks. Don’t wait for someone to give you permission to take on big projects or to step into leadership roles. Believe in your ability to contribute and don’t shy away from opportunities to challenge yourself. It’s in those moments of uncertainty where you grow the most. Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you, and don’t be afraid to carve your own path.
19. What gets you up in the morning?
    The knowledge that I’m making a tangible difference through my work. I love the fact that every day brings new challenges and opportunities to improve processes, save money, and support my team. The sense of accomplishment I feel when I’ve completed a complex project, whether it’s negotiating a major contract or rolling out a new initiative, is incredibly motivating. I’m also driven by the impact my work has on the larger organization — it’s rewarding to know that my contributions are helping the company achieve its broader goals.
20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    The sense of community and support. Being surrounded by other women who share similar challenges, aspirations and experiences is empowering. It’s a space where we can lift each other up, share knowledge, and collaborate on ideas. I’ve gained invaluable insights from the group, and it’s helped me not only grow professionally but also feel more connected to a larger purpose — advancing the role of women in leadership across the industry.