Beth Blair is Vail Resorts’ senior manager of health and safety over the Midwest Region’s 10 ski resorts. Her experience is travel-centric and includes many years in the airline industry as well as a parallel career in the digital marketing realm and travel writing space as an author, freelance writer and former co-founder of an award-winning women’s travel website (sold in 2018). She is also a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality! In this spotlight, we asked her a series of questions about her work, travel, goals, leadership philosophies and more so you can get to know her better.

1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear.

2.  What do you love most about the industry?

I love that the industry creates memorable experiences.

3. What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?

I was the 2013 Shape Magazine Weight Loss Diarist. That year, not only did I get in the best shape of my life, but I partnered with many travel and hospitality companies to show that travel, fitness, and health can go hand in hand.

4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?

With today’s remote work setting, I miss regular in-person connections with my team where I can sense moods or concerning behaviors easier.

5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?

Tapping into team members’ gifts. When you encourage others to use their strengths, step back because they will take flight and soar.

6. What woman inspires you right now and why?

Build-A-Bear Workshop’s CEO Sharon Price John inspired me after watching her talk “On Gumption and Identifying Goals”.

7. Where do you believe the future of the industry is headed?

Technology is changing our touchpoint opportunities. Customer service is much more than a friendly smile and greeting now. Focusing on the advancements in technology and providing the “wow factor” through the new customer experience will be instrumental.

8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a potential candidate?

That genuine spark of excitement about the role they are being considered for. It has never failed me.

9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?

I learned that with faith I can hold the weight of the world on my shoulders and still laugh, inspire, and relish life.

10. What’s your favorite podcast?

There are many great podcasts. The first that come to mind are Karen Laos’ “Ignite Your Confidence” and “Women at Work” by HBR.

11. What values are most important to you as a leader?

Courage, curiosity, and grace.

12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?

I am resilient.

13. Do you prefer to work in the office, at home, or hybrid?

Hybrid.

14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?

Turks and Caicos; the sand is so white that you can’t tell where the sand ends and the surf begins.

15. What is a top item on your bucket list?

I only have two states to cross off my list: Vermont and Maine. I’m on a mission to visit that region soon.

16. What do you do to recharge?

My husband and I recently bought an Airstream. I find that disconnecting for a few days does wonders for my mental state and creativity. I return to work fully recharged and driven.

17. What is your biggest accomplishment?

I authored two books: “Break into Travel Writing” (McGraw-Hill, 2012) and “Unofficial Guide to Mall of America” (Unofficial Guides, 2016).

18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Always ask why. Understanding the purpose behind every decision is powerful.

19. What gets you up in the morning?

Exercise energizes me. I look forward to my 5:30 a.m. spin, strength training, or kickboxing classes.

20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?

Connecting with other members and the virtual webinars.

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