Courtney Lohmann, CMP, is the founder of Caretta Impact and has developed a new approach to understanding sustainability and implementation by using a long-standing tool, the design thinking process. She has led companies and clients through the process to help them see how best they can align their business and/or event goals with sustainability and social impact goals. By blending them together, a seamless approach to change and impact can be achieved.

Lohmann 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?
    “Storyteller” by Dave Grohl – I’m not done reading it yet, but am enjoying it thus far.
  2. What do you love most about the industry?
    I love that this industry brings people together for something joyful.
  3. What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
    I’m an avid slalom waterskier.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    The need to have the answer. Sometimes in this industry, we don’t have all the answers we need because we need to problem-solve through the issue.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
    I don’t have any team members now that I’m on my own. But, when I’m working with a client, which is usually a group of people, I like to use positivity. There are many avenues we can take to creative events or solve a problem in our industry. Using encouragement and positivity to inspire innovation makes us all better.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    Victoria Isley, CEO of Visit Asheville — it’s the way she leads. She empowers her team. She also thinks outside of the box. She’s a dreamer and innovator yet so well grounded in making those ideas come to life with flawless execution. It’s incredible to watch!
  7. Where do you believe the future of the industry is headed?
    I think it’s headed in a more sustainable and inclusive direction. We need to be more open to change because the change is coming. Hospitality and what it used to be in moving in a direction that craves openness and creating positive impact.
  8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a potential candidate?
    I don’t interview people.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    I’ve never considered myself that creative. But I have tapped into this part of my brain and have discovered I have a lot of ideas in there that are bursting to get out!
  10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    Right now, it’s The Gabby Reece Show.
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Honestly, loyalty, kindness.
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I believe life is an adventure. We need to take each day and explore and create and ensure we are living to our fullest. We each bring a bright light to this world and how we use that light really matters.
  13. Do you prefer to work in the office, at home, or hybrid?
    I prefer to be at home. Now that I’m out on my own, I’m planning to try out some of the cafes and whatnot as well. Get in a change of scenery every now and again.
  14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
    New Zealand. I’ve been there twice and it’s still my favorite. It’s the most beautiful country with the most lovely people.
  15. What is a top item on your bucket list?
    Hiking up to Machu Picchu.
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    A walk in the beach, a waterski session or an adventure to a place I haven’t been.
  17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    Starting my own consulting agency. It’s scary to step out onto your own but it’s also so invigorating. To put this much faith in yourself is empowering and inspiring. I know what I can do and now I’m making it happen!
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Don’t be afraid to try. I’ve moved throughout this industry and touched several different areas of it. Some things I liked better than others. But had I not tried them all out, I may not have known what I was really passionate about and may not have ended up learning as much as I did and then feeling confident as I do in this stage in my career. Failing or finding out you don’t like something is more empowering than succeeding in many ways. Learn, try and grow!
  19. What gets you up in the morning?
    I actually love the start of a new day. It’s a gift — every day is a gift. I love sunrise. I like when I can get into a routine of a beach walk or yoga in the morning. It’s a great way to get started.
  20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    I love hearing and sharing our stories. It’s an industry that moves fast. We all have to continue learning in order to stay on top of our game. Women share in a vulnerable and honest way.  We can all learn more from each other and then strive higher because of it. This group brings that.

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