Elga Sickler is the corporate director of people and culture at Makeready, a firm that creates, manages and operates independent hotel brands across the U.S. She has more than 20 years of experience in people and culture, and has worked in both union and non-union environments on the East and West Coasts. Previously, the Arizona Hotel and Lodging Association recognized her as the Stars of the Industry’s Employee of the Year. Elga 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?
    “The Conversation” by Dr. Robert Livingston. He dives into the science of racism and bias.
  2. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team? 
    Communication is key! A quick way to ensure this is to have a brief five- to 10-minute huddle — keeps people connected and you can highlight any main issues/top priorities for the day.
  3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career? 
    Digging into processes because I thought they were black-and-white issues. As I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve come to understand that while there are truly some black-and-white issues, when dealing with people it means dealing, and being comfortable with, a lot of gray!
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge? 
    Forgetting that a title really does impact how people interact with you. While you may think of yourself as just another person, people will filter themselves accordingly.  You have to work really hard to help people see past that.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members? 
    Simply talking to them. Talk to them as human beings, not just as the role they fill in your organization. And be genuinely interested in them. They will appreciate it and be more productive when they feel seen and heard.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why? 
    Michelle Obama. She had to deal with not only the stigmas that come with being First Lady, but had to deal with the challenges that come with being a big first — the first African-American First Lady. She has always handled herself with grace and class! She reminds me a lot of Jackie Kennedy, another first lady I admired.
  7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry in 2022?
    I’m looking forward to people really digging into the future without referring as much to “pre-pandemic.” We must be examples of future planning without getting shackled to the past. It’s gone and the best thing it can do for us is be a reminder, but not the focus.
  8. What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate? 
    I look to see if the person understands people. You can teach ANY skill, but you cannot teach someone to care or want to be of service to others. That is innate and you must root out if someone is truly a leader of people.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year? 
    I learned to meditate. I always longed for the ability to sit still and just breathe, but thought I was too busy, too hectic and too impatient to try. I’m glad I’ve gotten into the habit as it grounds me physically and mentally and helps to wipe the slate clean daily.
  10. What’s your favorite podcast? 
    I love Ted Talks! Anything that helps me think differently about anything really!
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader? 
    Honesty and kindness. I think they go hand-in-hand … the most kind thing you can do for another is to be honest and transparent with them.
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you? 
    Be honest with me always and know that I love feedback.
  13. What’s one habit you adopted while working from home that you kept/would like to keep with you as you return to the office? 
    I’m now fully present with my family during my time with them. That doesn’t just mean off of work email or text, but truly enjoying being in the moment with them mentally as well.
  14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence? 
    I’m an intrinsically motivated professional who values genuine connection and communication.
  15. What’s your favorite app? 
    My Garmin Connect. I love metrics and seeing my sleep, steps, breathing, pulse ox is a thrill to me ?.
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    I love to cycle and exercise. I find it extremely valuable as it’s a connection or balance with me having a heavily mental role.
  17. What’s your biggest accomplishment? 
    Transitioning from a non-English speaking immigrant to someone who has adopted a new environment and found a lot of success in it.
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders? 
    Believe in yourself and always help someone else believe in themselves. We should always be mentoring so women of all backgrounds and experiences feel empowered.
  19. What gets you up in the morning? 
    My determination to work out before the day gets away from me. Realizing that while I may groan about it, it will feel so amazing after I’ve worked out!
  20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality? 
    I was so overjoyed hearing all the keynote speakers in December 2021, and connecting with the ladies at my table was fabulous. It’s a great sorority where you can learn and be inspired.

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