Erin Bracke is vice president of field sales at Vacasa, an international vacation rental management company. She’s also a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member! In this member spotlight, we asked Erin a series of questions related to her career, including what she looks for in potential job candidates and what she values most as a leader. Check out the full interview below so you can get to know Erin better.

  1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
    “Let’s Get Physical: How Women Discovered Exercise and Shaped the World,” by Danielle Friedman
  2. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team?
    Schedule human touchpoints in addition to functional touchpoints. For example: skip level 1:1s and hosting virtual coffee chats. Or starting team meetings with “personal positives” or “show and tell” versus  just diving into business. Be thoughtful and tactical about balancing the art and science of bringing teams together.
  3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
    Trying to do everything myself instead of delegating and empowering others to lead projects or own initiatives.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    The deep desire to serve your team, organization and clients can create a lack of balance and self-care if I’m not disciplined. Leaders will never have an empty list, so prioritization is key.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
    I help each team member find their personal “why” and critical connection to the company mission and overall team — show them that what they do MATTERS. Then, lean into a celebration culture and call out victories across the team, big and small!
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    I love Megan Rapinoe. She’s a human rights activist, disciplined athlete, and a true team player. She’s smart, tough, relentless and humble.
  7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry?
    Growth and unity. Normalizing after the pandemic and seeing the world hungry for travel again is so joyful. For the still-young vacation rental sector of the travel industry specifically, I look forward to seeing companies band together to elevate and evolve the space in terms of strategy, product, regulatory environment, and beyond.
  8. What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
    Coachability. This encompasses attitude, a hunger for learning and a desire to grow, which is foundational for excellence.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    I’m never going to love yoga. I really tried and wanted to like it, but no dice.
  10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    I rarely listen to podcasts. I’m more kinesthetic and visual than auditory. I can read faster than I can listen to a podcast, so books are my go-to.
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    PMA (positive mental attitude), kindness, work ethic, trust, reliability and drive.
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I choose to be unapologetically “me” at all times, even at work. I don’t believe you have to act like a robot or intimidate people to be taken seriously as a leader or professional. It’s possible to be kind, strong, effective, fun … and comfortable in your own skin. It’s also a treat to get to know my team and coworkers on a human level. Bring your authentic self and love where you work!
  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?
    Daily aromatherapy, red light therapy and meditation.
  14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
    I work, travel, exercise and laugh … a lot!
  15. What’s your favorite app?
    WHOOP for fitness and wellness tracking. I’m obsessed.
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    A solid workout and healthy meal.
  17. What’s your biggest accomplishment?
    Building a life I love, with a person I love, surrounded by friends and family. I’m grateful every day.
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Be inspired by others, but don’t try to be anyone but yourself. Explore and lean into your individual strengths and the things that make you different.
  19. What gets you up in the morning?
    I appreciate and look forward to everything, from my breakfast and morning workout, to rolling up my sleeves at work and time with my spouse and dogs at night.
  20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    Networking! The opportunity to meet incredible, inspiring people in the industry.

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