Lauren Moss is the director of transient and entertainment sales at Andaz West Hollywood. She’s also a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member! In this member spotlight, we asked Lauren 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?
    “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.
  2. What do you love most about the industry?
    I’ve worked in many different aspects of the industry and it all comes down to loving the people, the comradery and the opportunities that our industry has created for us.
  3. What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
    Prior to working in sales, I was a professional chef for nine years and have worked for some of the most celebrated chefs.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    Ensuring that our team is providing excellent service and assistance to our VIP guests without question — to ensure they have an amazing experience.
  5. What personal skill or attribute do you believe is most responsible for your success?
    My organizational skills and networking experience. I’m now at the point where I’m no longer nervous meeting or talking to big groups of people. I love attending networking events to connect with as many industry partners as possible.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    Michelle Obama has inspired me since becoming the First Lady of the United States. Between her strength, self-confidence, inspiration, compassion, and being a powerful speaker, she has become an iconic figure in our society that I truly respect and admire. I attended her book tour in 2018 in San Jose, CA with a sold-out crowd of 12,600 people, and it was one of the most intimate and amazing evening events I’ve ever attended in my life.
  7. What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?
    I’ve been tracking the industry trend of personalization. Being a former concierge and chef, I’ve always loved personalizing even the smallest things for guests. From making little silver dollar pancakes for the kids staying for their birthday or decorating a suite with a rose pedal turndown for a special anniversary. Personalization is one of my favorite things to do even now as a sales director with my client proposals.
  8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
    One thing I look for is problem solving skills. It is essential in all of our positions when things arise, we’re able to come up with the best solution to take care of the client to ensure the best outcome to protect our business relationship.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    I’ve learned that I’ve very passionate, strong and focused on my career and life goals. I keep my eye on the prize and focus in until I achieve every goal whether it’s geared towards my career or life that I’ve placed for myself even if any obstacle comes into play.
  10. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
    The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to “focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t.” There’s no need to create stress when you can’t make changes or control a situation.
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Integrity, empathy, responsibility, respect, and transparency. My values are crucial to maintaining a positive and effective environment.
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I’m a very professional, personable, and goal driven woman who loves to connect with people and to support important organizations which help change the world with positivity.
  13. Do you prefer to work in the office, at home, or hybrid? Why?
    I prefer to work hybrid. I love my work-from-home days when I have uninterrupted time to myself to get as much done, and take client calls without disruption in the comfort of my home. I enjoy being in the office as well collaborating and learning more about my team each day.
  14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?
    Vancouver, BC. I absolutely LOVE the city, the food, the people, and the beautiful landscapes and views.
  15. What is the top item on your bucket list?
    The top item on my bucket list, is to plan an international trip to Italy, Greece, Spain, Switzerland, and Denmark.
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    I travel to a new destination I’ve never been to before to experience the location, culture, cuisine, and everything it has to offer. Or I travel to a few of my favorite destinations to enjoy everything I love about each city.
  17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    Being a first-generation college graduate from ASU with my bachelor’s degree as well as becoming the first professional chef in the family.
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Follow your heart when making decisions for your career. Career moves you make are all about learning and adapting to new environments and gaining experience to further yourself.
  19.  What gets you up in the morning?
    Every day I wake up excited for a new day to see what it has in store for me. Will I meet a new client? Will I land a big account? Will I travel to a new destination? I enjoy every single moment of it.
  20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    As I’ve just become a new member of WLTH a few months ago, I’ve absolutely loved connecting with members, attending webinars on specific topics, and learning all of the amazing opportunities that are included with our membership, and within the industry. Looking forward to attending the New York Roundtable event in October. ????

Interested in connecting with women like Laura? Apply today to become a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member!