Lauren Novy is the director of development marketing at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, where she leads the team responsible for the content and sales enablement sellers need to bring in new franchisees across 25 hotel brands. Prior to joining Wyndham, Novy spent 10-plus years in B2B marketing working across various industries including real estate, building products, technology, and personal care. She is a passionate people leader and loves finding new ways to challenge the status quo in marketing. In her spare time, Novy loves to travel, try new restaurants, and spend time with her husband and dog Buddy. Novy 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?
    “Work Party” by Jaclyn Johnson is a favorite I keep going back to! I love her story as an entrepreneur and marketing expert.
  2. What do you love most about the industry?
    I love working with hoteliers and hearing their stories of getting into the industry and growing their portfolios.
  3. What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
    I actually went to school for elementary education but have found my calling working in B2B marketing. You never know where life will take you!
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    That it’s not always glamorous. Sometimes you must make the tough calls to pivot a strategy or have a difficult conversation with a team member, but it’s important to remember you are doing it to help the team and business grow.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
    Motivation is personal and it’s important to get to know your team and understand what drives each person. I also think ensuring you have constant communication and celebrating the small wins helps keep people motivated. Don’t wait for a formal opportunity to recognize your team.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
     I am fortunate to have many inspirational women in my life personally and professionally. I am inspired by their ability to conquer what feels impossible at times and their ability to lead with grace. As women, we have to remember to lift each other as we rise.
  7. Where do you believe the future of the industry is headed?
    From speaking with different industry experts and Wyndham owners, we are seeing its all about understanding your local market and being able to pivot and personalize the experience to meet the needs of various guests — from leisure travelers to situational guests in extended stay properties.
  8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a potential candidate?
    A willingness to learn. I love to hire people who are ready to try something new and bring a different perspective to make our team better.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    Stepping into a new industry I realized one of my strengths is being able to connect the dots to apply my previous experiences across different industries. I am also resourceful; I can figure out what I don’t know and bring in the right experts to help when needed.
  10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    I love podcasts! A few of my favorites are: The Marie Forleo Podcast, The Art of Franchise Marketing, So Money…
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Transparency, trust, passion and authenticity.
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I live by the mantra by Sara Blakely: “Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure you do things different from everyone else.”
  13. Do you prefer to work in the office, at home, or hybrid?
    Hybrid! I like having my strategic thinking days at home but also love traveling to industry conferences and being with our sales team.
  14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
    Milos, Greece on my honeymoon.
  15. What is a top item on your bucket list?
    So many travel plans — exploring new cultures, trying new foods and enjoying time with friends.
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    I am a big fan of going for a walk and listening to a podcast. Sunlight and clearing your head does a lot to recharge your mind.
  17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    Personally? Buying my house myself. Professionally? Any time I see my team grow.
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Take every opportunity to learn what you love to do and what you don’t. Sometimes the most challenging projects that you don’t love teach you the most about yourself and help you to define the career path you are meant to have.
  19. What gets you up in the morning?
    The ability to make a difference!
  20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    As someone new to hospitality, I am grateful for the opportunity to meet so many amazing women across the industry!

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