Mary Jane Reilly is the co-owner and director of sales and marketing for Reilly Resort Representatives, a resort representation company that offers group sales representation services to independently owned hotels and resorts. She has experience in working with luxury resorts and city-centered properties. Mary Jane 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?
    Regardless of a busy schedule, I always find time to enjoy a good book. My favorite inspirational book of 2021 was “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins. This book is about mental toughness and pushing yourself further than you could ever imagine.
  2. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a remote or hybrid team?
    Trust your team and understand everyone has a different work-from-home balance.
  3. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
    Undervaluing my professional worth. I believe every mistake is a great learning lesson.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    Making the hard choices and finding work-life balance.
  5. What’s the best way you motivate team members?
    Encouraging the people that are working hard.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    Sara Blakely, the CEO of Spanx. As a fellow Atlanta girl and business owner, I truly admire Sara for her grit and work ethic. On a personal note, my mother is another woman who inspires me daily.
  7. What are you looking forward to the most for the industry in 2022?
    Reconnecting with industry friends and traveling internationally again.
  8. What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
    Someone who is driven to succeed and has passion for the industry.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    I learned to be patient and to have faith in my decisions.
  10. What’s your favorite podcast?
    I’m huge fan of the Heather McMahan podcast called Absolutely Not. She has me laughing out loud whether I’m on the treadmill or driving my car.
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Respect and honesty.
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I believe you should truly love what you do. Life is short!
  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?
    The flexibility with working from home allowed me to pick up hobbies that I used to not have time for. Now, I’ve incorporated working out, reading, and playing tennis into my daily routine.
  14. How would you describe yourself in a single sentence?
    I’m a hard worker who is passionate about this industry, and someone who tries to always have a positive outlook.
  15. What’s your favorite app?
    Instagram or Zillow’s app
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    Travel, work out, and spend time with friends and family.
  17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    My biggest accomplishment to date has been running a company side by side with my mother.
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Always have a clear set of values and goals to reach.
  19. What gets you up in the morning?
    A big cup of coffee, and knowing each morning brings a new opportunity.
  20. How would you describe your leadership style?
    Lead authentically and by example.

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