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:
- 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. - 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. - What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
Undervaluing my professional worth. I believe every mistake is a great learning lesson. - What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
Making the hard choices and finding work-life balance. - What’s the best way you motivate team members?
Encouraging the people that are working hard. - 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. - What are you looking forward to the most for the industry in 2022?
Reconnecting with industry friends and traveling internationally again. - What’s one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
Someone who is driven to succeed and has passion for the industry. - What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
I learned to be patient and to have faith in my decisions. - 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. - What values are most important to you as a leader?
Respect and honesty. - What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
I believe you should truly love what you do. Life is short! - 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. - 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. - What’s your favorite app?
Instagram or Zillow’s app - What do you do to recharge?
Travel, work out, and spend time with friends and family. - What is your biggest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment to date has been running a company side by side with my mother. - What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Always have a clear set of values and goals to reach. - What gets you up in the morning?
A big cup of coffee, and knowing each morning brings a new opportunity. - 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.