20 Questions With Susan Linyear, Regional Director, Vacasa

Susan Linyear is the regional director of Vacasa, the nation’s leading vacation rental management platform. She’s also a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member! In this member spotlight, we asked Susan 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? 
   “People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others and Resolve Conflicts” by Robert Bolton, Ph.D.
2. What do you love most about the travel and hospitality industry? 
   This industry has the perfect mix of rote duties and agile decision-making that keeps me interested and with the opportunity to learn.
3. What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
   International cinema (with subtitles) is how I de-stress.
4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
   Sometimes it feels isolating
5. What are your non-negotiables when it comes to work-life balance?
   Setting boundaries for clients (in my case, private vacation homeowners) and having something outside of work I look forward to (for me: travel).
6. What woman inspires you right now and why? 
   Peer: Theresa Koren and my sister. CEO: Stephanie Mackey
7. What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why? 
   Large-capacity cohort growth and safety priorities
8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
   Good judgement
9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year? 
   My patience is improving.
10. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 
    My communication can always improve.
11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    Honesty and data
12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you? 
    Joie de vivre
13. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?
    Know your strengths, weaknesses and be resourceful. Organization is key. 
14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why? 
    Turkey (city and beach). I invited myself and the vibe felt as good as I imagined. 
15. What is the top item on your bucket list?
    Taking my husband on an Alaskan cruise
16. What do you do to recharge? 
    I love savory cooking! Especially ethnic, Indian or Mediterranean.
17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    Finding my twin sons with my husband in foster care.
18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders? 
    Let your personal brand reflect a unique set of skills, not just self-promotion. 
19. What gets you up in the morning?
    Responsibility
20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    The depth of expertise and subsectors of travel and hospitality that I am exposed to.