This week’s Member Spotlight features Jennifer Butler, Vice President of Operations at Compass Group. With a passion for connecting people and creating moments of comfort and joy, Jennifer shares her thoughts on leadership, balance and what inspires her in the world of hospitality.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
“Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara.

What do you love most about the industry?
I love being part of an industry that connects people from all over the world and allows us to create moments of comfort, care and joy in their travels.

What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
People might be surprised to learn how much I enjoy the operational side of hospitality — the systems, logistics and process improvements that make great service possible. I love connecting the behind-the-scenes work to the guest experience.

What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
The toughest thing about being in charge is balancing accountability with empathy — ensuring that every standard is met while recognizing the human side of leadership. It’s not always easy to make tough decisions or have difficult conversations, but I know that consistency and follow-through are what drive long-term success. Being responsible for both the guest experience and the people who deliver it can feel heavy at times, yet it’s also what makes the role so rewarding. Keeping everyone aligned, motivated and proud of their work — even through challenges — is where real leadership shows up.

What are your nonnegotiables when it comes to work-life balance?
My nonnegotiables around work-life balance center on being fully present wherever I am. When I’m at work, I’m focused and committed; when I’m home, I make space to recharge and be with the people who matter most. I believe balance isn’t about equal time — it’s about intentional time. I also expect the same respect for balance within my team because rested, supported people do their best work.

What woman inspires you right now and why?
I’m inspired by women who continue to redefine leadership in industries that never slow down, especially those in hospitality and travel. Seeing women lead with resilience, empathy and vision in such a dynamic environment reminds me how powerful it is when we bring both strength and heart to the table.

What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?
I’m closely tracking how technology and innovation are reshaping the guest experience — particularly how we can use digital tools to make travel more seamless and personalized without losing the human connection that defines hospitality. At the same time, I’m paying attention to how these changes impact our people. As our industry evolves, developing and retaining great talent remains just as important as enhancing service. The real opportunity lies in using innovation to empower teams — giving them the tools and training to deliver exceptional experiences while maintaining the warmth and care that guests remember most.

What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
I look for alignment with our values: consistency, integrity and attention to detail. The best candidates show that they understand how the small things make the biggest impact in creating a great guest experience.

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself in the past year?
I’ve learned the importance of trusting my team more — giving them space to grow, make decisions and take ownership. It’s easy as a leader to want to fix everything yourself, but empowering others has helped me become a stronger and more balanced leader.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to hire good people, trust them and get out of their way. It reminded me that leadership isn’t about control — it’s about empowerment. When you trust your team and give them ownership, they rise to the occasion.

What values are most important to you as a leader?
As a leader, the values most important to me are our people, accountability, trust and respect. I also value empowerment — trusting my team to make decisions and take pride in their work — and consistency, because in hospitality, great service depends on reliable standards and genuine care.

What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
The most important thing people should know about me is that I genuinely care about my team, our guests and the work we do every day. I believe in accountability and high standards, but I also believe in leading with heart. I want people to feel supported, trusted and proud of the results we achieve together. At the end of the day, it’s the people who make this industry what it is.

What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?
For me, leading a hybrid team really comes down to trust and communication. You’ve got to stay connected but let people lead their teams. Be clear about expectations and make sure everyone feels included — whether they’re in the room or remote. I focus more on outcomes than hours, and I’ve found that when people feel trusted and supported, they always rise to the occasion.

Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?
My favorite place I’ve traveled to is Italy. There’s something about the culture, the food and the way people take their time to enjoy life that really resonates with me. It’s a reminder of why I love hospitality — it’s about connection, care and creating experiences people remember.

What is the top item on your bucket list?
The top item that was on my bucket list was visiting Greece — and we just went with friends last month! Experiencing the culture, history and of course, the hospitality firsthand was incredible. There’s something magical about places where food, people and tradition all come together so naturally.

What do you do to recharge?
To recharge, I spend time with family and friends — usually over a good meal and a great glass of wine. Disconnecting from work and being present with the people who matter most helps me reset and refocus.

What is your biggest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment outside of my family is the teams that I’ve helped build. Seeing people grow, take ownership and succeed — and succeeding together — is what I’m most proud of.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Believe in yourself and trust your voice. Don’t wait for permission to lead. Speak up and know that you belong in every room you walk into. Leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers; it’s about growth and resilience. You can have it all.

What gets you up in the morning?
In hospitality, no two days are ever the same — and that’s what I love about it. The energy, the non-stop activity, my team and the impact we can have on someone’s day are what keep me excited to show up.

What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
I’m new to Women Leading Travel, but I’m already inspired by the community. It’s empowering to connect with passionate women who support and learn from one another, and I’m excited to grow alongside them.

Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn.