Nicole Newman is vice president and executive recruiter at SearchWide Global, a full-service executive search firm primarily for companies in destination organizations, hotels and resorts, venue management, experiential marketing, tradeshow and exhibition, industry associations, and sports and entertainment. It specializes in C-level and director-level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 to midsized public and private companies and associations. Founded in 1999, SearchWide Global is headquartered in the Twin Cities and operates worldwide.

Newman is also a consultant member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality! We asked her a series of unique questions so you can get to know her better:

Women Leading Travel & Hospitality: Tell us about your background. Did you imagine you would end up in the travel and hospitality industry?
Nicole Newman: I began working in the hotel industry during college, starting at the front desk and working my way up to a sales leadership position, spending 16 years in hotels. I was recruited to join SearchWide Global in 2011, and began recruiting within the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. More than 25 years later, I continue to love the industry, learn and grow every day.

WLT&H: What do you enjoy most about being in a leadership position?
NN: Having the ability to coach and mentor, while learning from those on our team.

WLT&H: How would you describe your leadership style?
NN: Open, receptive, reciprocal and communicative

WLT&H: What do you find the most challenging about being a leader? How do you tackle that challenge?
NN: Bridging the communication style differences. I enjoy telephone conversations when details are needed and some prefer emails or texts. Adjusting styles is imperative to my leadership and continual communication.

WLT&H: What led you to SearchWide Global?
NN: The entrepreneurial nature of the organization, excellent leadership and strong industry reputation, as well as the opportunity to stay within the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, but not directly be in a hotel. I work with organizations big and small across the country. Each day is different and rewarding.

WLT&H: Tell us about the launch of Tourism Diversity Matters. What makes this initiative stand out from others?
NN: Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) is the collaborative leader of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives providing decision-makers in the tourism and events industry access, resources and tactics to develop more effective diversity and inclusion strategies.

WLT&H: Why is this project important to you?
NN: TDM is bringing light to the need for DEI within the travel, tourism and hospitality industry across all spectrums. Bringing in new and different voices and experiences can only elevate the industry and the conversation.

WLT&H: What can leaders, regardless of their titles, do to promote DEI within their teams and overall organizations?
NN: Leaders should define specifically how DEI will benefit their organization. Also, develop a culture and strategic plan that exemplifies the company’s philosophy on diversity.