One of the most inspiring parts of the Women Leading Travel & Hospitality community is the Member Spotlight series. Each reveals something powerful — not just about individual women, but about the strength of the Women Leading Travel & Hospitality community. From leadership lessons to personal rituals, the perspectives shared by our members offer both inspiration and insight.

Here are just a few recent highlights from members making an impact across the industry:

Their Leadership Values

Jessica Bratrud, regional director of Birch Lake Hospitality, names integrity, decisiveness and consistency as her guiding values. “My team knows I will always be direct, always follow through, and always lead by example.”

Susan Linyear, regional director at Vacasa, leads with honesty, transparency and a data-driven mindset. She believes that clear communication and strong values are essential for empowering teams and building trust, especially in an industry where expectations are high and resources are often tight.

Caroline Meyer DeBruyckere, corporate director of marketing at Atlantic Hospitality, prioritizes clarity, joy and integrity, and believes in “clarity without cruelty, and in joy, not as a bonus, but as a metric of success.”

What They’re Reading

Meyer DeBruyckere calls “The Art of Gathering” a reminder that “intention is the first ingredient in any unforgettable experience.” She also admits a love for twisty beach reads with strong female leads.

Bratrud was moved by “The Mountain is You,” a book that helped her uncover ways she may unintentionally hold herself back and strengthened her approach to coaching others.

Linyear recently read “People Skills” by Robert Bolton, calling it a valuable tool for better communication and conflict resolution.

On Industry Passion and Purpose

“This industry rewards resilience, quick thinking and authentic leadership,” said Bratrud, who thrives on the energy of bold, day-to-day decision-making.

Linyear appreciates the combination of structure and agility in travel and hospitality, calling it “the perfect mix of rote duties and agile decision-making.”

“Hospitality isn’t just what I do — it’s how I move through the world. I believe warmth is a brand pillar. Presence is a product,” said Meyer DeBruyckere.

On Personal Rituals and Perspective

Bratrud recharges with journaling, quiet time and connection — and makes rest a key part of how she leads well.

Linyear turns to international cinema to de-stress and re-energizes through savory cooking, especially Indian and Mediterranean dishes.

Meyer DeBruyckere says her best ideas come from stillness, from “breathing in salt air before the inbox opens” to spending time with “a second cup of coffee, just because.”

These members don’t just lead companies, they build culture, shift narratives and make space for others to thrive.

Want to Join Them?

Apply today to become a Women Leading Travel & Hospitality member and connect with leaders like Caroline, Jessica and Susan. This is a community where women show up not to impress, but to connect — and to lead with clarity, care and ambition.

Questions? We’re here to help. Reach out any time.