This week’s Women Leading Travel Member Spotlight features Frauke Aoun, General Manager at Affini, A Tribute Portfolio Residence. With a deep passion for people, purpose and creating meaningful experiences, Frauke shares insights on leadership, balance, innovation and what drives her both personally and professionally. Get to know more about her journey, values and the advice she offers to the next generation of women in hospitality. 

  1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
    “Atomic Habits“ by James Clear. It reminded me that small, consistent actions create lasting impact in life, leadership and hospitality.
  2. What do you love most about the industry?
    It’s the people and the creativity. Hospitality is about human connection at its core, and the opportunity to constantly innovate and design experiences that bring joy is incredibly rewarding. Every day brings new ways to connect, create and make a difference.
  3. What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
    I’m a licensed CrossFit instructor.
  4. What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
    The toughest part of being in charge is letting go of the need to know and do everything myself. Leadership isn’t about being the expert in every detail; it’s about trusting the team and giving them space to grow, even if that means learning through mistakes. Allowing others to step up not only strengthens them but strengthens the whole organization.
  5. What are your nonnegotiables when it comes to work-life balance?
    I don’t believe in work-life balance; it’s a myth. Balls will inevitably drop because you can’t be 100% in both work and personal life at the same time. For me, it’s about being intentional and prioritizing what matters most in the moment. Attending a school concert in the morning might mean catching up at the kitchen counter after bedtime routines – and that’s okay. Balance comes from the choices we make with presence and purpose.
  6. What woman inspires you right now and why?
    One of the women who inspires me is Katrin Herz at Edition Abu Dhabi. She leads with empathy and thoughtfulness while being driven, bold and unapologetically her own person. What I admire most is how she balances strategic vision with authentic humanity. She’s always willing to help and embodies the kind of leader who uplifts others while shaping the future of our industry.
  7. What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?
    I’m closely tracking AI integration, experience-driven hospitality and localization. AI shouldn’t replace human interaction; it should support teams to optimize operations, personalize experiences and free up time for genuine connections with guests. Personalization and a sense of place are the foundation of experience-driven hospitality and will remain central to how we engage travelers.
  8. What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
    Emotional intelligence. Skills can be taught, but EQ determines how someone leads, connects, and adapts.
  9. What’s something that you learned about yourself in the past year?
    Over the past year, I’ve learned the importance of letting go of the need to meet everyone’s expectations and to stay true to my own path. It’s liberating to make choices based on authenticity rather than external pressure, and it’s helped me become a more grounded leader.
  10. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
    When you say yes to someone, make sure you don’t say no to yourself.
  11. What values are most important to you as a leader?
    The values that guide me as a leader are authenticity, kindness, and compassion. I believe in creating a company culture where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to do their best. Equally important is giving back to the community around us. Leadership is not just about business results; it’s about creating positive impact both inside and outside the organization.
  12. What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
    I love to serve. Whether it’s my team, my family, friends, my community, or young people finding their path, I find joy in helping others succeed. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing people shine and knowing you played a part in that.
  13. What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?
    Leading a hybrid team productively starts with trust and fairness. Without those, collaboration simply doesn’t work. It’s also vital to set clear expectations so each team member knows what’s required of them, no matter where they’re working from. When people feel trusted, treated fairly, and guided by clarity, they can thrive in a hybrid environment.
  14. Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to? Why?
    Greece—for the people, the architecture, and the food.
  15. What is the top item on your bucket list?
    My bucket list is a mile long, full of dreams and travel destinations. The one I’ve been focusing on most recently is owning a ranch to retire on, complete with horses, mini cows, dogs, and surrounded by nature. It represents freedom, connection with animals, and a slower pace of life where I can recharge and enjoy the simple pleasures.
  16. What do you do to recharge?
    To recharge, I turn to the things that ground me: riding, time with my son, and the beach.
  17. What is your biggest accomplishment?
    My biggest accomplishment is building a career and a life that reflect my values: people, purpose, and community. From opening hotels to leading teams and giving back to the community, I’m proud of creating impact in ways that matter, both professionally and personally.
  18. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
    Lead with authenticity. Don’t try to do it all on your own—ask for help, seek out a mentor or sponsor, and take guidance from those who’ve gone before you. Avoid the comparison trap; stay true to yourself, and don’t try to fit into someone else’s mold of success. Leadership is about finding what works for you while empowering others along the way.
  19. What gets you up in the morning?
    Most mornings, it’s my 6-year-old, who has a habit of waking up before dawn. On the days he sleeps in—which are rare—it’s the sense of purpose and the thrill of creating something meaningful and incredible that motivates me.
  20. What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality?
    I love the community—sharing, learning, and connecting with women who inspire me and challenge me to grow.

Want to be featured in an upcoming Member Spotlight?
We’d love to share your story! Reach out to us if you’re interested in being featured. And be sure to connect with Frauke Aoun on LinkedIn.