Member Spotlight: Mary Jo Lake, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Meetings & Events, Blueprint Worldwide
Each week, we’re excited to spotlight an inspiring member of Women Leading Travel. This week, meet Mary Jo Lake, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Meetings & Events at Blueprint Worldwide, whose insights and experience continue to shape our industry.
What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
“Range” by David Epstein. Broad skillsets, late specialization, complex “wicked” problems, winning inefficiency, bold themes that’ll shortlist this book as your next read. This Gemini-like plot splices two cases: generalists versus specialists. In a period of increased career sampling, it’s a relative read.
What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?
A climbing trend – digital detox – is influencing our industry, specifically the incorporation into experiential configuration. The benefits span deeper connections, stronger brand perception and lessened cognitive overload. Events, travel, hospitality – they’re all onboarding this wave of wellness-first. For the achievement of year-over-year event success, retention (acquisition) and strong NPS, it’s becoming essential to prioritize wellness.
What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?
Wean off 1:1s and replace them with weekly syncs in small groups. Overcommunicate purposefully, leveraging multi-channels. For information distribution, take stock of the message – specifically CTA, tone, urgency and recipient – determining which channel(s) yield the best outcome, both for sender and recipient. Lastly, underscore the importance of clarified and shared goals. Same team, same goal.
What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
I hike National Parks. Nothing beats lacing up your hiking boots, trekking a Class 3 trail and soaking in a panoramic mountain view. For anyone who hasn’t visited Montana, I highly recommend Glacier National Park. It’s a phenomenon.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Define your personal brand early on. Compound growth will evolve your brand, but determine how you want to be perceived, as a team player, a leader and a mentor. Be selective of whom, what, where, when and how your talent, time and energy are represented. Association can be the rise or demise of personal branding. Be selective. The right opportunities are in orbit – stay focused.
What do you like most about being a member of Women Leading Travel?
Women Leading Travel is truly a one-of-a-kind Association. A WLT membership yields tangible value across connections, skills, education and mentorships. Their rapport and access to influential female leaders in travel and hospitality is a key differentiator.
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