Taylor Crowley

Although Chicago is a big city, the hospitality industry feels like a small town. Everyone knows each other. My reputation is incredibly important to me and I ensure those I work or interact with are always treated with the highest level of respect.

I let my team bring ideas to the table and support their successes and failures. When I have the opportunity to attend networking events or skill workshops, I always try to include a member of my team so they can continue to grow and educate themselves.

It goes along with the idea of "manage your client, don't let your client manage you”. To me, hospitality does not mean just giving people whatever they want, but creating wonderful experiences for people while maintaining your integrity.

Those who work hard and truly put in the extra effort to excel definitely stand out.

At the time, I thought I knew everything and was frustrated that my career was not progressing more quickly. Looking back, I realize that this was the absolute best training I could have had. My director taught me everything, including how to manage like she managed. By the time I was promoted, I was the most highly-skilled assistant within my team and was able to transition seamlessly to a management role.

I have two small daughters and I'm incredibly proud to be a working mom. I hope that I can inspire them to work hard for their dreams and show them that as a woman, it is absolutely possible to maintain both a personal and a professional life.

I truly took this to heart by doing my best to know and understand those around me, be them friend or foe. Although in hospitality, “enemy” is not quite the right word, it is always important to know and understand things from all sides.

When different workshops are offered, even if they are not directly aligned to my position, I still try to attend. The more you know about your industry, even if it is not directly applicable to your day to day, it will still help you to be a more well-rounded and informed manager.