One of the astonishing and fascinating aspects of the hotel industry is, that here careers begin to unfold even with humble beginnings. Nothing is impossible for those young hoteliers, who dare to dream and allow themselves to dream big. Here is just one of the many stories of a true career hotelier:
In the heart of downtown Atlanta, where the city’s energy surged like an unstoppable tide, the headquarters of Marriott International stand tall, a testament to the hospitality giant’s enduring legacy. Within those sleek, glass-walled walls, an extraordinary story awaits—the journey of Erika Alexander, the Chief Lodging and Services Officer for the Americas.
For the young hoteliers gathered in that room, Erika’s tale is not just a career but an epic narrative of unwavering determination, resilience, and passion unfolding like a captivating novel.
Erika’s odyssey through the world of hospitality began in a place that could hardly be called a haven for hotels—a small town that didn’t even have one. But little did she know that her humble beginnings would lead to a remarkable 30-year journey with countless chapters of growth and achievement.
Erika’s journey began with a chapter titled “From Philly to Marriott.” Fresh out of the University of Virginia, she started her career at a Philadelphia hotel, a world apart from the grandeur of Marriott International.
One defining moment etched in her memory was when she chose to forego her holiday plans and stayed at the hotel, covering for colleagues who couldn’t make it. “If you want to see me,” she told her mother, “you’ll have to come to Philly.”
Her mother didn’t hesitate. She joined Erika during those overnight shifts, pitching in with tasks like washing linens and folding clothes. Witnessing her daughter, a future leader in the world of hotels, immersed in such dedicated work was a revelation. That was the moment Erika’s remarkable journey officially kicked off.
Erika’s illustrious career spans an impressive 31 years within the Marriott family, a journey that traverses the intricate landscape of hotel operations. She’s held diverse roles, from her current position as Chief Global Officer for Global Operations to her prior role as Chief Lodging Services Officer in the Americas. Her path, marked by her tenure as Area Vice President, reflects her diverse leadership in the world of hotels.
Starting as an Account Manager and Director of Sales, Erika climbed from the ground level. She later transitioned into roles as Director of Operations and General Manager, fine-tuning her skills amidst the day-to-day challenges of the industry.
Erika’s journey, however, encompasses more than one chapter. She ascended to leadership roles across Marriott’s prestigious brands as Regional Vice President for Select and Extended Stay brands. Her pivotal role as Brand Director for Residence Inn and subsequent position as Brand Vice President for TownePlace Suites have left an enduring imprint on the company’s identity.
Erika’s Marriott career evolution is a testament to her unwavering resilience and ability to adapt, a narrative that resonates with the relentless pursuit of excellence. It serves also as a testament to young hoteliers of what is possible in the hotel industry.
The next chapter, “Climbing the Marriott Ladder,” revealed the grit and determination that fueled her rise. She spoke of her time as Area Vice President, overseeing a portfolio of 28 Marriott, JW Marriott, Marriott Conference Center, and Renaissance hotels. These were no small feats, spanning the Southern states of Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, and the Carolinas.
Erika’s voice carried the weight of her experiences, her years in sales, operations, and management—each a stepping stone to greatness. She described her tenure as a brand director for Residence Inn by Marriott and her pivotal role in launching Town Place Suites by Marriott. Subsequently, she became a brand vice president, where innovation and excellence were her guiding stars.
But what set Erika’s narrative apart was her remarkable career trajectory and Marriott’s unwavering commitment to values. Erika emphasized, “If you take care of the associates, they will take care of the customers who will continue to return.”
With a confident smile, she revealed the core values that were the compass of Marriott’s success: putting people first, pursuing excellence, embracing change, acting with integrity, and serving the world. These values were not mere slogans but the essence of Marriott’s DNA.
As the young hoteliers listened, their eyes lit up with the realization that they were witnessing a living legend—a woman who had not only shattered glass ceilings but had done so with grace, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the values that had made Marriott a global powerhouse.
But the story didn’t end there. Erika, with the eloquence of a master storyteller, unveiled a chapter that resonated deeply with the young hoteliers—an exploration of diversity and inclusion. “As an African American woman working for Marriott,” she declared, “the first thing I think of when asked about diversity and inclusion is ‘winning.'”
Marriott’s commitment to diversity was not a mere statistic. It was a pillar of their success, a testament to their belief that a diverse team of brilliant minds was essential to solving the world’s most significant challenges. Erika’s voice carried the conviction that young leaders needed to see diversity in positions of authority and importance. At Marriott, this was a reality.
As Erika’s narrative reached its zenith, she offered a wisdom chapter titled “Advice for Aspiring Hoteliers.” Her words were a roadmap to success, a compass for the young hoteliers eager to follow in her footsteps. “In the hospitality business, we get to have fun,” she began with a twinkle in her eye. “Not only do we have fun, but we also create joyous moments and precious memories for our guests daily. It’s gratifying.”
Her journey, she emphasized, had begun with the simple act of being responsible, leading a team, developing talent, and proving herself as a goal-oriented individual. Erika encouraged the young hoteliers to establish a deep knowledge of the business and understand it from the inside out, for this expertise would propel them to success.
“In hospitality, people are at the heart of our business,” Erika noted, her voice carrying the wisdom of a seasoned leader. “In real life, real people have real problems. You need to be flexible and adjust, and if you do, you will find great joy in working with people from those with M.B.A.s to the moms and dads who are hustling in every small town and big city around the country.”
She concluded with a powerful message that resonated like a mantra in the hearts of the young hoteliers: “Great leaders care as much about the people working in their business as about the business itself. Marriott operates exactly that way.”
As the interview ended, Erika Alexander’s story was not just an interview; it was an epic saga of triumph over adversity, of a company that thrived on diversity and inclusion, and of a passion that fueled a remarkable career. The story celebrated the human spirit’s resilience and the extraordinary heights one could reach with dedication to their craft.
The young hoteliers left that room not just inspired but transformed. Erika Alexander had not just shared her journey; she had ignited a fire within them. Her story was not just a biography; it was an invitation to embark on their own epic journeys, pursue excellence in the hospitality world, and become legends in their own right and as they walked out of Marriott’s headquarters, they carried the spark of inspiration, ready to write the following chapters of their extraordinary stories, just as Erika had done.
I love to share inspiring stories of successful hoteliers with my readers. These stories serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for those interested in pursuing a career in the industry. However, we must acknowledge that building a career in this field requires effort and determination. It involves creating a strategic plan, equipping yourself with the right tools (such as an impressive resume, a standout LinkedIn profile, and effective cover letter strategies), and mastering the art of acing interviews. It’s about crafting your personal story, charting your course, and unlocking your full potential.
I’m here on a mission to be your guiding star on this incredible journey of yours. With years of globetrotting experience under my belt, I’ve got a treasure chest of insights and wisdom to share. So, don’t hesitate to reach out whenever you hit a crossroads.
You’re the captain of your ship, and you’ll steer it, confirmed most of the time. But let’s face it, sometimes the weather gets foggy, and clarity takes a coffee break. That’s when you can count on me to be your compass. Reach out anytime. My virtual door is always open for your questions.
My ultimate jackpot? Your success, hands down. Building a career isn’t an overnight magic trick, but with the correct principles and a mindset geared for greatness, you’ll inch closer to that goal every day. Trust me, and believe in yourself—you’re destined for excellence, and that’s not just a hunch!
Yours
Helmut H Meckelburg
