The most important career move I’ve ever made was pressing pause.
This past January, I made the decision to leave Marriott International after 21 years, a company I still deeply love, and to step away from mentors, and colleagues who profoundly shaped my career.
For someone who has worked since the age of 12, walking away was a risk. But I chose instead to see it as a mid-career power move. An intentional reset to separate who I am from what I do, and to discover where I naturally invest my energy, attention, and time.
With no roadmap, I started with things I could never find enough time to do before. Over seven months, I cooked 82 NYT Cooking recipes, walked nearly 700 miles, read 65 books, and spent countless hours with my 15-year-old daughter.
Perhaps I redirected my professional intensity into personal life, but it felt transformative. I proved to myself that I could excel at entirely new challenges, connect with friends and family on topics beyond my most recent trip, and discover fulfillment beyond work milestones. (And according to my daughter’s friends, I’m now officially the “nicest mom” ❤️)
This time was invaluable. It helped me reset, reflect, and decide how I want to show up in my next chapter, with renewed energy, a growth mindset, and confidence in my ability to master new skills.
And so, in the spirit of all the back-to-school posts, here’s my own “back-to-work” moment: Today marks my first day at
Hilton as part of the Luxury Brand Team, looking after
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and
Conrad Hotels & Resorts. Two extraordinary brands with iconic legacies and exciting futures.
I am deeply grateful to my friends, colleagues, and especially
James Nichols for encouraging me to take this time and for cheering me on as I chose when and how to step back into the spotlight.
As I step into this new chapter with Hilton, I carry forward the lessons of the past seven months: that growth comes from courage, and that energy expands when you direct it with purpose. I am excited to channel that energy into shaping the future of Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Hotels, and nurturing my personal life with the same care and intention as I give my career.