2016 Honoree

Stephanie Linnartz

Global Chief Commercial Officer, Marriott Intl.

“If you’re worried about stepping on toes, you’re probably dancing too slow! Do good work (results are gender neutral) and things have a way of falling into place…Male or female, popularity alone shouldn’t get you to the top, and it sure won’t keep you there.”

What socio-political women’s issue do you care about the most? Do you feel that women are typically presented fairly in the media? Why or why not?

We should all, media included, recognize women’s rights as an indicator of global well-being and the state of humanity. Imagine the possibilities if we lived in a world where all women felt confident, safe, and secure…

What specific aspect of women’s rights in the US could we change to set an example to the world? What will it take (apart from time) for women to be viewed as equal to men?

We should lead by example in creating opportunities for women to support themselves and their families. I’m really proud of the recent opening of our hotel in Rwanda, signaling the country is “open for business”: giving housekeepers wages and benefits, local coffee farmers a place to sell their coffee, women a path to earn management positions, and helping to set unprecedented food safety standards.

Whatever profession you choose, do men see women as either a female rival with independence and strength, or someone inexperienced that needs to be managed, never as an equal? How do you show your male colleagues that you are an equal without stepping on their toes?

If you’re worried about stepping on toes, you’re probably dancing too slow!
Do good work (results are gender neutral) and things have a way of falling into place…Male or female, popularity alone shouldn’t get you to the top, and it sure won’t keep you there. Do what’s right for your team and for the company and accept the fact that not everyone will be happy with your decisions all of the time. Comes with the territory.

What do you now know about yourself that you wish you knew ten/fifteen/twenty years ago? Do today’s young people face a bigger challenge than you did?

Everything I know about business, I learned on St. Patrick’s Day. My father opened the iconic Irish pub–The Dubliner–in 1974 in the shadows of the U.S. Capitol. Growing up, I spent countless hours learning from a master. All the data analytics in the world aren’t a substitute for what my dad taught me first-hand: take care of customers and do it with a smile. Every time. No exceptions.

Too many young people starting out their careers are constantly worried about getting ahead. This advice holds true generation after generation: have a true north that’s more about company outcomes and less about personal advancement. It’s a mindset. Shift into it and stay there.

Do you feel that religion is on the decline in the Western World? Will it have an effect on U.S. society? If so, will it be good or bad?

I was privileged to attend Catholic school. The history and traditions still guide me, as does the view that the world is one big tent…that we need to do our part to welcome and respect all cultures, faiths, and points of view.

Can you tell us about one of the biggest challenges in your life that you think helped you become the person you are today? What was your best decision to date? Worst decision?

I had to learn to not fear failure or conflict. You should ALWAYS take on the most challenging tasks and conflict comes with the territory. It’s classic risk & reward. If you pull it off, it’s a huge win. If you don’t, you’ll still likely earn points for giving it a shot. Sometimes just stepping up, jumping in, and powering through is enough to get you on the right radars.

Who inspires you the most? If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I look for inspiration everywhere and from anyone and believe you get what you give. Well-timed conversation–sometimes from unexpected people in unexpected places–can fundamentally change the trajectory of lives. Dinner anyone?

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?

Freezing time. A sure sign I have young children.

Favorite: Book/writer? Song/singer? Movie/actor? Cuisine/dish?

Louisiana Crawfish. No contest.