Wendy White

Professional Journey

Growing up as a Missouri farm kid, I always aspired to be a “businesswoman” but I did not know what that meant. High school exposed me to Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) with a very traditional female business teacher. She was the consummate professional and while I didn’t relate to some of her old-fashioned ideas, I always observed her polish and professionalism. I have worked with many brave powerful women who have helped develop me, provided me with opportunities, encouragement, blunt criticism, and the power of being a good communicator. I’m happy to have also worked alongside many supportive men including my HCW leadership team.
I’ve had multiple role models in my life starting with my Mother. She raised 12, yes 12 children and completed a nursing program at the age of 58. I watched her work a full-time job, take a full class load, and take care of us studying every night. I don’t have the words to describe how inspiring that was. Early in my career, I worked for Patti Penny, founder of Penmac and Cindy Hedgpeth, Vice President. Every single day, Patti fearlessly pursued building and advancing her business and growing her client base. In the hotel world, Hilton has a principle about “finding creative ways to say yes” versus saying no to a customer. I saw that in action every day for five years, watching these two fearless women in action. It is no surprise that I was able to adapt to that way of thinking in the hotel industry.
A sales call to a prospective client in the education field while living in Chicago led me to my first hotel management position. He saw something in me that he felt would make me perfect for the hotel sales world. On a whim, I took the role and became a Sales Director within my first year. This industry sticks to you and I’ve never looked back!
Just over nine years ago, I joined HCW in a mid-management role at the two Hilton hotels at Branson Landing. Not only did this locally raised gal finally understand the impressive national footprint Branson has, but I joined a team led by a fearless visionary, Rick Huffman. It’s hard to imagine what this area would be like today without the Branson Landing, these two beautiful Hilton hotels, and the Branson Convention Center. He always thinks big league. I’m incredibly blessed to work for someone with his tenaciousness who also deeply cares and is loyal to his employees. I gained responsibility and earned some recognition along the way. In 2019, I was nominated for Hotel Sales Team of the Year and Director of Sales of the Year out of 1,800 hotels managed by our former 3rd party management firm. Today, I’m proud to lead the 12 hotel sales teams representing multiple brands as Vice President of Sales in our own management umbrella, and am so excited about the future growth!

Leadership Style/Lessons Learned

My leadership style is a work in progress, I strive to be the leader that our team needs. Skills that have taken while to develop are the ability to listen before speaking, and the art of giving criticism in a way that also encourages an employee to improve. I’m proud to serve on the Branson Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors & Board of Advisors and Strategic Planning Committees.

What I Would Tell Younger Women/Family

I am a mother of three beautiful and smart young women, so when I think about what I would tell younger women, I first think of those traits I tried to instill in my daughters. The most important quality to me was that they were never a victim, but they were instead strong and resilient. I did not shield them from consequences, and I did not caudle them when they hit a minor setback. I wanted them to have a “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and go on” mentality. I required them to always show respect to people because of their age or position and I required complete compliance to the rules. At the end of the day, our house was still filled with lots of love and laughter.
Leadership is a team sport. The most respected leaders are not those tearing everyone around them down. Identify your team and try to build and grow alongside them and take them to the top with you. Stay focused, positive, respectful, and demonstrate a good work ethic.
You can’t hire all “BFF material.” Work alongside people who have a good attitude, are team players, and have integrity. If you are stuck in a job with the wrong people, then YOU be the example and rise above it. Success and growth will fall into place.
You CAN have it all! Be a Mother, a successful professional, and a great partner to someone if you use your time wisely and set proper expectations with everyone around you.