Today we’d like to introduce you to Sue Keels.
Hi Sue, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My passion for hospitality started very early in my career while attending school for Fashion Merchandising and Business Management. I had the opportunity to climb the ladder and worked in almost every position in the hospitality industry. Once promoted to a leadership role after years of hands-on experience, I realized my passion was in leading teams and continued to grow and nurture my leadership skill set while shifting from operations to the creative side of business focusing on sales, marketing, guest experience, and branding. Almost four years ago my journey has come full circle when I was offered the amazing opportunity to take the helm as Royal Park Hotel, General Manager.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say it’s been an amazing journey with many lessons learned along the way. The most recent has been navigating the Royal Park Hotel team through a two-year pandemic that impacted all aspects of our industry. I have learned so much over the past couple of years about myself and this experience has pushed me to think differently in the way I lead and also operate as a hotelier.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I absolutely love creating experiences for others. It’s all about how we make people feel. That is truly the heart and soul of hospitality. I enjoy taking an idea and then collaborating with a team to bring the idea to life. For me, this process is so rewarding! I’m most proud of all the amazing relationships I have built along the way. The opportunity to be deep-rooted locally and also globally, meeting so many inspiring colleagues, community leaders, and guests who are now considered family and friends.
What sets me apart from others is my relationship with creativity. It has given me the edge to reimagine, rethink and color outside the lines. The creative process is something that drives me both personally and professionally. I also enjoy pulling creativity out in others and challenging the status quo. I consider myself a Reimagined General Manager and like to think differently and add a new perspective.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really believe in luck. I feel like being at the right place and time is part of the journey and “luck” is truly all about effort, hard work, passion, and taking chances. What you put out in the universe is also what you get back. I believe in giving my very best each day and living an authentic and creative life. Finding joy in the journey through experiences and relationships is what life is all about!
Contact Info:
- Email: socialteam@royalparkhotel.net
- Website: www.royalparkhotel.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royalparkhotel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalParkMI/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoyalParkMI
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/royalparkhotel/
