Area Director of Human Resources at Margaritaville.

LaToya Kemp

In an interview, Latoya Kemp, area director of human resources at LaToya Kemp, discusses her journey of being a woman in leadership.

What is the journey that you have had and your role?

My professional journey began in 2000 when I started working as a front office agent at the renowned Atlantis Hotel. Over time, I moved up the ranks in the rooms division, where I was responsible for PBX, call center, front office, and housekeeping. It was during this stint that I discovered my passion for problem-solving and realized that I wanted to pursue a career in human resources.

In 2011, I joined the incredible human resources team, leveraging my prior experience and skills from operations. During this time, I focused on writing policies and procedures, honing my problem-solving abilities, and creating best practices for various departments. I held multiple roles within the HR division, spanning over 16 years with the Atlantis Hotel before moving on to join the Four Seasons brand.

During my tenure at Four Seasons, I had a say in all major decisions affecting the employee component of the business. I created staff programs and benefits, implemented development plans, retained top talent, and kept high-potential employees engaged. As a result, I honed my diversity and inclusion practices, competed at higher levels, and gained knowledge of various viewpoints that helped not only myself but others to master their craft.

In 2020, the opportunity arose for me to become Margaritaville Beach Resorts' inaugural director of human resources. I saw this as a chance to grow as a person, develop upcoming leaders at the resort, and give back to the community. It was a proud moment to successfully open such a beautiful resort in the Bahamas.

"It's important for women to believe that they can achieve success in all aspects of their lives."

Recently, I was promoted to area director of human resources for Aimbridge Hospitality, responsible for all our Bahamas properties. I am proud of what my team and I have accomplished thus far and look forward to continuing our success.

What have been some of the challenges you have witnessed in leadership development as a C-suite women executive?

The challenge that poses a significant obstacle in the hospitality industry is the fast-paced replenishment of our talent pool. The lack of a steady influx of next-level leaders in the pipeline is mainly due to the need for improvement in succession planning and effective mentorship. We must take a serious and comprehensive approach to address this issue to ensure a long-lasting legacy for our beloved industry.

What is the secret sauce to being an excellent leader?

My philosophy is all about meeting individuals where they are and helping them reach their full potential. Everyone has the capacity to succeed, and I believe it can be accomplished through guidance, mentorship, and a win-win mindset.

How do you encourage women to not give up?

Staying true to myself has helped me overcome adversity and remain aware of my identity, giving me the determination to succeed. I believe in encouraging women by showing them how to recognize their own vigor. As women, we often have hectic schedules and little time to appreciate our accomplishments since we must immediately move on to the next project. That's why it's crucial to pause and relish the moment of recognition for our achievements while supporting and encouraging others to do the same.

How can we include leaders who are moms and balance their time?

It's important for women to believe that they can achieve success in all aspects of their lives. Balancing the roles of a spouse, mother, and executive takes a lot of work, as I can personally attest. However, prioritizing these roles is crucial. By supporting mom leaders and helping them set reasonable boundaries, we can ensure that they can fulfill all of their responsibilities effectively.