Leadership isn’t necessarily something we all want to pursue in our lives, but sometimes we end up leading more than we realize. For Margaret Simoneau, her career path started in massage therapy, but the wear and tear on her body pushed her to do something different. After working with the Frederick County Workforce Services, she was introduced to Plamondon Hospitality Partners. Margaret has been with Plamondon for over 9 years and is currently the Senior Analyst. She helps to provide results-oriented support to Plamondon‘s hotels and uncovering opportunities to maximize efficiencies and GOP. Margaret never viewed herself as a leader before moving into her current role, but she now knows the advice and feedback she gives is extremely valuable to the company. She truly loves people, and is driven by the success of those around her. Margaret takes pride in making sure that the company portrays team members and their work in ways that are sincere and celebratory of the many accomplishments happening within the organization. When people feel appreciated, they will continue to go above and beyond what’s expected of them. Margaret has learned how important it is to prioritize herself so she can pour into others in her life. She has always been passionate about serving and taking care of people, and her compassion for those around her shines through. Tune into this episode to hear more of Margaret’s impactful story, and the beneficial work she is doing in the hospitality space! About Margaret Simoneau Margaret Simoneau began with Plamondon as the Director of First Impressions in 2014. Her evolution from her start with Plamondon to her current position as Senior Analyst (in almost 9 years) is commentary enough to show that she is a hard working, dependable, and valuable leader. In addition to her primary job functions, Margaret assists in managing Plamondon Hospitality Partners’ marketing strategy. Margaret was recently recognized by her organization with the “President’s Pride” award for her extraordinary commitment to ensuring the company is always doing the “right thing” for the financial, social community impact, and associate successes of the company. She is willing to ask tough questions and provide the type of honest feedback that truly brings out the best in others. Margaret is clearly an ambassador for the company and the Marriott and Hiltons brands they manage. She is respected by her peers and the community that she serves. With Margaret’s ability to serve others, she has been an asset in her position and a valuable leader in the company. Margaret is also a member of the Leadership Frederick County class of 2023, where she shows up with a quiet confidence, ready to get things done. www.plamondonhospitalitypartners.com Episode Timestamps: Margaret’s career journey of working in massage therapy, to eventually transitioning into hospitality {01:20}Important lessons learned about leadership {06:45}Key differences between the executive team versus other staff members {08:29}How the pandemic influenced Margaret personally and professionally {12:15}Margaret’s passion for serving and taking care of people {17:35}Plamondon Hospitality Partners’ commitment to growth {23:00} “We are like a second family, and giving those little pieces of support here and there really make that difference to making someone feel like they belong and that they feel appreciated. I think we've found that when people really feel appreciated, they always go above and beyond what's expected of them. So, I know that if I take care of people and I help them to feel appreciated there, they'll do more than what I ask of them.” Connect with Rachel Harrison: https://traumaspecialistsofmd.com/ https://www.frederickchamber.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trauma_specialist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064008974101&mibextid=LQQJ4d LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796/