Member Spotlight: Debbie Kelleher, Franchise Owner, Gecko Hospitality
Welcome to this week’s installment of our ongoing Member Spotlight series, where we highlight the leaders, changemakers and voices shaping our community. This week, we’re excited to feature Debbie Kelleher, Franchise Owner, Hospitality Division, Nevada, with Gecko Hospitality. Debbie shares candid insights on leadership, resilience and what continues to inspire her both personally and professionally.
What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
I recently read “I Am Pilgrim” by Terry Hayes.
What do you love most about the industry?
Meeting new people and hearing about their diverse backgrounds.
What is something the community may be surprised to learn about you?
Even though I’m in a lot of videos, give speeches and meet and interview people all the time, I’m actually a little shy.
What’s the toughest part of being in charge?
Getting employees and team members to understand why you have to make certain decisions when they may not know, or be privy to, all the facts behind them.
What are your nonnegotiables when it comes to work-life balance?
Making time for family, tennis, travel and social activities.
What woman inspires you right now and why?
Believe it or not, Cher. I recently read Part 1 of her biography. What she’s gone through to be where she is today feels much harder than what many of us have faced. I can’t wait for Part 2!
What is one industry trend you’re closely tracking and why?
AI, of course. It’s changing everything about how we communicate and work.
What is one thing you look for when interviewing a job candidate?
Three things: drive, work ethic and a hospitable personality. You can’t be successful in the hospitality industry without those qualities.
What’s something you learned about yourself in the past year?
That I’m very resilient, and that I can still learn in areas I didn’t think I was good at, especially technology.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Let go and empower your subordinates. They’ll learn from their mistakes and respect you for trusting them enough to make them.
What values are most important to you as a leader?
Practice what you preach, and do what you say you’re going to do.
What’s the most important thing people should know about you?
I’m true to my word.
What’s a tip you have for productively leading a hybrid team?
Schedule your time like you schedule everything else, and don’t get discouraged by ghosting. People are busy – they’ll reach out when they need you.
Where is your favorite place you’ve traveled to, and why?
Honestly, Napa, California. I’ve been to a lot of places, but I always find it peaceful and fun. Plus, I love food and wine.
What is the top item on your bucket list?
More travel.
What do you do to recharge?
Play tennis.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
Having my son at 40. Being a mother is harder, and more rewarding, than anything I’ve accomplished professionally.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Be aggressive without being annoying. Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets you what you need.
What gets you up in the morning?
Living in sunny Las Vegas. I’m near the mountains and only 20 minutes from The Strip, there’s always something to do.