An open book.

My path into hospitality has always been shaped by a deep appreciation for storytelling and human connection. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, where I discovered my passion for animation and film, often drawing inspiration from my childhood. During that time, I also served on the board of a non-profit organization, traveling to Ghana multiple times to film and produce medical missions while supporting marketing and fundraising efforts. Those experiences broadened my perspective and sparked a lasting interest in cross-cultural connection and documentary film.

After graduating, I set out to build a career in film production. Like many in my generation, that began with a series of low paid internships, but ones that were incredibly formative. I worked in the independent music and broadcast space with companies like Pitchfork Media and Fool's Gold Records, where I had the opportunity to film artists who would later rise to mainstream success. I also contributed to the PBS series Faces of America, further strengthening my foundation.

Kick-starting my career, I landed my first full-time position as a Production Coordinator with the New York Football Giants, where I worked at the intersection of professional sports and television alongside major broadcast networks like Fox Broadcasting Company and NBC. In this role, I supported both the production of televised programming and the behind-the-scenes execution of live game day operations. My favorite moments were escorting national anthem performers to the 50 yard line in front of a packed stadium.

From there, I transitioned into sales and business development within the video game publishing and entertainment industry in New York City. In lieu of going to business school, this opportunity put me in the room with executives at companies like Nintendo, Capcom, EA Sports, and Viacom, where I pitched our services and learned invaluable business acumen. I traveled to China and Japan to develop and produce licensed video game products and also represented artists and talent that went on to sign with major media platforms.

In 2013, I discovered my true calling in hospitality, what many refer to as "catching the hospitality bug." I co-founded Highline Lodge and Marble Bar, a luxury boutique hotel in Killington, Vermont, with my father. We owned and operated the 1960's chalet-style property for two years before successfully selling it in 2015.

After returning to New York, I joined The London Hotel, where I quickly made an impact in sales via aggressive prospecting strategies. This led to corporate roles within Interstate Hotels & Resorts (now Aimbridge Hospitality), where I was part of the Global Sales team, representing a portfolio of branded and independent properties across the country. I was also selected for the taskforce team, supporting hotel openings and transitions. Later, as Area Director of Business Travel and Leisure Sales for the Independent Luxury Division, I oversaw sales for three New York City hotels totaling 1,500+ hotel rooms.

In what became one of the most defining chapters of my career, I joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts in 2018, where I quickly advanced while managing and retaining relationships with some of New York City's most iconic luxury properties, including The Baccarat, The Mark, The Sherry-Netherland, and The Pendry. As my region expanded beyond New York, I supported hotel openings, transitions, and growth strategies across the portfolio. I ultimately served as Area Managing Director for the Americas East region at Preferred, overseeing more than 200 luxury hotel relationships, $25m+ in revenue, and leading a high-performing team. It was during this time, while balancing the demands of corporate leadership and new motherhood, that I wrote and published my first children's book and launched Frizzy Lizzy Books, bringing my passion for storytelling back to life in a deeply personal way.

After five and a half years, I stepped away from Preferred to build my own consulting practice, Liz Leonard Consulting, partnering with clients such as The Preserve Sporting Club & Resort in Rhode Island and the José Andrés Group. Bringing together my experience across storytelling, sales, and operations, I help hospitality businesses grow in thoughtful, impactful ways.

I've often been told that "I'm wise beyond my years," which I believe comes from the privilege of working across so many different industries and facets of life. My success is rooted in the incredible mentors and guidance I've had along the way, paired with a strong instinct I've learned to trust. I'm a natural problem solver who thrives on doing many things at once, and I don't ever plan to stop learning, exploring, and growing in everything I do.