Name: Macey B.
Position: Director of Sales
Hotel: W Melbourne
A place that changed your perspective: Traveling through Southeast Asia helped me rethink what community means and how simple moments can be just as meaningful as major milestones. 
Drink or treat of choice: A spicy margarita.

Starting out in a hotel can feel like learning a new language on the fly. Everything moves quickly, expectations are high, and you are figuring things out in real time. You know you want to grow, but it is not always obvious where to begin or how all the pieces fit together.

For Macey, now Director of Sales at W Melbourne, that clarity began with Marriott’s Voyage Program.

→ Learn About the Wide Range of Career Journeys at Marriott

Marriott’s Voyage Program is a 12‑month global program for recent college graduates that places participants in a Marriott hotel in a manager‑level role with full pay and benefits. It is designed to give early‑career leaders real responsibility, hands‑on experience, and a front‑row seat to how a hotel truly operates. Macey is a Voyage alum whose story shows what those early experiences can unlock.

She began her journey in Food and Beverage operations, building a strong foundation in service, leadership, and confidence that continues to shape how she leads today. From that first experience in Food and Beverage, things kept moving. Macey took what she learned and carried it into different sales and development roles, until she landed in her current role at W Melbourne.

Read on to learn what that journey taught Macey and why stepping forward before feeling ready made all the difference.

What has been a defining moment in your career? 

There was a moment when I was trusted with responsibility long before I felt ready for it. I questioned whether I had enough experience and wondered if I should wait until I felt more confident. What I learned is that leadership is not about having every answer. It is about having the courage to step forward, learn quickly, and trust that you will grow into the role.

That moment changed how I saw myself. I stopped waiting to be chosen and started choosing to step up.

Who supported you in that moment?

I was supported by leaders who recognized something in me before I fully recognized it in myself. They challenged me, offered honest feedback, and gave me space to grow without fear of failure. They set high expectations, but they paired those expectations with trust.

That belief meant everything. When someone sees your potential clearly, it becomes easier to believe in it too.

“When we give our time and belief to others, we gain stronger teams, more confident leaders, and a future where more people can rise.”

Macey B- Director of sales

How do you think that helped you grow? 

[That experience] shaped me into a leader who focuses on empowerment and growth. 

How would you describe your leadership style now?

I try to give people opportunities, not just tasks, because I want my team to feel ownership, not just responsibility. I encourage curiosity, open conversations, and the confidence to try, because meaningful growth rarely happens quietly or in isolation. When people feel trusted, included, and valued, they often rise higher than even they imagined.

What is a leadership lesson you’ve learned along the way?

That confidence does not come from perfection. It comes from taking action. Each time I said yes before I felt fully ready, I became stronger. The discomfort became a reminder that I was learning something new.

What advice would you offer to women looking to accelerate in their careers?

Do not wait until you feel completely ready. Growth happens when you say yes and trust that you will find your way. Build relationships that support you. Ask for feedback. Speak up for yourself. And most importantly, remember that your voice belongs in the room.

You never need to change who you are to lead well. Your authenticity is your strength.

We like to think of commitments instead of goals, what is your commitment for 2026?

In 2026, I am committed to giving my time. Through mentoring, coaching, and opening doors for others, I want to invest in lifting people up. I know how powerful it is when someone makes space for you to grow.

When we give our time and belief to others, we gain stronger teams, more confident leaders, and a future where more people can rise.

→ Marriott Is Hiring! Find What You’re Looking For in a Career