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Valerie Ferguson, who recently wrapped up her incredible career as head of deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World in Orlando, is a hospitality legend and a dear friend (or “frolleague”) from my days at Loews Hotels. Val was one of our first interviews for hertelier, and her story remains one of the site’s most popular reads. Throughout her trailblazing career, she charted her own path, becoming the first Black female GM for a major hotel brand and the first Black chair of the AHLA.
When Val mentioned she’d be coming through London on her way to Ireland, I was beyond excited! We packed in a whirlwind of activities: visiting Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge, attending the thought-provoking Asylum Speakers series, where we heard a deeply moving talk by Halimot Ogunnaike, a survivor of sex trafficking—and exploring Brixton to learn more about Black history in London, including a stop on Electric Avenue.
Now that she's officially retired, Val has had time to reflect on her remarkable journey. I couldn’t resist asking her about the most memorable guest of her 47-year career. Without missing a beat, her answer? Rosa Parks.
In 1993, while serving as General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Val learned that Rosa Parks—whose refusal to give up her seat for a white bus passenger in 1955 changed the course of Civil Rights in America—was staying at her hotel. Val was thrilled to have her in-house and upgraded Parks to the Presidential Suite, leaving her a note.
The next morning, Val was stunned when Rosa Parks came to see her personally to say thank you. Parks, small in stature but a towering figure in history, handed Val a handwritten card and a signed copy of her book, Rosa Parks: My Story. "She couldn’t have weighed more than 105 pounds, this tiny lady," Val recalls. "But the courage she carried was enormous." Those two items remain among Val’s most treasured possessions.
That lesson in grace, humility, and perseverance is just one of many encounters that shaped her long career, influencing the way she led and mentored others. Curious about the wisdom she’d share with her younger self, I asked Val for her best advice. She didn’t disappoint. Here are some of her key takeaways:
1. Keep Updating – Don’t Let Perfection Get In Your Way
When Apple launches a new iPhone, it’s never perfect—it’s a product that gets regular updates to improve performance, fix glitches, and introduce new features. You should approach your life and career the same way.
"Don't worry about being perfect at first," Val says. "Do your thing, but keep learning and updating as you go along." Success isn’t about nailing everything from the start—it’s about adapting, refining, and evolving over time. “Keep installing your updates!”
2. Start Saving Early – Future You Will Thank You
Financial literacy is often overlooked in career development, especially for women. Val admits that when she was younger, she didn’t fully grasp the importance of contributing to a 401(k).
“My generation was the first not to get a pension, so we all had to navigate these changes,” she explains. “We didn’t know how the new retirement accounts worked, and no one really taught us.” It wasn’t until she was about 28 that she understood the benefit of tax free investing and the power of compounding.
Her advice? “From day one, put in the max they allow you. You might not think it matters now, but trust me, that money adds up.” Learning to manage your finances early makes all the difference in how you enjoy your retirement.
3. Girlfriends Are Essential to Your Success
Your career isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you have in your corner. Surround yourself with people who will challenge, support, and uplift you—especially strong girlfriends.
"You need people who will keep you honest, listen to you, and genuinely care about you," Val says. Think of them as your own personal board of directors, the trusted advisors who will cheer you on, call you out, and have your back through every high and low. No one climbs the ladder alone—make sure you’ve got the right women beside you.
4. Lead Authentically – Not as a Copy of Someone Else
Early in her career, Val found herself learning leadership from her bosses—adopting both the good and the not-so-good. Over time, she realized that leading isn't about imitation—it’s about integrating the qualities you admire while staying true to yourself. "Learn from the great things your leaders do, but also take note of behaviors you don’t want to replicate," she advises. "Let that shape your own leadership style—one that’s kind, confident, and intentional."
5. Hospitality is One of the Most Fascinating and Rewarding Careers
“Working in hotel operations has given me experiences I never could have imagined,” Val says. “It has allowed me to live all over the U.S., travel the world, and even live in Hong Kong and London. What a privilege it has been to meet so many amazing people—from entertainers to some of the most influential politicians—and to care for them.”
Hospitality is an industry like no other. One moment, you're trying to placate a guest who looks like they might punch you, the next, you're warmly welcoming a world leader. It's fast-paced, unpredictable, and deeply rewarding. “You learn to think on your feet, connect with people from all walks of life, and handle just about anything with a smile,” Val says. “If you embrace it, it can take you anywhere—and everywhere!”