Resilience, Authenticity, and Leadership Built Through Experience

Dawn Gallagher’s journey, from growing up in her grandparents’ motel to becoming President, Hospitality of Crescent Hotels & Resorts, reveals a leader shaped by grit, humility, and an unwavering commitment to people. Starting at the front desk, she learned every department, often working nights and filling unexpected gaps. Those early years taught her how hotels truly operate and sparked a career defined by curiosity, adaptability, and embracing roles that stretched her beyond comfort.

Dawn reflects on brand conversions, hotel openings, regional and VP responsibilities, and navigating risks even when she wasn’t 100 percent qualified, always giving 120 percent. She credits champions like Jean Spalding, whose presence, precision, and mastery of the business shaped Dawn’s leadership philosophy. Her story highlights resilience, willingness, and the confidence to take risks to close perceived gaps.

She speaks candidly about adversity, career trade-offs, parenting while leading, and the myth of ‘balance.’ Through honesty, diplomacy, and accountability, Dawn models the courageous communication she expects from her teams, reinforcing that leaders must invest in themselves, embrace change, and show up authentically every day.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• "You have to be doing the same thing you’re telling others to do."
• "Every role you take is a risk."
• "Nobody’s going to outwork me."
• "Be at peace with never being done."
• "What are we doing today to level up our game?"

Closing Reflection

Dawn Gallagher’s reflections remind us that leadership is a choice, shaped by courage, honesty, and continuous learning. Her journey inspires every professional to take risks, nurture relationships, and invest daily in becoming 1 percent better.