Margaret Egan
Leadership Through Care, Curiosity, and Self Awareness
Margaret Egan’s career began in litigation, including private practice in Chicago and work with the Department of Justice in London, before an unexpected opportunity brought her to Hyatt. What began as a legal role evolved over nearly 23 years as Hyatt itself transformed and Margaret took on increasingly broad responsibilities. Along the way, she learned that leadership must evolve too. For Margaret, the shift is from proving what you can accomplish yourself to creating the conditions for other people to do their best work.
Throughout the conversation, Margaret emphasizes curiosity, empathy, vulnerability, and the importance of being transparent about what you do not know. She believes self awareness is essential because leaders need to understand not only their strengths, but also when those strengths need to be adjusted for greater impact. She also speaks passionately about Hyatt’s purpose of caring for people so they can be their best, describing it as a North Star that guides decisions even when circumstances are difficult.
Notable Quotes/Highlights
- “Leadership is really making sure that you create the conditions for other people to do that.”
- “You gotta be transparent about what you do and don’t know.”
- “Being able to say I’m sorry, being able to say I hear you, is pretty powerful.”
- “Be the leader you wish you had.”
- “When all else fails, start with gratitude.”
Closing Reflection
Margaret’s story is a reminder that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about continuing to learn, knowing yourself well enough to recognize when you need to adjust, and helping others become the best versions of themselves. Her emphasis on care, self awareness, curiosity, and gratitude offers a thoughtful view of leadership as a continuing journey, one grounded as much in vulnerability and empathy as in expertise and experience.
