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General Manager, Atlanta Marriott Marquis

Erica Qualls faced a pleasant transition when she moved from northern California to become the general Manager of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. "I was in suburban northern California, [and] Atlanta is urban - fast-paced," she says with a laugh. She became acclimated to her new surroundings soon enough however, and has taken the reigns of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis with gusto and vigor. "I've been with Marriott for 14 years, I started answering phones as an hourly employee," she explains. "I moved up throughout different manager levels in northern California [at] the Santa Clara Marriott.""I have 1,000 employees [including] 75 managers," says Qualls about her staff. "This is high energy and it's really managing [on a different level than] small properties that I've been in."

For Qualls, corporate success meant (and still means) building strong relationships. "You have to build great relationships, I don't think any of us do this alone," she advises. "When I came to Atlanta I had mentors in the community to help me navigate my way."

Qualls has also made it a rule to never turn her back on the chance to try something new. "One of the ways I've been able to [succeed] is that I was never afraid to try new opportunities," she says. "You [must] be fearless and take risks, gain as much knowledge and information about the business that you're in [as you can]. Never stop learning." Take it from someone who knows a thing or two about turning knowledge into achievement. - todd williams

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