Lou Zameryka, Global Head - Hotel Enterprise and Connectivity Partnerships, Airbnb, interviewed by Dorothy Dowling

Influenced at an early age by his experience at the family annual vacation spot in the Poconos, Lou knew he wanted to be part of the travel and hospitality industry. Taking a different path than his peers, he chose to enroll in a hospitality school at the local community college and worked at the local Holiday Inn. His early experience set him up to be on the ground floor of the development and growth of Booking.com in North America. Always willing to take on a challenge and embrace the chaos that comes with building something from nothing, he was able to successfully grow in his role and become a very influential business leader. He learned the importance of carefully listening and ensuring he fully understood the intended messages he and others were communicating to truly bridge understanding.