The Art of Compromise with Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association President and CEO, Carol Dover

Send us Fan MailLeadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about building bridges that connect people, perspectives, and possibilities. Just ask Carol Dover, who has spent three decades as the President and CEO of Florida's Restaurant and Lodging Association, steering the state's economic engine through hurricanes, economic downturns, and political shifts.In this candid conversation with Shontra Powell, Carol reveals how her winding career path—from waiting tables to becoming Florida's Fire Marshall to serving in the Governor's office—prepared her for leading one of Florida's most powerful industry associations. With refreshing honesty, she shares that many of the challenges she faced when first entering the hospitality world (immigration reform, workforce housing, and minimum wage debates) remain unresolved today, reflecting the cyclical nature of policy work."Never burn a bridge," Carol advises, explaining how this principle guided her through three decades of changing administrations and political landscapes. Her integrity-first approach to lobbying helped her achieve what many considered impossible: the repeal of Florida's burdensome drink tax, a victory that took years of patience and compromise to accomplish. For women navigating male-dominated spaces, she offers clear-eyed counsel about maintaining boundaries and professional respect.The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Carol courageously shares a deeply personal story she's rarely told publicly.  "Giving up is not an option," she explains, a philosophy that has carried her through countless professional challenges.Whether you're building your career, leading a team, or seeking to make meaningful change in your industry, Carol's wisdom about patience, integrity, and the lost art of compromise offers a masterclass in sustainable leadership. Listen in as two accomplished professionals discuss what it truly takes to transform personal tragedy into purposeful action. Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfectFollow me on Facebook at: Proven Not Perfect™️Watch and listen on YouTube:  Proven Not Perfect™️Join the community for ideas and events at www.provennotperfect.com. I'd love to hear what you think!