Lori Gustafson: Mindfulness Beyond Meditation
Lori Gustafson is a teacher with UW Madison's Health Mindfulness Program and works has a positive behavior coach in schools.
Executive Vice President and Chief Membership & Commercial Services Officer, Marriott Vacations Worldwide
Search every verified Lori Gustafson interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Lori Gustafson, Executive Vice President and Chief Membership & Commercial Services Officer at Marriott Vacations Worldwide, has spoken about the company’s focus on innovation and digital transformation in the leisure travel sector. In 2022, she discussed the company’s multi-year initiative called “Vacation Next” and the introduction of a new owner program, “About by Marriott Vacations,” designed to appeal to the next generation of travelers. Gustafson described digital as “an enabler, not an end,” and emphasized the importance of maintaining high-touch moments for guests while adopting new technologies. She noted that the company faces challenges from technical debt following acquisitions and that less than 12% of corporate America executives are successfully balancing current performance with transformation. Separately, Gustafson has also spoken about mindfulness and leadership. She described mindfulness as “paying attention to how things are and not trying to change it,” and said that practices such as cleaning, walking, or cooking can serve as mindful activities. In discussions on digital transformation, she stated that people leadership is a critical component, and that transformation involves “new ways of working, new ways of thinking, and ultimately new ways of being.” She also said that the associate experience is as important as the customer experience in transformation efforts.
“It's really paying attention to how things are and not trying to change it — being present for what's happening and doing it on purpose.”
“When I am listening to someone and I am really aware that I am listening — maybe even aware that I got distracted — I can catch myself in that moment and then bring my attention back to that person; that's the moment of mindfulness.”
“It's not about just being calm — what happens when I feel agitated or irritated? Can I pay attention to that and what can I learn from it?”
“Sometimes just sitting down for one minute can be enough to calm the nervous system so that I can feel what's happening and respond in a different way.”
Lori Gustafson is a teacher with UW Madison's Health Mindfulness Program and works has a positive behavior coach in schools.
Check out Lori Gustafson of Marriott Vacations Worldwide as she speaks about leadership on our Digital 2.0 Interview Series!
We had the opportunity to interview Lori Gustafson, Chief Brand & Digital Officer at Marriott Vacations Worldwide and listen to her ...
Lori Gustafson of Marriott Vacations Worldwide sets the record straight about digital transformation and the employee experience.
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