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HSMAI honored the 2024 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization and Distribution — recognizing leaders from hospitality, travel, and tourism organizations for their accomplishments. Nancy Johns, Marketing Executive at JC Resorts is one of these honorees.
Nancy’s visionary approach is instrumental in driving revenue growth and enhancing brand presence a diverse portfolio of properties. With over twenty years of extensive experience in the hospitality sector, Nancy has established herself as a respected leader and mentor within the industry. Nancy is an active member of the HSMAI Marketing Advisory Board, collaborating with fellow industry experts to assess the evolving hotel marketing landscape and strategize on how HSMAI can inspire and empower marketers in today’s dynamic environment.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENT:. Nancy’s leadership ensured that the rebrand was effectively implemented including updating signage and creating new branding assets such as apparel, presentation templates, and email signatures. The rebrand also extended to digital platforms with new webinar backgrounds and email signatures. This comprehensive approach not only revitalized market presence but also reinforced brand consistency across various touchpoints.
WHAT INSPIRED THIS NOMINATION? Working with Nancy is a sincere pleasure. Her exceptional contributions and leadership are truly admirable. Her dedication to nurturing companies and collaborating with outstanding team members underscores her as a trustworthy and respected leader.
Q&A WITH NANCY JOHNS
What advice would you give to your younger self?
If I could sit down with my younger self over a Diet Coke (probably not my first of the day), I’d say this: The sidelines aren’t for you; go for it.
The world is full of opportunities, and the biggest mistake you can make is waiting for everything to be perfect. You don’t need everything to be perfect—you need to experience everything.
Some of the best lessons in my career didn’t come from flawless execution; they came from taking a leap, learning from mistakes, and figuring things out along the way. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t come from getting everything right the first time but from being open, adaptable, and willing to take chances.
You will learn from everyone you meet and everything you do. Every conversation, challenge, and unexpected detour has something to teach you—if you’re paying attention.
And as the saying goes: “The journey is as good as the ride.” So, embrace the twists and turns, take the scenic route, and enjoy every moment along the way.
What keeps you inspired?
For me, inspiration comes from the endless journey of learning. This industry moves fast—consumer behaviors shift, technology evolves, and what worked yesterday might be obsolete tomorrow. That constant change? It’s exhilarating.
I find energy in the people around me—both the fresh perspectives that challenge my thinking and the trusted colleagues who push me to go further. Every conversation, every brainstorming session, every casual chat has the potential to spark a new idea.
And then there’s curiosity—the secret ingredient. Is there a smarter way to connect the dots? Could a small shift take this campaign from solid to spectacular? What’s the next trend we should be riding before it even takes off? Staying curious, questioning assumptions, and pushing boundaries is what keeps marketing exciting.
Because at the end of the day, marketing isn’t just about selling something—it’s about creating something that resonates. And the best way to do that? Keep learning, keep questioning, and keep pushing forward.
Keep an eye out – the applications for the class of 2025 HSMAI Top 25 Minds will open in July.