Celebrating Women’s History Month with Kelly Poling

What are you most proud of throughout your career?

I’m proud to have been the first and only woman on a couple of different executive teams over time – and to have had the opportunity to leverage that position as a platform to represent, advocate for, and raise up other women.

In honor of Women’s History Month, who is a woman that inspires you?

My mom is an inspiration to me. When I was growing up, she had to hold down multiple jobs to make ends meet. However, she always hustled, creatively solved problems, and got things done. We didn’t have a lot of money, but she gave me what’s really important – the security that I was always loved unconditionally and the confidence that I could be anything I wanted to be.

What advice would you give to a woman starting her career?

Be true to your authentic self. Trying to be something you’re not puts you at a competitive disadvantage.  Identifying the characteristics that make you great and set you apart (your superpowers) – and leaning into those - is the path to unlock your full potential.  I believe that authenticity is ultimately the most important leadership quality.

How do you feel Extended Stay America champions or supports you as a woman?

I’m incredibly grateful to work at a company like Extended Stay America that provides so many examples of how I and other women are supported here. Our CEO Greg Juceam is a committed advocate for the women of Extended Stay America. The Executive Team at Extended Stay America champions issues that are important to women. And, I’m inspired daily by the thousands of women associates that are making Extended Stay America successful by serving our guests, each other, and our communities with a spirit of genuine goodness. One of the ways in which we support the women at Extended Stay America is through our Women’s Associate Resource Group. I serve as the Executive Sponsor in support of a dedicated cross-functional leadership team that implements policies, hosts events, and creates a forum for women’s voices to be heard.

Stay tuned to our blog and social media throughout March to see what other strong women we feature for Women’s History Month.