Sustainability Lunch and Learn: Marriott Exec Talks With Smith School MBAs

On September 29th, Robert H. Smith School of Business MBA students had a chance to meet with Denise Naguib, Marriott’s vice president of sustainability and supplier diversity, as a part of the Center for Social Value Creation’s (CSVC) Sustainability Lunch and Learn series. Naguib discussed her role in the hotel industry’s sustainability effort.

After sharing her experience with the group, Naguib invited input from the MBA students, asking those in attendance, “What are hotels missing?”

Students made suggestions based on their own studies, but also from the perspective of hotel consumers. According to the Smith School news release, one student asked why hotel hall lights are always on and another asked about in-room recycling. But the biggest question of the afternoon dealt with the clash between luxury and sustainability.

According to Naguib, “winning the hearts and minds and wallets” of the consumers was her approach to marrying business with sustainability. She added:

“The guest themselves have a connection to us and an understanding of the value we’re bringing as a company—a connection to their own values.”

Naguib stressed that progress in sustainability also relies on the inner workings of the business and the importance of compromise. She also talked about how uniting employees and people in the efforts of sustainability takes different approaches. “Diversity of thought is critical in helping us solve problems,” she said.

This discussion was the first of a three-part event that focuses on the emerging opportunities and innovations in corporate sustainability. The next Sustainability Lunch and Learn session will be on October 20th and will feature a guest speaker from Deloitte.

regions: Baltimore / Washington, DC

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