Photo by Wes Roberts.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce hosted its 106th Annual Membership Meeting and Luncheon, presented by Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP on Friday, October 23, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

This year's keynote speaker was Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, former President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, bestselling author of Making Waves: A Woman's Rise to the Top Using Smarts, Heart, and Courage, and an internationally recognized business leader. Her presentation delivered an inspirational afternoon focused on leadership, connection and celebration.

Ahead of the event, Lutoff-Perlo spoke with SRQ Magazine about her journey, innovative leadership style and ability to navigate change. Below is an excerpt from the interview. 

You took women on Celebrity’s bridge from roughly 3% to 33% and sailed the industry’s first all-women bridge and officer team. How do you move a number like that in a 100-year-old industry? 

With a lot of help. You don’t move the needle like that alone, or with a memo, or if you’re the only one who thinks it’s important. I did it with an incredible team of male leaders who also believed gender diversity was long overdue in our industry, that there were accomplished women who deserved the opportunity, and that gender balance on the bridge and across our operation meant a stronger culture, a happier crew and better results. It was intentional and purposeful. We built the pipeline from the maritime academies and made it known that Celebrity was a place women could rise, and we quickly became the brand accomplished women mariners wanted to work for. The March 8, 2020 sailing with an all-women bridge and leadership team wasn’t a stunt. It was proof of five years of intentional work. Historic. Barrier-breaking. 

Pick up the February 2027 edition of SRQ Magazine for the full Q&A.

Photo by Wes Roberts.