HALEY LONSDALE – Assistant General Manager
Work Related
How long have you been with us at Sparkling Hill?
Started my new role with the hotel on September 5th, 2017.
Why did you choose to work at Sparkling Hill Resort?
I was very much excited to be surrounded by the beauty of the Okanagan on a daily basis at work and to share that with the guests who come to work on their own personal whole body wellness goals through the many opportunities of relaxation and rejuvenation we provide.
What past education, experiences or career paths have lead you to your current position?
Career:
Working with internationally recognized brands including Pan Pacific Hotels, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts International, Westin as well as a combination of various independently run hotels and restaurants, my career path has allowed for a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas within the operations of the hospitality and tourism industry.
Education:
SAIT, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Calgary, AB
Hospitality Management Diploma
International exchange semester to Box Hill TAFE in Melbourne, Australia
University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
Bachelor of Commerce Degree with a specialization in Service Excellence
International exchange semester to NSYSU in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
How would you describe Sparkling Hill Resort’s internal culture?
Being an internationally recognized wellness resort, we also draw a very diverse and international group of colleagues. The culture within the hotel has a very similar feel, full of energy and enthusiasm.
What motivates you on a day to day basis in your role?
Comments from our guests when they acknowledge and recognize how our colleagues have made an impactful difference during their stay with us.
What has been the most memorable experience or opportunity you’ve had since working for a Health & Wellness Resort?
Sharing the message of the resort by participating in local events such as the 2017 BC +55 Games and presenting to local and provincial schools is at the top of the list for me! I am really enjoying getting to know our community and connecting with all of the amazing talent in the area. I would love to see these students launch their career with the hospitality industry at Sparkling Hill Resort.
How are you continuing education or working toward professional goals?
I am continually on the lookout for industry events, educational seminars and leadership development conferences that align with the goals of the resort and my professional development. I am a strong believer in continuous learning and know that we all should have opportunities to grow within our passion for providing service excellence throughout the resort.
Life in General
Tell us about your background. Where are you originally from?
I am Canadian; I grew up in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta on the North Saskatchewan River and am very proud to call this country home.
What are you passionate about? What motivates you?
There are certain desired feelings that I am motivated to achieve each and every day. Bringing joy to others is one that ultimately brings me the most joy, creating connections in our community is another and finally, that absolutely everything I do, is progress. When I get home at the end of the day I want to know that I have done everything in my power to work towards these feelings and share them with each person I encounter (guests, colleagues, family and friends).
What do you enjoy doing most during your free time? What are you favorite hobbies?
In my free time you will find me on the trails training for my next half marathon, enjoying my favourite glass of BC wine or cooking up a feast for friends and family to enjoy together.
What do you think is the best thing about living in the Okanagan?
Having so much to explore in our own backyard, all of the incredible wineries would be at the top of that list!
What is your favorite food?
This is such a hard question, I love all food! A favourite cuisine would have to be Thai, I love warm fragrant curries and papaya salad.
Where in the world have you travelled to? What took you there?
I have been very fortunate through educational and personal opportunities to travel to some fantastic places around the globe. In 2009, I was living in Melbourne, Australia for a study exchange and also enjoyed travelling to other areas including Brisbane, Sydney, and The Great Ocean Road. In 2011, I participated in a second study exchange to Kaohsiung, Taiwan where I studied at NSYSU. Personal holidays include trips to St. Maarten, various cities in the United States, Mexico, and Europe.
Which destination would you most like to visit and why?
I had a very short time visiting Berlin over Christmas in 2015 and I would really like to go back to visit again. I feel like I just got a taste of what the city has to offer and it is on the top of my must-go-back list. Closer to home, in a similar situation I had a layover that was less than 24 hours in Montreal and got out to see some of the sites but would enjoy a trip back to explore the city.
What is your favorite book?
Recently finished the book “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr and it was incredible. Such a page turner!
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Time travel, I would love to go back in time and see Great Grandparents who I never had the pleasure of meeting.
Who has been your hero? Someone that you look up to in life?
I would say that I have a team of hero’s that I find myself continuously looking up to and that team would consist of all of the incredible strong women in my life including my Nona, Mom, Aunties and Sister.
How do you incorporate Health and Wellness into your life?
More recently I have been incorporating health and wellness options into my daily routine based on recommendations from my naturopath. For example, simple things like drinking enough water, taking the proper vitamins and supplements, and dry skin brushing. I find by incorporating these small choices can add up to allow for a better overall lifestyle.
