From Serving Guests to Shaping the Experience [Women in Leadership]
- Fairmont Mountain Jobs
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Join Carly Droy, General Manager of The Wildflower & Grill Room at Fairmont
Chateau Whistler, as she reflects on her journey from serving in her hometown at 15 to stepping confidently into the leadership role she holds today. Along the way, she highlights the power of internal mobility, the opportunities that exist within Fairmont, and the importance of believing in yourself and showing up with confidence in every room you enter.
"I started my career with Fairmont in 2011 as a Student Work Experience Program (SWEP) participant at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge as a Food Runner in The Mooses Nook. After that summer I then broadened my experience serving in all outlets at Jasper including the Emerald Lounge, Orso Trattoria and The Nook. I
have always felt that leadership comes to me naturally. The newer colleagues consistently would come to with questions and seeking advice and I enjoyed sharing my experience with them. In spring 2023 I decided I wanted to step into leadership full time taking on the role of Assistant Small Outlets Manager position. Small Outlets oversaw Golf Food & Beverage, Fitzhugh's Coffee Shop and In Room Dining. This was only a seasonal position, and I wasn't sure of where my journey would take me once that was complete.
I had a few of my mentors encourage me to apply for the Food and Beverage Training Manager position that came up at Jasper Park Lodge. I took a leap of faith, and this turned out to be one of my favourite leadership positions so far. Being Training Manager really solidified my love of leadership and mentoring the new colleagues. It was so rewarding watching a new colleague come into the Food & Beverage department with little to no experience, to then watching them thrive at the end of the season.
My next chapter brought me to Fairmont Chateau Whistler, where I started off as an Outlet Manager and am now in my current position of General Manager of The Wildflower & Grill Room.
I am so proud to be a woman in leadership. When I first started in this industry most of the people that held executive positions were men. This has shifted over the years, and we are seeing more and more women in these positions. If I could give any advice to anyone starting in leadership, it would be to believe in yourself. I have experienced imposter syndrome a few times in my career, with the help of my fellow leaders, I've been reminded of my potential. They often remind me of the accomplishments I have achieved, and have given me a perspective of the outside looking in.
In my first year in leadership, I was truly honored to be recognized as Leader of the Year in Jasper for the impact I had within the hotel. Receiving this award was both humbling and motivating, it affirmed that there is no limit to what’s possible. It gave me a meaningful moment to reflect on how far I’ve come, from a 15-year-old serving breakfast in my hometown to where I stand today. Fairmont is an incredible company to work for, and I am so thankful to all of my colleagues and mentors who have helped me along the way.
Cheers to women in leadership!"
It’s inspiring leaders like Carly who make women in leadership at Fairmont such a powerful force in shaping the lasting impact our colleagues need to grow their careers, just as she has grown her own.
Most recently, her leadership was recognized when she was named Leader of the Month in August 2025 at Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
If you’re inspired to begin your own leadership journey, explore opportunities within our region, the perfect role could be waiting for you.
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