Interview with Global Hospitality Executive Carmen Vlasceanu
Carmen F. Vlasceanu PhD. is a global hospitality executive with over 25 years of experience in the hotel, aviation catering, and cruise industries, as well as being a long time Fellow of the UK Institute of Hospitality.
Dr. Vlasceanu is also the founder of Angels Wings, a nonprofit organisation whose goal is to inspire people and to help with food, clothes and education for children and people that are less fortunate in life.
In her enlightening new book Dare to C.A.R.E (launching March 19) Dr. Vlasceanu provides a much-needed framework for synthesising individual growth with organisational transformation in a way which enables people to thrive both personally and professionally. Ultimately supercharging customer experience.
What’s your career background?
My journey has been anything but ordinary. Since I was a small child growing up in a communist country, I dreamt about living the American dream. It all started in Bucharest, Romania, where I took my first steps into the world of hospitality, working in local hotels, and also at the international airport in catering. I was young and fascinated to know how people think and interact in a professional setting, learning what makes them feel welcome and how small gestures can differentiate unforgettable experience from a simple service.
My love for writing started when I collaborated with a local food and beverage magazine, writing monthly food related articles, which opened my eyes to the power of storytelling. The passion for traveling and making meaningful connections led me to the amazing cruise industry, where I worked for 11 years with Carnival Cruise Lines as a senior officer aboard, rising to the role of Chief Purser /Guest Services Manager. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to explore some of the most breathtaking and enchanting places on earth and had the chance to come in contact with diverse cultures rich in ethnic traditions.
Along this journey, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside people from all corners of the globe, exchanging life stories and perspectives that have shaped my understanding of the world and human nature. Being responsible for the well-being and customer experience of over 5,000 guests at sea, it was as exhilarating as it was challenging, yet deeply rewarding.
The colorful encounters have become lessons of wisdom continuing to inspire and enrich my life. In fact, the sum of all the experiences and all the connections during these years made me the person I am today and I am extremely grateful for every opportunity and everyone that crossed my life path.
When I eventually transitioned to land, I took all that experience and pursued higher education, earning my Master’s and Ph.D. in Business Administration with a focus on customer experience and hospitality. My career has spanned leadership roles in hospitality, tourism, and international business, but at its heart, my work has always been about people: inspiring, training, and guiding them to grow.
Today, through my work as an inspirational leader, I help others develop their career and life to cope with challenges and unlock their potential, navigating the complexities of personal and professional transformation.
Did your career change after having children?
Yes, absolutely. Becoming a mother to Adam, my son, changed everything for the better. Before that, my life was fast-paced, driven by ambition and the thrill of the hospitality industry. But when he was born, I had to rethink what success meant to me. I didn’t want to miss out on the moments that mattered most, so I transitioned from cruise life to opportunities that allowed me to be more present in his life.
Once he slightly grew, life took a sudden shift and I had to turn towards academia and entrepreneurship. As a single mom, I had to dig deep within myself and find the strength and motivation to move forward to the best of my ability. With God by my side at every step along the way, I worked hard to further my studies, co-founded a travel agency and took on various projects during the years, discovering that inspiring and helping people to find their inner balance is a truly meaningful experience for me.
My aim was to also model the power of example to encourage my son to soar high and work hard, believing that anything that he is passionate about can truly be achieved. This shift led me to where I am today, empowering others to find balance, resilience, and fulfillment in their own lives, and most importantly: never give up.
How do you balance your work with your family?
This is something we all are struggling with and I admit, balance is a constant work in progress. There are days when I feel like I’ve got it all under control, and others, when I wonder how will I get through all the tasks? But over the years, I’ve learned that balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about being intentional and as long as I keep it 100%, as I like to say, the rest will fall in its place.
I try my best to prioritize time with my son, and family dinner is non-negotiable, and I make sure that no matter how busy I am, it’s important for me that he knows he comes first. I make it a point to practice what I preach: self-care and mindfulness to allow time to recharge.
I believe that the key is flexibility; our lives are very unpredictable and rather than trying to force balance, I try to adapt. That’s something I strongly encourage in the mentoring sessions: success isn’t about sacrificing one part of your life for another, but rather designing a life that fulfills you in all areas.
Where did the idea for your book come from?
Dare to C.A.R.E. was born from my own experiences in hospitality and overall life. Over the years, I saw firsthand how genuine human connection could transform an experience, regardless if it might be a guest, an employee, or everyday interactions with people.
I realized that at the core of life, service, leadership, and personal growth lies four principles: Connection, Authenticity, Re-engineering and Evolution. At least, that’s how I see it and my book is my way of sharing those perspectives, not just with industry professionals but with anyone who wants to live a more fulfilling life.
I designed it in such a way that whether you’re in business, leadership, or simply looking to enhance your human experience and the way you engage with the world, Dare to C.A.R.E. is meant to be a blueprint towards transformation.
Who’s your target audience?
In a nut shell: for dreamers, doers and changemakers. It could very well be useful for professionals in hospitality, entrepreneurs looking to build meaningful teams and enhance their customer experience, and anyone who wants to elevate their state of well-being and relationships, both professionally and personally.
Also, beyond reading the book, all those who wish to take things further and personalize their development can access ghleaders.com. If you are seeking clarity, confidence and a deeper sense of purpose you have the opportunity to get to know me and work together.
What’s been the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?
Well, life surely has a way to surprise us, both in a challenging kind of way, as well as by rewarding our efforts and sacrifices. For me, by far the separation from my life partner has been the deepest downfall as I am a family orientated person and a firm believer in the sanctity of marriage. Then, having to close the travel agency during the pandemic was not an easy thing.
I had to stay resilient, find comfort in connecting with the divine and inner self and re-engineer my life looking forward. But in hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise: it forced me to pivot, to re-evaluate and re-engineer my life, which brought me to where I am today. We all know that life throws curveballs, but it’s how we respond to it that defines our character and determines our path. That’s the advice I give my clients and that’s what I live by.
And your proudest moment so far?
I’d have to think about it, as things are quite balanced here as well: having to travel the world from a communist country and becoming one of the senior officers aboard the majestic cruise vessels, getting married at the Basilica di San Pietro in Vatican, then having my son, and later on as a single mom undergoing a lengthy academic tenure and publishing articles to advance the existing research, earning my Ph.D. while balancing motherhood and a demanding career, each and every one is a moment of immense importance for me.
You see, in this life the battle is really with ourselves, I think it’s about encouraging yourself to keep evolving, knowing that learning and growth never stops. Beyond academics, seeing the impact of the charity organization I founded has been incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I’m making a tangible difference in people’s lives, whether through education, support, or simply showing them they are not alone, is one of my greatest achievements.
Why is work so important to you?
I have always believed in the power of self-reliance and self-sufficiency, standing on your own feet, free from the limitations imposed by those who might hold the power to diminish your worth. This mindset keeps us focused on the right path, rooted in integrity and resilience.
That being said, I don’t subscribe to the illusion of “free cheese”, everything we receive in life comes with a responsibility to contribute in return. We are extraordinary beings, created in the image of God, each of us entrusted with unique gifts, disguised as talents and abilities. These gifts are not meant to be hidden or wasted; they are meant to be shared, refined and transformed into something meaningful for us and translated into service for society, as a whole.
From this perspective, work should become an extension of our personality. I consider work not to be just about making a living; but rather about making a difference in our communities and having an impact, shaping the world through our skills, values and passions. It is important to align what we do with who we are at our core, that’s when our actions become a purpose-driven force for change, a legacy that enriches both our lives and the lives of those we touch.
Who inspires you?
I am deeply inspired by those who rise above adversity with grace and resilience. History is filled with examples of role models to be inspired by, and also in contemporary times, each one of us has the potential to be a change catalyst and leave our mark in the world.
Whether it’s single dads or moms like me building their dreams while raising the children, entrepreneurs pushing through failure, leaders who prioritize people over profits, or philanthropists who dedicate their time and resources to help someone in need, these are the people who motivate me to keep going, keep growing, and keep giving back.
What are your three top pieces of advice for someone wanting to do something similar?
1) Invest in yourself
Remember that learning never stops, regardless if it’s formal education or self-development, keep your focus on growing a little each day.
2) Be willing to pivot
Most probably, life will not always go as planned. Keep in mind that the most successful people are those who embrace change.
3) Live fully, love people
In business or life, genuine care and connection will always set people apart; success does not really mean that you have it all figured out, but rather having the courage to take the next step forward. If you’re ready to unlock your potential and you think you need inspiration and guidance, you may contact me directly at office@ghleaders.com.
