She Started as the Receptionist. Now She’s the CEO.

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline sits down with Angela Val, President and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, to talk about her remarkable journey from answering phones as the organization’s receptionist to ultimately leading it as CEO.

Angela shares why she didn’t apply for the CEO role the first time it became available, what finally gave her the confidence to go for the top job, and how she learned to lead by embracing her own strengths, blind spots and vulnerabilities. She also opens up about stepping into the role at a particularly difficult moment for the organization and why rebuilding the team with empathy became her first priority.

Katie and Angela also dig into what it actually takes to market an entire city. Angela explains why Visit Philadelphia sees itself as being in the “people attraction business,” how major events like America’s 250th anniversary and the FIFA World Cup can create an impact far beyond tourism dollars, and why changing the perception of a destination can be just as important as changing the reality.

Plus, Angela shares her perfect 48-hour itinerary for Philadelphia, from where to stay and shop to the bakeries, museums and neighborhoods worth exploring.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to Suite Success

00:37 Meet Angela Val

02:04 Falling for Philly

04:42 Selling the City

06:04 Perfect 48 Hours