Lisa Lutoff-Perlo’s ascent from an entry-level sales position to leading a multi-billion-dollar global company is a testament to her relentless drive and determination. In the years leading up to the pandemic, Lisa led Celebrity Cruises to historical financial performance. Her cruise line then led the industry back into service in June 2021, when Celebrity Edge was the first ship to sail from a U.S. port.
The first woman to become president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, her success didn’t come easily, requiring an incredible desire to overcome adversity and challenge the status quo of a male-dominated industry and company. She shares her stories and lessons in her new book, Making Waves: A Woman’s Rise to the Top Using Smarts, Heart and Courage.
In our conversation, Lisa said that one of the most overlooked competencies among those who wish to lead an organization involves self-advocacy. It was a lesson she learned firsthand when the board chairman turned her down no fewer than three times for a promotion to president and CEO—despite receiving high praise from the departing CEOs. When she asked the chairman why he kept saying no, he said he hasn’t seen her do enough.
“That’s when I realized we all have to be stewards of our own public relations campaign in our company,” she explained in the podcast. “I thought if I did a great job, I’d get noticed. I learned that’s not what happens. It wasn’t comfortable for me. I’m much more of an advocate for others than I am of myself. So it wasn’t natural for me.” Nonetheless, Lisa found ways to work more closely with the chairman and CEO, and eventually, his “no” turned into “yes.”
Lisa’s successful stewardship of Celebrity Cruises has come about while she also increased the percentage of women on their bridges from three percent to 33 percent. Her messages for those seeking leadership roles in high EQ companies is clear. It includes:
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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