Staff Spotlight: Leigh Sjogren

Q: What first drew you to the hospitality industry?

A: When at the University of Rhode Island, I got involved with the Student Entertainment Committee (SEC), which brought concerts, comedians, and other special events to campus. While I originally went to college to study organizational psychology, after a few years of being heavily involved with the executive leadership of SEC, I determined event planning and execution was a real passion of mine. I watched older SEC members intern at the Newport Yachting Center (NYC) in Newport, RI, assisting with their events, so I applied for it during my senior year and was lucky enough to get it! My event career naturally progressed from there, thanks in large part to the connections I made through SEC and NYC. 

Over the next 15 years, I held several event-focused roles in the non-profit and higher education spaces. In 2020, I was reflecting on my career and decided I wanted to expand my knowledge of the business side of events, while also tapping back into my original interest in organizational psychology. I went on to earn my MBA with a focus in operations and management in 2025.

Q: What has kept you working in our industry over the years?

A: At its core, the hospitality industry is and always has been about people and creating memorable moments. You're bringing people together, creating experiences, and building relationships. No matter the type of event, there's something really rewarding about being part of an experience that people will remember long after it's over. I also think the hospitality industry attracts a certain kind of professional: people who are energetic, creative, resourceful, and genuinely enjoy making other people happy. I love being surrounded by people who care about what they do, take pride in their work, and are willing to jump in wherever needed to make something happen.

Q: What experiences have shaped your career most, and what lessons have stayed with you along the way?

A: A lot of my career has been shaped by learning to appreciate both the value and the unpredictability of events. Since people who aren’t in the industry don’t always see everything that goes into an event, I’ve learned to be confident in the expertise I bring and in the complexity of what we do. You have to be willing to advocate for the work and, at times, have thick skin when others may underestimate it.

I’ve found that caring about the details and wanting everything to be done well are important qualities in this field. But over the years, I’ve also learned that you can’t control everything. There are always going to be unexpected challenges, last-minute changes, or unforeseen circumstances. Being able to stay calm, adapt, and pivot quickly is just as important as getting every detail right.

Q: What stood out to you about Corinthian Events, and what are you most looking forward to in this next chapter?

A: While working as an event manager at a top engineering school in Worcester, I partnered with Corinthian Events to plan and execute a large-scale capital campaign launch that was simultaneously the grand opening of a new athletics facility. At the time, I was a team of one, and what stood out to me was how enjoyable they made the process and how easy it was to have a single point of contact for all the moving pieces on campus. The team was so creative and friendly; I remember thinking how amazing it would be to be a part of it. More than a decade later, stepping into the position as General Manager is truly a full-circle moment for me!

Q: What do you think makes a great team, and what do you value most in the people you work with?

A: For me, a great team is one where people genuinely enjoy working together. I’ve never been someone who thrives in a quiet or overly formal environment. I like being able to laugh, have fun, and let my personality come through at work, and I value being around people who feel comfortable doing the same.

Of course, there are times when everyone needs to put their heads down and get the work done, but I think you can take the work seriously without taking yourself too seriously. If we’re going to spend 40+ hours a week away from our families, friends, pets, homes, and the things we enjoy, I think work should be a place where you can show up as your authentic self, feel comfortable being yourself, and enjoy the people you’re spending all that time with.

Q: What accomplishment in your career are you most proud of, and is there something you’re working toward next?

A: I am most proud of myself for pursuing and achieving my MBA while also working full-time and having two young sons. It was certainly not an easy feat, took me four years, and I could not have done it without the help and understanding of my family, friends, and village of fellow moms. There were many moments when I questioned if this was really the best decision for me and my young family, but having my kids watch me persevere and then watch me cross the graduation stage was a moment that will stay with me forever.

Q: What is something people might not know about you or that would surprise your coworkers?

A: Growing up, my dream was to be a backup dancer in music videos. I was making up dance routines almost daily in my bedroom or out in the driveway with friends to the likes of Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson, and Mariah Carey.

Q: What is something you’ve learned about yourself from leading teams throughout your career?

A: One of the harder lessons I learned when I first started managing a team was that there are often multiple ways to get to the same result. Just because one approach might be quicker or more efficient for me doesn't mean it's necessarily the right approach for someone else. Before becoming a manager, I was always the one being taught and expected to adapt. When I became the person doing the teaching, I discovered that I struggled more than I expected when watching someone approach a task differently than I would. It was a really valuable lesson in leadership, and one I'm grateful for. I've learned to appreciate the different perspectives and approaches people bring to a team, and to recognize that just because someone does something differently doesn't mean they're doing it wrong.

Q: Where do you think you can find the best view of Boston or Newport?

A: When I lived in Newport, I loved going to a place called ‘Pineapples’ out on Goat Island. There was nothing better than sitting outside and enjoying the view of Newport Bridge with a drink after work. Since then, the location has undergone a full transformation, is now called ‘The Pineapple Club’, and is part of the Newport Harbor Island Resort. While maybe not as casual as it once was, the view and atmosphere are still incredible.

Q: Outside of work hours, what is something you enjoy doing?

A: I am a bit of a walking contradiction, as I can be a bit of a “tomboy” who loves watching sports (Go B’s, C’s, Sox, and Pats!), being outdoors, working with my hands, and getting dirty, while also spending a lot of free time (and money!) on the more “girly” things like hair, skin, makeup, and nails. I once admonished my two now-preteen boys for watching YouTube videos of other kids playing with toys instead of just playing with toys themselves, and then I realized that’s exactly what I do with hair and makeup tutorials on Instagram! 

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