Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Front Desk to Executive | Smaranda (Sam) Serban

Smaranda (Sam) Serban escaped communism in her home country of Romania and found success in the hospitality industry in Las Vegas. A certified Six Sigma Black Belt, she has over 15 years of experience as an Enterprise Executive. Sam joins Greg to discuss how she was able to find success despite being from another country.

Smaranda Serban, CSSBB

Director, Business Strategy

Multi-property resort, vacation ownership, and enterprise operations executive with 15+ years driving operational excellence, owner satisfaction, financial performance, and transformation across luxury hospitality, call centers, mortgage servicing, sales, marketing, and customer engagement.

Led 493 units across 3 brands, 220+ associates, 220+ locations, 7,000+ associates, and $94M+ in operating budgets across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, partnering directly with HOA Boards, ownership groups, and executive leadership to drive operational consistency, asset stewardship, associate engagement, and measurable business results.

Known for bridging field operations with enterprise strategy, aligning resort operations, owner services, contact centers, mortgage, sales, marketing, finance, and technology to accelerate growth, strengthen governance, optimize margins, and create long-term enterprise value.

𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀

• P&L Leadership & Commercial Growth
• Multi-Property Resort Operations & Asset Optimization
• HOA Governance, Owner Relations & Compliance
• Call Centers, Mortgage & Owner Services
• Sales, Marketing & Customer Acquisition Leadership Development & Organizational Transformation
• KPI Governance, Analytics & Executive Reporting

𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁

• 27% revenue growth across multi-property portfolios
• $72M+ P&L accountability and capital stewardship
• $7.5M annual savings through operational optimization
• 300% productivity growth and doubled conversion
• $375M expansion leadership at Bellagio

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