Simmone Lyons, director at Scandinave Spa Whistler, empowers her team through unwavering leadership
(This story is sponsored by Scandinave Spa Whistler.)
March 8 is International Women’s Day—dedicated to honouring women’s achievement and promoting equality. The global day of recognition is the perfect opportunity to celebrate local women who demonstrate exceptional leadership inside and outside of their workplace.
Simmone Lyons first visited Whistler in 2007 and after falling in love with the downhill skiing and mountain biking in the resort, she became a permanent resident. Lyons began working in tourism and was hired at the village’s beloved Scandinave Spa Whistler in 2014, as the sales and marketing manager.
Scandinave Spa Whistler’s mission is to offer a haven for personal renewal in the Scandinavian age-old tradition where body and mind find peace. The spa is most famous for its outdoor baths that are filled with steaming turquoise water, nestled among often snow-covered trees.
Along with the hydrotherapy experience, visitors can also book massages for ultimate relaxation. The magic of the Scandinave Spa Whistler stems from its welcoming atmosphere and genuine customer service.
After demonstrating authenticity, team spirit, professionalism, and the ability to openly communicate with team members, Lyons became the spa director in 2018.
But leading one of Whistler’s most sought-after tourism experiences has its fair share of challenges. These include navigating the high staff turnover as it’s a seasonal resort destination that contracts massage therapists, which is now implementing COVID-19 safety protocols.
Lyons must also ensure that team members are engaged and feel sufficiently empowered to enforce the spa’s policies promoting silence and prohibiting digital devices. Both regulations are integral to the best possible experience for all guests.
Through teaching by example and embodying the spa’s ethos, Lyons has become a well-respected team leader and mentor.
“With a young and diverse workforce, it’s imperative to motivate our team to apply their individual self-interest toward working together to achieve goals as a group,” she says. “I highly value participation, sharing power, and being as transparent as possible with information regarding our business and operations.”
When Lyons isn’t working, she’s spending time outdoors—a true Whistler local through and through. Lyons encourages staff to take time off that they earn as she understands the significance of leisure and travel when it comes to one’s health and well-being.
“It’s important for me to help our staff grow, not only in their position at the spa but to help them achieve their future career goals,” says Lyons. “As a result, they feel more confident in their work and value their role in the organization. The strength of our team comes from employees who feel appreciated and recognized.”
To make a reservation for the hydrotherapy baths or a massage at the Scandinave Spa Whistler, click here.
For more information, visit www.scandinave.com/whistler.