Work + Wander

In this inspiring episode of  Work + Wander , Jay and Jessica sit down with  Lisbeny Duran , Manager of Learning & Development at Travel + Leisure Co. Lisbeny shares her path to becoming a leader in Learning & Development and how her passion for helping others grow has shaped her career. She talks about finding purpose in learning, the power of empathy in leadership, and why taking initiat...

From deep dish debates to dream destinations, Jay and Jessica head to the Windy City to chat with  Matt Taylor , the opening General Manager of the new  Sports Illustrated Resort Chicago . Matt shares his journey from aspiring professor to hospitality leader, his Disney roots, and what it’s like to launch an entirely new resort brand in one of America’s most iconic cities. Along the way, we talk l...

Even the best trips have their  never-again moments . In this episode, Jay and Jess share some hilariously horrifying travel stories — from being escorted off a plane like fugitives, to bears outside the tent, to squid-related airport chaos, and ER trips gone wrong. Buckle up, tray tables up… and enjoy the misadventures that make us laugh  only  after a strong drink and a few years have passed. 🧳...

In this episode of  Work + Wander , Jay and Jess chat with  Lillian Baker , Corporate Responsibility Performance Analyst at Travel + Leisure Co., who turned her internship into a full-time career. Lillian shares her journey from masters graduate to full-time associate, what it’s like to make an impact through corporate responsibility, and her advice for anyone looking to turn an internship into a...

Join us as we sit down with Edwin Pierre-Louis, multi-site General Manager for Club Wyndham National Harbor and Club Wyndham Old Town Alexandria. Edwin shares his journey from starting at La Belle Maison in New Orleans to leading teams that create unforgettable guest experiences in the D.C. area. He dives into his philosophy of leadership, how he develops his team, and the small details that make...

In this episode of  Work + Wander , Jay Cocorullo and Jessica Badlam sit down with Caitlyn Ledden, Assistant General Manager at Club Wyndham Kingsgate. Caitlyn shares how the Leadership Development Program kickstarted her career, the mentors who guided her along the way, and what drives her as she works toward her dream of becoming a General Manager. She also takes us beyond the resort with storie...

In this episode of  Work + Wander , hosts Jay Cocorullo and Jessica Badlam chat with Jonathan Topolosky, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Margaritaville Vacation Club. Jonathan shares how he got his start in real estate and construction, grew his career, starting at National Harbor before moving down to Clearwater Beach, FL, and ultimately found his most recent role at Travel + L...

Our journey begins! Meet Jay and Jessica as they launch  Work + Wander  — the podcast where career stories meet dream destinations. Full Description: In our very first episode of  Work + Wander , hosts Jay Cocorullo and Jessica Badlam introduce the podcast, share the story behind its creation, and give you a sneak peek at what’s to come. You’ll hear about our mission to connect career journeys wit...