Welcome to How Leaders Lead, where every week you get to listen in while I interview some of the very best leaders in the world.

I break down the key learning so that by the end of the episode, you'll have something simple you can apply as you develop into a better leader.

That's what this podcast is all about.

Well, I hate to break it to you, but if you're a leader, you're going to face obstacles and setbacks. What does it really take to

overcome them? And could they actually help you succeed? Well, I think you'll find some insight

into those questions today as I talk with

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. She recently stepped down after nine years as the first ever woman CEO

of Celebrity Cruises. She's grown the brand and the bottom line, but let me tell you, it has not been easy.

She faced rejection, gender bias, and of course the COVID-19 pandemic.

But Lisa is one of the most persistent leaders I've ever talked to.

I mean, she just does not take no for an answer. She's got the kind of mentality that

turns obstacles into opportunities. And she's going to remind you that persistence pays off.

So here's my conversation with my good friend and soon to be yours, Lisa Lutoff Perlough.

Well, let's start out by you just telling us about the Royal Caribbean Group.

Yeah, the Royal Caribbean Group is a publicly traded company, New York Stock Exchange, S&P 500. And under the umbrella of the corporation,

there are three cruise lines, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, which I was president

and CEO of, and Silver Seas, which is the ultra luxury brand. I've been with the company

for 39 years, started out with the Royal Caribbean brand,

and then transitioned over to the celebrity brand and into the amazing role of president

and CEO of celebrity. That's fantastic. And you became the CEO of Celebrity Cruises in 2014.

Tell us about the business you took over and what it is today.

I took over the Celebrity Fleet. It was a fleet of about 12 ships. It's 16 ships now. Sales all

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