A Humble, Successful Leader

GDawna Waterbury, CEO of Le Triomphe Golf and Country Club, is the co-creator and innovative “coach” behind the club’s programs and services and the foundation for its success. The term “co-creator” is used because the company’s approach to business operations in all areas is very team centric. Strategic planning, team building, and goal setting are all done as a team. Each senior team member is encouraged to get ideas from all fellow staff members because they bring a unique perspective to the overall operations. The culmination of the efforts is a team-built operating plan that encourages collaboration, respect for each other’s ideas, and engagement at a level imperative for high-performing hospitality teams.

Le Triomphe Golf and Country Club was founded in 1986, and its golf course was lauded as one of the finest built, according to USA Today® publication. Since then, the company has afforded all of its workers every opportunity for professional development. They are constantly challenged to step out of the “weeds” of daily operational tasks to look at the bigger picture of what’s happening in the industry. “We follow the “PEST-L” format in this practice: Political, Economic, Social, Technological & Legal areas, which are areas that could impact each or our departments,” says Dawna. “This allows us to make better decisions and encourages our team to be aware of trends, potential business challenges, and helps us implement new practices. These are just a few examples.”

Dawna makes it a point to encourage her team to constantly learn, lead with compassion, have a unified front in all they do, listen to others, be community-minded, and never make “knee-jerk” reactions to adversity or other challenging situations. “This process helps our team to develop trust. With trust comes empowerment,” says Dawna, who has been taking the company to new heights with successful endeavors.

But for Dawna, success is multifaceted; success is watching others achieve their personal goals, hearing laughter at work, waking up every day, and knowing that she is healthy, willing, and happy to be part of such an incredible organization. “I’ve learned that behind every good leader is a phenomenal mentor, maybe two or more if you’re lucky! Michael P. Maraist, the owner of the club, is one those individuals for me,” elucidates Dawna.

“He is one of the humblest, caring, and incredibly smart people that I know. No matter what the situation, he remains calm, makes you think, encourages you every step of the way, and instills confidence with his support and guidance.” Dawna preaches the same to her team and encourages them to be the best in their field.

Le Triomphe Golf and Country Club has been instrumental in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local non-profits peacefully. The core of what they do is very philanthropic. “Our property, with its championship Robert Trent Jones, Jr. golf course, was involved with the developmental tour for the PGA Tour® for 30 years, and we want to continue our tradition of giving. It’s not revolutionary, but we’re following the lead of Michael to continue to make a difference in our community,” explains Dawna.

“Our team has created a 501-C3 foundation to introduce golf to kids, provide them with their first set of clubs, and give them vouchers for golf lessons from any certified instructor in their area.” Shortly, Le Triomphe Golf and Country Club and 1st Clubs for Kids Foundation will partner with the American Junior Golf Association to bring one of the world’s most prestigious junior golf championships to Louisiana; 1st Clubs for Kids All Star Junior Championship. The best 12-15-year-old golfers in the world, boys and girls, will come to Le Triomphe Golf and Country Club to showcase their skills, show aspiring, local, competitive junior golfers what’s possible to achieve if they have the desire to hone their skills to the highest level and to provide an opportunity for these athletes to experience the hospitality of the club and the great state. “For me, I want to continue to take Michael’s lead in being humble, working hard with a community-focus, achieving success as our team defines it, and being part of a foundation that will leave a legacy that is inspired by passion and purpose,” adds Dawna.