KATHLEEN COCHRAN JOINED ALISAL GUEST RANCH & RESORT IN DECEMBER . BEFORE MOVING TO THE 10,500- ACRE PROPERTY IN CALIFORNIA ’ S SANTA YNEZ VALLEY , SHE WAS MANAGING DIRECTOR AT THE RESORT AT PAWS UP IN MONTANA ; SHE ALSO SPENT 24 YEARS AT LOEWS HOTELS .

Name a non-hotel skill you ’ ve learned on the job :

How to ride a horse and torch a crème brûlée , although not at the same time .

A personal skill or experience that helps you as a hotelier :

My father was a high-ranking Army officer , so we moved every two years . Because of that experience I learned how to make friends quickly . We entertained a lot , which allowed me to hone my skills as a hostess .

What do you do better than anyone else you know ?

Dance . I can do The Bump like nobody ’ s business .

What is the most creative part of your job ?

Easily one of the most enjoyable parts of my job is dreaming up one-of-a-kind experiences for our guests .

Where ’ s your next trip ?

Austin , Texas . My son is a musician and I will be attending his first music video release party . So exciting !

What ’ s your pet peeve as a hotel guest ?

When you walk up to the front desk to check in and you ’ re asked , “ Are you checking in ?” It seems so impersonal to me .

What would you like to have more time for ?

Wandering . I ’ ve been so fortunate to have traveled all over the world , eaten in the best restaurants , experienced so many different cultures . Now I just want to wander through my community .

If not a hotelier , what would you be ?

Without a doubt , a famous nonfiction mystery author .

What ’ s your personal goal for the year ?

This is my first year as an empty nester , so my goal is to master “ adulting .” My husband and I are going to enjoy life as grown-ups .

Who taught you your biggest lesson ?

My father . He said , “ There ’ s nothing worse than going to battle only to find you ’ ve packed for the wrong war .” I love that quote .

64 hotelsmag . com March 2017