How Success Happens Snack Break: Family Business
Mar 1, 2026
Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, third-generation CEO of Collette and builder of the Collette Foundation, shares her journey from call center to leading a century-old travel company. She talks about balancing family heritage with fresh ideas. She discusses a pivotal Peru trip that sparked global giving. She also reflects on tough 360 feedback and the coaching that reshaped her leadership.
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Worked Every Role Before Leading
- Jaclyn Leibl-Cote worked across Colette from call center to tour manager before becoming CEO.
- That hands-on path let her learn workflows, product design, buying, research, and operations in detail.
Culture Anchors Innovation
- Maintaining a century-old travel brand requires preserving culture while relentlessly pursuing new ideas.
- Colette's value never stop starting guides listening to travelers and partners to stay relevant post-pandemic.
Andean Visit Sparked Company Foundation
- In 2008 Jaclyn visited an Andean village on a team trip and the experience helped launch the Colette Foundation.
- The trip's school supply and food donations convinced her father to formalize the company's global give-back program.