As Tricia Grady talks about her experience with TEI’s Chicago Chapter, she hearkens back to her earliest experiences. “I participated in local chapter events and liked the camaraderie,” she says. “Then, one of our former presidents instituted new member luncheons. That’s when I got roped in, in all of the right ways, in understanding how TEI works and recognizing the value of getting to know one other.”
In time, Grady joined the chapter’s financial reporting committee. Shortly afterward, she accepted a role on the chapter’s board—just as the COVID-19 pandemic began. “In my first two years working with the board and officers, our interaction with each other and our members was virtual,” she says.
As the chapter’s immediate past president (her term just ended in July), Grady says that it’s about working hard to be thoughtful and creative in moving forward. “We’re focusing on how best to meet members where they are and the correct mix between in-person and virtual offerings,” she says. “Increasingly, our members are thirsty for the pre-COVID days of getting together under the right terms. We’ve been encouraged by their response to several events and are exploring how else we can develop shared member experiences that are exciting and important.
“The tax world is so interesting and challenging. But what I love most is working with others,” she adds, voicing a theme that has persisted throughout her career.
Charting Her Course
When Grady enrolled as an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, her intention was to enter business school. “I did well in math, and this seemed the logical step,” she says. “Yet, what I wasn’t sure of [was] what I wanted to do in business. By my junior year, I decided that accounting was it. I thought ‘I guess I’m good at this. It’s interesting, with good job stability, and a practical decision.’”
In her final year of college, she chose to specialize in tax. Even so, Grady hesitated to fully commit to tax coming out of school, choosing to work in auditing instead. In time, she realized that tax truly was her path. “I was working for EY at the time and switched—and I never looked back,” she says.
In her seven years at EY, Grady notes that she experienced greater exposure to higher levels of public accounting. Regardless, she started to think about whether she wanted to stay in public accounting or go in-house. “But I was also focused on doing it for a company that I was not only interested in but also excited about. Then a colleague that worked for Hyatt suggested that I explore working there and offered a referral,” she says. “More than anything else, that opportunity, and the sense of what working on the ‘other side’ entailed, was the impetus to leave public accounting.”
Grady has been with Hyatt Hotel Corporation for fourteen years and is now the company’s senior vice president of global tax. She started in tax accounting, overseeing the international tax provision, and over time led compliance, audits, and issues related to transfer pricing. “In the last two years, I’ve been involved with global mergers and acquisitions, providing support from the tax perspective,” she says. “I’ve had such great opportunities to learn and grow within one organization and feel very fortunate.”
She adds that, beyond her corporate responsibilities, she is grateful for her coworkers. “The culture here is something special,” she says. “It’s an interesting organization and business, with great people to work with. It’s really the best of all worlds.”
Reflections on Leadership
Grady notes that the experience with Hyatt has taught her a lot about her management style—and how it translates to her involvement with TEI. “I like collaboration and, when it comes to personality traits, I’m an integrator. I like being able to bring people together in making their own decisions. But, when necessary, I’m not afraid to dive in and guide decision-making. It’s truly about supporting the team, helping them develop and grow, and providing people with opportunities,” she explains.
“Figuring out what everyone’s strengths are and how to build on those strengths is the most exciting part of my job,” she says. “Similarly, my involvement in TEI has been extremely valuable to me in a lot of ways, both in my professional development and with the opportunities presented through leadership roles. Whether it’s in a smaller group setting or something larger, it’s empowered me to get out, interact with people, and build those connections and relationships.”
Beyond her involvement with TEI and the world of tax, Grady stresses the significance of personal time. “My husband and I have two children, Jackson and Addie, who are growing up so quickly. They keep us busy with their activities, but it’s important to share their lives and to spend time with our families and friends. We love vacationing and making trips to visit our relatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin. These trips are really my favorite things to do,” she says, adding, “I also like to cook!”
