Becoming Your Favorite Version of You

What does it take to say, “Today’s me is my favorite me”? In Part 2 of Rocky’s conversation with Gabriella Monte, they explore how forgiveness, boundaries, and redefining success shape the way we lead and live. This episode is a vulnerable look at letting go of old versions of ourselves while embracing who we’re becoming.

Episode Highlights

. The difference between sacrifice and service—and why it matters for leaders.

. How forgiveness of self opens the door to growth.

. Redefining success as seasons of life and leadership shift.

. Boundaries reframed: keeping what you love most in, not just keeping things out.

. Why asking questions doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human.

Get To Know Our Guest

As Vice President of Hotel and Retail Operations at The Village Dallas, Gabriella Monte leads with vision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With more than 15 years of experience across hospitality, real estate, and technology, Gabriella has established herself as a trailblazer in operational leadership. She has held pivotal roles with Kimpton Hotels and Resorts, Oracle, and Sentral, where she implemented high-impact strategies, introduced innovative technologies, and expanded market reach for leading brands.

In addition to her corporate roles, Gabriella has consulted for early-stage startups, specializing in building operational procedures and scalable customer service platform infrastructure. Her guidance has helped emerging companies create meaningful, efficient guest and client experiences from the ground up.

At The Drey Hotel, Gabriella has elevated the guest experience and operational performance through thoughtful strategy, personalized service, and a strong focus on brand integrity. She launched Drey Rewards, the hotel’s signature loyalty program, and has been instrumental in shaping a culture of hospitality that prioritizes both guest satisfaction and strong financial performance.

A passionate advocate for sustainability, Gabriella has led initiatives to support longleaf pine reforestation in Texas. At The Village Dallas, she has revitalized the retail district, achieving full occupancy across showroom spaces and transforming the area into a vibrant shopping destination. Her retail curation is intentional and empowering; every business she has brought on board is women-owned and operated, reflecting her deep commitment to championing female entrepreneurs.

Gabriella’s advocacy extends well beyond her professional role. She proudly serves on the Board of DIFFA Dallas and is an active supporter of Planned Parenthood, The Trevor Project, and Dress for Success. Gabriella is a beacon of modern leadership, showing how women can break barriers, lead with purpose, and drive lasting impact in both industry and community.

Follow Gabriella:

Instagram – @gabriellammonte

The Village Dallas – @thevillagedallas

Resources Mentioned

. Join Rocky’s Live Leadership Training – rockygarza.com/confidence

To join Rocky for his next free virtual event, go to https://rockygarza.com/beyondsuccess

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/trgs/donations