Get to Know the Savvy and Stylish CEO of One of South Florida’s Poshest Resorts

Lifestyle asked for the skinny on what keeps Deborah Yager Fleming at the top of her game, professionally and personally.

Tools of your trade: “I’m an avid learner, always striving to improve and grow. Whether it’s listening to an audiobook like Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0 during my commute or diving into a quick, high-impact summary on the Headway app, I make learning a daily habit. I’m a huge fan of Jim Collins; his work continues to inspire and guide my thinking around leadership and business strategy. The Headway app is a particularly useful tool in my toolkit. It provides concise, powerful summaries of top books, allowing me to absorb key insights quickly. In my role, I aim to strike a balance across several critical areas, strategy, emotional intelligence, employee recognition, technology efficiency, and delivering exceptional customer service. These pillars shape the way I lead and make decisions every day. At the end of the day, my only true talent is hard work, and I take great pride in that.”

Morning ritual: “My mornings are sacred—they set the tone for how I show up throughout the day. I start with exercise that energizes me and clears my mind. Afterward, I fuel up with a green juice blended with two scoops of Vital Proteins collagen peptides, followed by two cups of strong coffee. It’s my personal powerhouse combo. Whenever possible, I take time for a walk outdoors. There’s something grounding about connecting with nature, breathing in the fresh air, taking in the trees and blue sky. That simple ritual of being present outside, even briefly, brings clarity and calm before diving into a day filled with indoor meetings and fast-paced decisions.”

Workout that always makes you feel powerful: “Midweek, I prioritize balance and flexibility with a Pilates or yoga session, both help me stay centered and strong. On weekends, I shift gears with a 45-minute spin class, followed by 15 minutes on the assisted chin dip machine to build upper body strength and maintain muscle tone. It’s a combination that keeps me aligned, and ready to take on whatever the week brings.”

Outside of your home, your happy place: “There’s nothing more fulfilling than hearing a guest share how much they loved their stay at Acqualina—especially when they tell a ‘wow’ story about one of our team members who went above and beyond to make their visit truly memorable. Those moments remind me why we do what we do, and they’re the heartbeat of our brand. My other happy place is traveling with my family. I especially cherish multigenerational trips. There’s something incredibly special about experiencing new places together, across generations, creating memories that last a lifetime.”

Shopping spot in South Florida: “I first discovered Silvia Tcherassi while traveling in Colombia and instantly fell in love with her designs. Her boutique at Bal Harbour is a treasure. I especially admire her eveningwear, timeless, feminine, and full of personality. One standout piece for me is the Jazmin dress, elegant and a perfect reflection of her signature style. Bal Harbour Shops truly has everything I could ask for when it comes to luxury shopping. One of my go-to destinations is The Webster, a beautifully curated boutique that features a handpicked selection of top designer brands. It’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates elevated fashion.”

Shopping spot anywhere else: “When I am in New York, I head to ME+EM. I am obsessed with their high-quality garments. They don’t use a middleman so there are no mark-ups, making the clothes affordable too. The styles are perfect for work as well as weekend leisure time.”

Can’t-live-without bag for travel or work: “I have two handbags I can’t live without each for very different reasons, yet they’re equally indispensable. For travel, my MZ Wallace bag is a true game-changer, lightweight, and big enough to even use as an overnight bag. Nothing compares to a Chanel Classic Handbag. It’s the ultimate icon and effortlessly elevates any look, whether I’m heading to a meeting or an evening out.”

Prized possession: “A photo collection that includes a picture of my late sister at the beach with a gentle smile and her hair gracefully flowing that mirrors her natural and radiant spirit. Another favorite is a striking photograph of my mother and her three sisters taken in the 1960s. Dressed in elegant white evening gowns, they each radiate beauty and grace.”

Cause or causes that have your heart: “The ‘I Have a Dream’ Miami Foundation, which empowers children from low-income areas to reach their educational and career goals by providing a long-term program of mentoring, tutoring, and tuition assistance for higher education. The Foundation guarantees the children’s academic tuition at a Florida state university for a four-year degree or an accredited trade school. 

What’s still on your to-do list? “Barcelona. I have never been and plan to be there in May. I can’t wait to see the city and the vibrant culture, and architecture. I plan to soak up the awe-inspiring works of Gaudí and the lively streets of the Gothic Quarter.”

Motto you live by: “Where there is a will, there is a way.”

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