Experiences, people and tools teach, through real-world application, diverse perspectives and hands-on practice, helping us grow, adapt and understand deeply beyond traditional learning methods, according to Hotel Management’s most recent class of Thirty Under 30 award winners.
Hotel Management Young Professionals is designed specifically for hospitality professionals within the first decade of the careers. During the year, we look back on our Thirty Under 30 class for their takes on what's going on in hospitality. This is sponsored by DIRECTV HOSPITALITY.
Look to Hotel Management’s October issue for 2024’s Thirty Under 30.
Olivia Franklin, event and wedding manager, JW Marriott Grand Rapids
Working for such a high-level service company and luxury brand has propelled me in my career. The expectations and standards are much different than other hospitality companies, so to ensure each associate upholds the brand, the training is stringent. My eyes were opened to what true hospitality is. Observing others in their role and noticing how they speak, make decisions, lead and carry themselves has provided a guide for me to model. I was intentional by being in the presence of those who were beyond me, leaders in my environment and people who I wanted to become like.
As difficult and uncomfortable as it was at times, I challenged myself to take on new endeavors. Ever since my time in college, I have instilled in myself to do hard things. It wasn't enough to just learn by watching, I had to learn by doing and experiencing. Most of my growth has happened outside of my comfort zone, when I took a step of faith.
Veronica Kelsey, associate restaurant and bar marketing manager, First Hospitality
Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to learn from exceptional leaders. Christina Santarelli-Foster, my vice president of marketing, has been an invaluable mentor. Her guidance has been instrumental in my growth, from my early days as an intern to my current role. She instilled in me a strategic mindset and a passion for the industry.
Additionally, Ana Pavlovic has significantly impacted my career. Her expertise in digital advertising has been invaluable. Under her mentorship, I've developed a strong foundation in SEO and social media digital advertising. Both women have equipped me with the skills and confidence to excel in my role and contribute meaningfully to our organization.
Amy Leach, director of sales and marketing, GF Hotels & Resorts
One of the largest challenges and experiences that I had the pleasure to work through was COVID-19. Our property was able to stay open for the duration of the pandemic and during this experience, I learned a lot about sales and marketing, hotels in general while gaining crucial life experience. This was a pivotal point in my career where I learned flexibility, the true meaning of prospecting and the importance of relationships in sales. I was able to strengthen those client relationships through COVID-19 when no one was traveling and pivot our sales strategy in order to keep our hotel open throughout the pandemic.
Saim Malik, area director of finance, Atrium Hospitality
Working with three different properties, especially two different hotel brands, is constantly teaching me something new. I get to experience three different teams and styles of leadership across my hotels. This has taught me how to be adaptable. My supervisors have given me the freedom to explore freely within my department, which has helped me to find my confidence and supported my innovation, an Atrium core value. I also serve on Atrium’s Financial Advisory Board, which works to make internal processes for finance and accounting easier and more uniform.
Matt McCarthy, director of business development, Concord Hospitality
I have learned the most career knowledge from those that I have worked with at my time with Concord. That ranges from having one-on-one conversations with our C-suite team to working and developing relationships in all of our corporate level departments. My business development team has taught me the most working with our SVPs, our VP and our analysts—both from a Concord and personal career perspective. For experiences, I have learned everything I know in my role from working on deals. One of the most enticing elements to our job in business development is every opportunity we work on is different than the others— this reduces the monotony and burnout that some people find in their roles. This also helps constantly train in the work you are doing as you are learning something new each time.
This article was originally published in the May edition of Hotel Management magazine. Subscribe here.