Like many of you, I have several meaningful quotes framed and either hanging on a wall or standing upright on a shelf in my office.
In a world where specialization and linear career paths have long been celebrated as markers of success, the notion of being pluripotential was often overlooked or even viewed as a weakness. In fact, in today’s society, promotions, accolades, and recognition typically gravitate towards individuals who have mastered a specific domain and have a clear trajectory mapped out for their careers. Consequently, those who deviate from this traditional model may find themselves marginalized or undervalued, their diverse skill sets and broad interests dismissed in favor of more narrowly defined expertise.
The hospitality industry is no stranger to evolution, and after surviving the chaos of the COVID pandemic and the aftermath, hoteliers are much more adept at pivoting as new trends and developments push the hospitality industry in new directions. 2024 has already ushered in a great deal of change, as consumer booking trends change and many of the top global economies experience contractions, but as always, there will be many other shifts that will impact the hospitality industry over the coming years; one of the most significant changes that we are currently experiencing comes with the entry of Gen Z into the workforce, which requires hoteliers to take a fresh look at both their management and operational strategies.
I have to start by articulating my jealousy of my home state of California. Have you ever watched the weather report in a SoCal city like San Diego or Los Angeles? I can remember turning on the television as a young boy and finding myself baffled as to why the weather person had a job. Rain might ruin some plans but generally things are just fine - over and over again.
As Women’s History Month ends, I am reflecting on the progress we’ve made toward gender inclusivity and the empowerment of female leaders in hospitality. Several years ago, we published a report with Castell, that showed that women held more leadership positions in commercial functions than the hospitality industry as a whole. We can use the upcoming Commercial Strategy Conference (slated for June 24th – 27th, in Charlotte) as a litmus test to these advancements. The conference shows a significant shift from the association’s origins as a male-dominated group—a sign of progress worth celebrating.
Anyone who has ever worked for any organization has heard how important “culture” is to the operating environment. Because the word is used so loosely, the significance of organizational culture is often misunderstood – the oxygen that feeds the soul of a company can be taken for granted and mishandled by its most senior leaders. Culture is professed on webpages and in handbooks as being the embodiment of mission, vision and values. But, too often, there is a disconnect between the written word and leadership behaviors – what an employee is told to believe and how to behave is not the same as what they experience.
In terms of breaking into new foreign markets, cultural sensitivity emerges as a pivotal factor in establishing trust and meaningful connections with customers rooted in their particular cultural identities and values. Based on a recent SBP, we discover the similarities and differences of three key global markets, (the UK, Japan and India), with special attention paid to the nuances that define them in the eyes of a Swiss luxury brand wanting to appeal to a new and diverse customer base.
With over 112,000 vacant positions awaiting fulfilment, the solution to the hospitality industry's staffing scarcity might have been apparent all along, urging us not to reflexively cast aside CV’s and explore alternative recruitment strategies and embrace diverse talent pools.1
Recent studies have proven that employees can be a major source of competitive advantage, but they must be managed effectively and considerately to reap those benefits. The industry presents unique challenges for employees and managers, such as long working hours, stressful customer interactions, seasonal rushes, and working on weekends. On top of these challenges, the industry is currently facing a talent shortage, making talent management even more critical.
Switzerland may be small in size, but it is home to the world’s most innovative economy, ranking first in the world according to the World Intellectual Property Organization's 2023 Global Innovation Report. It’s also the kind of place where an apprentice can one day become a President of the Swiss Confederation, a CEO of the largest Swiss banking institution in the world or a Director of one of the country’s biggest open-air music festivals.
In a recent interview for the Guardian, the famous Hollywood star Jodie Foster said that Generation Z is “really annoying” to work with. Her comments have contributed to the ongoing debate regarding Gen Z’s work ethic. According to FOX news, it seems that Generation Z does not have the same spirit of abnegation, demands higher pay, and is more concerned about their work/life balance.
Previously, we published the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Defined article by Gissell Moronta, which gave you an understanding of the terminology and why DEI is important.
In view of International Women’s Day, the 2024 Women in Leadership (WIL) initiative at EHL Hospitality Business School hosted their second edition of the WIL conference to an audience of over 100 people. WIL was a resounding success, celebrated for its energy and mutual learning of participating attendees. This unique gathering saw women of different generations unite at EHL Lausanne Campus, where aspiring EHL female students and industry executives and leaders from the hospitality industry (members of the HotellerieSuisse) engaged in deep dialogue, sharing wisdom and forging bonds. We have compiled five key insights from this unique women’s event.
The hospitality industry is continually reshaped by transformative trends and innovations. The HSMAI Foundation Special Report: The State of Hotel Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization Talent 2023-2024, a cornerstone resource for sales, marketing, and revenue optimization leaders, offers a roadmap for navigating these changes. This year’s report is more than findings and forecasts. It offers best practices, case studies, and suggested actions to improve talent outcomes across the commercial functions.
Navigating the world of culinary and restaurant management education can feel overwhelming. But don't worry, we're here to help make this journey smoother and more meaningful for you. Embarking on a restaurant management course is a significant step towards a thriving career in the F&B sector. This guide will help you select the right restaurant management course, considering key factors like global recognition, curriculum balance, and practical learning opportunities.
Effective leadership is essential for a business’s success, but each organization has its own leadership culture, and each team leader has their own management style. The challenge for hospitality firms is to create incentives that work for both team leaders and team members.
Embarking on a journey back to the classroom as an adult is a remarkable and transformative phase in one's life. In this section, we will delve into the burgeoning trend of adults rekindling their educational pursuits. We will illuminate the diverse motivations propelling this movement and highlight the exceptional contributions that adult learners make to the ever-evolving educational landscape.
In the last several weeks, I’ve been chatting with many people about the hotel industry's continued decline in guest service. The consensus seems to be that the downturn is due to factors such as the need for passionate hospitality workers, insufficient training initiatives for frontline employees, and the fact that, in some instances, management is more focused on data than on developing a culture of excellent service.
Embarking on the journey of going back to school as an adult is a mission filled with purpose and determination. It's a venture that holds the promise of personal and professional growth, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges. In this dedicated guide, we will provide you with a treasure of tips and strategies meticulously tailored to ensure your success as an adult learner.
The purpose of SoTL events is to understand, improve, and share teaching and learning practices across disciplines and schools to prepare a new generation of lifelong learners. The 6th annual international Scholarship of Teaching and Learning conference took place at EHL Hospitality Business School, Lausanne, on February 1, 2024. This year’s theme revolved around the significant role that technology has taken and will continue to take in education, and particularly in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and its relevance in HEI community, innovation, teaching, and learning. After three years of blended SoTL conferences, this year, participants were back on site! From the welcome coffee through the closing apero, the buzz of the participants and the enthusiasm that they exuded was contagious.