Building Generational Bridges
Each generation in today’s workplace brings a unique set of experiences, perspectives, and strengths. With five different generations working side-by-side at Hilton, our Generations TMRG (Team Member Resource Group) is helping build generational bridges and awareness across all our Team Members.
In honor of Intergeneration Month, Generations we’ve been challenging Team Members to uncover and celebrate what we can learn from each other, in work and in life. Read below as Team Members from across the enterprise shine a spotlight on the direct and indirect differences across the generations that become our strengths.
Steve Chalmers, Bellman, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
Time on Team Hilton: 2 years
What is a strength that your generation brings to the workplace?
“The biggest strength that I feel I bring to my position is my wealth of knowledge. Living in Scotland’s capital for 55 years, I draw on my personal recommendations, favourite Edinburgh experiences, and passion for Scottish history, to offer a personalized connection with each guest. Following my retirement from the security team at the Royal Household at the Palace of Holyrood House, I joined Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, where I am able to stay connected to my local community, enjoy my time close to home and greet each guest with an authentic Scottish welcome.”
What do you value most in a workplace and how do you experience this at Hilton?
“I value camaraderie and teamwork. I have learned that teamwork is a critical component within my team, often learning new skills to support the concierge department and to maintain our front entrance to enhance our welcome experience.
I love greeting each guest who enters the hotel, and visitors to Scotland, offering local insight to Scotland’s rich history and insider knowledge of each destination that they will visit on their journey.”
Who is someone you admire or have looked up to throughout your career?
“I have always admired Charlie Watts, English musician, and lead drummer for the Rolling Stones in the 1960s – continually drawn to his work ethic, and ability to perform to incredibly exacting standards, no matter the obstacles in his path. Charlie Watts has inspired me to always stay true to myself both through my career and individual experiences.
During my time with the hotel, I have had the opportunity to meet Charlie Watts’ family, who sent me photos of their time in Edinburgh following their visit – now a very fond memory of mine.”
What advice would you pass on to another generation?
“The greatest lessons I can pass on to another generation are: Be Yourself. Do not be afraid to tell the truth. Learn from others.
And additionally, first aid is essential for everyone – you will never know when you may need it. Keeping relevant in this skill has offered me the opportunity to assist in charity events in both Scotland and England, including the Tour de France.”
Emily Teixeira, Global Sales Manager, Hilton Worldwide Sales Brazil
Time on Team Hilton: 5 years
What is a strength that your generation brings to the workplace?
“We are highly connected. We have a comfortable relationship with technology that allows us to know what is going on around the world, bringing to the workplace different ideas, current trends, important causes, and a sense of global community.”
What do you value most in a workplace and how do you experience this at Hilton?
“A hallmark within my generation is a ‘speaking-up behavior’ and I really value the fact that at Hilton I can express my ideas and opinions feeling that my contributions are respected.”
Who is someone you admire or have looked up to throughout your career?
“I had the opportunity to have some powerful and inspirational women in my career path, and from each one I learned different lessons that I use to build my own professional trail. None of them are a famous personality in Forbes Ranking but they know they make the difference in my story.”
What advice would you pass on to another generation?
“My generation loves to share content, thoughts, and experiences. Forget stereotypes and give us the opportunity to connect with you. Everyone has something to contribute, regardless of generation. Let us thrive together.”
Xavier Shah-Boultwood, Manager, Learning & Development, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
Time on Team Hilton: 17 years
What do you value most in a workplace and how do you experience this at Hilton?
“Building my second family, travelling with Hilton, and fostering new bonds with different colleagues are all very important.”
Who is someone you admire or have looked up to throughout your career?
“Being with Hilton for several years, I have had the amazing opportunity to meet and connect with many people globally. It is difficult to name one person when so many have given me valuable advice. Having said that in the later part of my career I have been extremely fortunate to work closely with J. Shamala Krishnan – Regional Director of Human Resources - Malaysia, Philippines & Sri Lanka for Hilton, where she has assisted me in building my confidence within Human Resources. On numerous projects that we have worked on, it was her steadfast thinking, and innovation that I really admire.”
What advice would you pass on to another generation?
“Focus on one thing at a time. You can have it all but not all at once.”
Jeffrey Farina, Director, Hilton Worldwide Sales
Time on Team Hilton: 9 years
What is a strength that your generation brings to the workplace?
“We have the benefit of experience. Having seen many upturns and downturns in our business we recognize how many things are cyclical. You learn over time that patience is a virtue and that demanding work trumps talent. Our experience allows us to be mentors to the next generation of leaders and that is extremely rewarding.”
What do you value most in a workplace and how do you experience this at Hilton?
“There is so much good in Hilton’s culture. It is supportive and you can call on anyone in the organization for help. I also think the way everyone is recognized for their achievements is wonderful. I love working here.”
Who is someone you admire or have looked up to throughout your career?
“I have been fortunate to have had many great leaders and mentors in my career. One is Burt Cabanas who I worked closely with for 10 years. He came to the United States from Cuba as a boy with nothing and did not speak English. He is now Chairman of a phenomenally successful company that operates hundreds of hotels. He taught me the importance of never giving up, taking care of people and paying it forward.”
What advice would you pass on to another generation?
“Put people first, they are the most important thing in life. You never know what someone is going through so treat everyone with kindness and empathy. Do not take yourself too seriously. Relationships matter!”
Minh Bui, Manager, Learning Experience Design
Time on Team Hilton: 3 years
What is a strength that your generation brings to the workplace?
“Adaptability and being flexible to learn new things.”
What do you value most in a workplace and how do you experience this at Hilton?
“Growth opportunities and work-life balance are most important to me in any workplace. At Hilton, all my leaders have asked about other departments I may be interested in learning more about and ensures I feel challenged. Due to this, I have grown into two new roles during my tenure, aligning closer to roles that match my skillset and interests.
Outside of work, I am incredibly involved in the local community. I coach high school girls’ basketball every winter and Hilton has always been so supportive. They make sure I have the flexibility to lead practices right after school and make it to games on time.”
Who is someone you admire or have looked up to throughout your career?
“I have looked up to each of my managers at Hilton. While I have gained experience with each of their different management styles, I am impressed with the openness each person has. I feel like work is really a safe space for me to talk about my desires and struggles.”
What advice would you pass on to another generation?
“Be open to learning each other’s differences. Everyone has different working and communication styles. Instead of getting upset when work styles do not align, see them as an opportunity to push yourself to learn new things.”
Katie Murphy, Director, Hilton Worldwide Sales
Time on Team Hilton: 10 years
What is a strength that your generation brings to the workplace?
“There are a lot of misconceptions about my generation. I think one of the strengths that we have brought to the workplace is the ability to adapt as our generation has experienced a lot of change.”
What do you value most in a workplace and how do you experience this at Hilton?
“I think that one of the most important values in a workplace is the ability to be your authentic self. Hilton has always allowed me to show up every day as me.”
Who is someone you admire or have looked up to throughout your career?
“This is a hard one for me to answer as there are many that I admire or have looked up to throughout my career. Two things come top of mind: working mothers and my own mother. As a mom of three (8, 6 and 2), I know how much work and dedication it takes to balance work and home. My mother has been one of my biggest cheerleaders throughout my career and introduced me to hospitality. I am inspired by her willingness to take on new challenges and opportunities, while remaining true to herself.”
What advice would you pass on to another generation?
“Step out of your comfort zone and be willing to take on new challenges. Do not fear failure, it can be one of the most teachable moments to learn and grow from. Remember where you started, stay humble, and look for opportunities to help others get to the next step in their career. Build a core work family to receive honest feedback from and bounce ideas off. The best recipe for success is being yourself and practicing self-care. Family is everything.”
Learn more about our Team Member Resource Groups.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,800 properties and more than 1 million rooms, in 122 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on the 2021 World's Best Workplaces list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years. In 2021, in addition to opening more than one hotel a day, Hilton introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 128 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
