Before anyone had even heard of the word coronavirus, HOTELS in January conducted a roundtable panel with leading brand executives to talk about how and where they find inspiration to address professional challenges and opportunities. Among other questions, we asked where they go to learn and refresh; who and what inspires them; and what non-hotel brands they try to emulate.
A lot has changed since that session, sponsored by the Wall Street Journal, just before the start of BHN’s Americas Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles. We went back to the panelists in July to check in and find out how they have managed their professional lives in an unprecedented environment. This is the first of a three-part series.
HOTELS: During our January discussion, we talked about finding inspiration and motivation. In light of COVID-19, where have you found new inspiration to carry through?
Heather McCrory, CEO, North and Central America, Accor: Roundtables with our key customers and one-on-one conversations with our owners have provided invaluable insight and both have been incredibly cooperative as we work in tandem to find immediate solutions to pressing issues and discuss future probabilities.
Jim Tierney, senior vice president, development and owner relations, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House: Throughout COVID-19, it’s become very clear to me that to support and take care of others, you must take care of yourself first. There’s a great metaphor – ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’ – which means that making time for self-care is a must-do on your priority list, rather than a frivolous indulgence. To show up and be of service to others, you need a full cup of mental, physical and emotional energy, and I’ve tried to set this example this for my team members as well.
Chris Silcock, EVP and chief commercial officer, Hilton: Personally, this has been a unique opportunity for me to dedicate time to the things that can be difficult when I am traveling. I’ve been more focused on my exercise regime, cooking and enjoying meals together as a family, working in my garden, and playing piano and drums with my son, Pierre. I absolutely love to travel, but it has also been energizing to take this time to focus on life at home.
Julienne Smith, senior vice president, development, IHG Americas: I have long since turned off ‘the news.’ This is even more important for me today. There is more misinformation out there than ever, it seems, much of it fraught with unnecessary doom and gloom that I have further curated my personal news feed. Axios has been a great resource for that and WSJ.com continues to deliver the real deal. I’ve also read more books than I typically have had time for. “Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown and “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle were my last two; “Primal Leadership” by Goleman, Boyatzis and McKee is my current read.
H: How have you found new balance, and how do you maintain it?
McCrory: This has been the most intense time in my career, particularly in terms of time commitment, supporting and communicating with the team and decision-making. So, I have been extremely mindful of the need for balance during these very challenging times. I find that in addition to practicing wellness, setting attainable goals for myself, even as simple as closing all three of my Apple Watch Activity Rings within a 30-day time frame, provides me with a sense of balance.
John Cohlan, co-founder, Margaritaville: Regardless of the pandemic, my professional goal remains the same – to continue to build a hospitality business that provides unique lifestyle experiences for guests and consumers and is a fulfilling place to work, develop and grow for our Margaritaville team. This goal has been a bit more challenging to achieve given the current situation and new measures in place, but our successes and flexibility to maintain and spread the Margaritaville state of mind make it all the more rewarding.
Tierney: Sheltering in place has kick-started a new routine for me – walks and bike rides with my daughter have been a warm welcome to my usual travel routine. I’ve also starting listening to meditation content on Headspace. As part of Hyatt’s collaboration with Headspace that launched this earlier this year, Hyatt employees have access to a complimentary subscription, and it’s been exciting to learn about meditation and try something new for my own wellbeing.
H: Since the onset of COVID-19, who have you talked to for direction and assurances in your career?
Silcock: Our weekly executive committee meeting has been incredibly valuable to stay connected with my boss, Chris Nassetta, and my colleagues. I have known and worked with some members of our executive committee for a long time, and I rely on them to stay grounded, focused and motivated. Since we have been physically apart for so long, I’ve found those strong relationships to be more important than ever.
Danica Boyd, formerly head of Wyndham Garden brand: I am so fortunate to be part of the Castell Alumni (castellproject.org), where we have met monthly to share best practices, connect on industry leading initiatives, share our successes and hardships, all while finding strength in navigating these times with a strong mind and a compassionate heart.
I also have many former leaders that I admire and am inspired by, former bosses that I have connected with along the way, including Keith Pierce, managing principal at Passionality Group, and Annmarie Fairweather, vice president of talent at A.J. O’Connor. Their guidance and affirmation were heartfelt and helped drive me to a new career path.