Persuasion is one of the most valuable skills a leader can master. It is not about winning arguments or dominating conversations, but about inspiring confidence, building trust, and creating alignment. Leaders from It’s Personal Stories shared their experiences and advice on becoming more persuasive in business and in life.
Build Trust Through Consistency
Rosanna Maietta, CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Foundation, shared: “You can’t persuade anyone if they don’t trust you first. Consistency in how you show up and how you treat people makes your voice more powerful.” Trust, she reminds us, is the true foundation of influence.
Listen First, Then Speak
Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, stressed that persuasion is grounded in listening: “You can’t persuade anyone if you don’t understand where they’re coming from. Listening is half the battle.” By showing respect for others’ perspectives through active listening, leaders build the trust needed to influence outcomes.
Tell Stories, Not Just Facts
Anthony Melchiorri, host of Hotel Impossible, observed: “People remember stories, not data points. If you want to move someone, tie your point to a story they can feel.” Emotional connection often proves more powerful than logic alone. Emotions compel action!
Clarity Over Complexity
Rachel Humphrey, co-founder of It’s Personal Stories and Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance, explained: “Early in my career, I thought more was better. But I learned that clarity persuades far more than complexity.” Clear, concise communication makes messages accessible and memorable.
Confidence without Arrogance
Mike Deitemeyer, EVP of Rockbridge Holdings and chairman of ZaZa Hotels & Resorts, shared: “Persuasion is about conviction, not ego. If you speak with confidence but remain open to others, people are more likely to follow you.” Confidence balanced with humility creates an inviting, rather than intimidating, presence.
Persistence Pays Off
Jagruti Panwala, past chair of AAHOA and CEO of Wealth Protection Strategies, reminded us that persuasion is rarely instant: “Sometimes it takes several conversations for people to come around. Don’t give up too quickly — persistence often makes the difference.” Patience and consistency help leaders win support over time.
Closing Thought
Persuasion is not a single skill but a combination of trust, empathy, storytelling, clarity, confidence, and persistence. As these hospitality leaders remind us, it is less about convincing and more about connecting. By building trust, speaking authentically, and staying the course, leaders can not only persuade others but also inspire them to act.
It’s Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast showcases the inspiring journeys of leaders across the hospitality industry, empowering listeners with actionable insights for personal and professional success. With a library of over 250 episodes, the podcast features candid advice and stories from C-Suite executives, educators, life coaches, best-selling authors, and other influential voices in the field. Launched in 2022 by industry veterans David Kong, Dorothy Dowling, Rachel Humphrey, Lan Elliott and Huilian Duan, It’s Personal Stories has earned recognition as a top hospitality podcast by the International Hospitality Institute every year since its debut. Discover these powerful stories and more at www.itspersonalstories.com.