Behind every great leader is a moment of clarity—a powerful piece of advice that shifts their mindset, sets a course, or simply grounds them during turbulent times. In our interviews with some of the most dynamic and respected voices in hospitality, one theme emerged with striking consistency: Everyone carries with them a moment of guidance they never forgot. This advice, often shared in passing, has become a compass for decision-making, personal development and leadership.
“You don’t need permission to do the right thing. Just do it.”
This piece of advice stuck with Dina Belon, president of Staypineapple. In a world of red tape and corporate protocol, this principle reminded her that values should drive action. For Belon, leadership isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about having the courage to act when something needs fixing, especially when no one else is stepping up.
“Be the dumbest person in the room.”
Jonathan Tisch, executive chairman of Loews Hotels, recounted a powerful truth shared with him early in his career: surround yourself with people who are smarter, more skilled, or more experienced in areas you are not. “You can’t be all things to all people. Surround yourself with the right team,” he said. That humility has helped him lead one of the most respected brands in hospitality. The best advice often reminds leaders that vulnerability and collaboration aren’t weaknesses—they’re strengths.
“Say yes, even if it scares you—especially if it scares you.”
Amy Vaxman, vice president at Questex [parent company of Hotel Management Magazine], received this advice from a mentor when she was hesitating over a career decision. That mindset propelled her to embrace roles outside her comfort zone—ultimately helping her grow in confidence and scope. It's a recurring theme among many leaders: the best opportunities often lie just on the other side of fear.
“Be bold, take risks and never settle.”
Mitch Patel, president and CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, was encouraged early in his career to pursue a bold vision—even when others didn’t see the path. “My father told me: If you’re going to do something, do it right. Take pride in it, even if it’s sweeping the floor.” That foundational lesson in self-respect and excellence gave Mitch the courage to walk away from a secure engineering career and follow his passion for hospitality. It reminds us that the best advice often starts at home and grows with us through every chapter of our careers.
“Career pathing builds loyalty.”
Kate Walsh, dean of Cornell’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, offered a lesson that’s particularly useful to those mentoring or managing young professionals. “Career pathing and communicating possibilities generate loyalty and retention.” The best advice she ever received—passed down through academic mentors—was to show people what’s possible before they even know how to ask for it. It’s helped her build future leaders with clarity and confidence.
“Make yourself valuable, and the doors will open.”
Nimesh Patel, general counsel at IHG, began his hospitality career by asking as many questions as he could, sitting down with someone new for lunch every day, and taking notes. “That’s how I learned,” he said. His mentors didn’t hand him answers—they offered the advice to stay curious and be useful. It’s a humble yet powerful formula that has taken him far.
Advice Becomes Legacy
The best advice ever received often becomes the best advice ever passed on. Hospitality leaders are shaped by the wisdom of others—sometimes from mentors, sometimes from family, and occasionally from unexpected moments. What’s clear is that these moments of guidance leave a lasting imprint, guiding how leaders show up, how they serve others, and how they rise during times of uncertainty.
Perhaps the ultimate takeaway is this: Never underestimate the power of a sentence. For someone on the cusp of change, that one line could be the very thing that shapes their leadership journey forever.
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.