David Kong, Dorothy Dowling, Rachel Humphrey, Lan Elliott

It's Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast

Education EN ↓ 303 episodes

At It’s Personal Stories, A Hospitality Podcast, we believe that leadership is shaped as much by setbacks and self-doubt as by achievements and accolades. That’s why we go beyond titles and résumés to uncover the personal journeys of hospitality leaders—the moments of vulnerability, resilience, and courage that define true success. Since 2022, our mission has been to empower the next generation of leaders by sharing unfiltered stories of growth from across the industry. With more than 250 interviews and counting, we’ve built a library of candid conversations that reveal not only strategies fo...

Author

David Kong, Dorothy Dowling, Rachel Humphrey, Lan Elliott

Episodes

Keith Barr, Former Global CEO, IHG Hotels & Resorts, interviewed by David Kong 11.01.2023 31:43

In this episode, Keith Barr, the former Global CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts shares, IHG's 10 year "Journey to Tomorrow" plan and strategies in implementing ESG and DEI initiatives globally. Keith offers advice on finding mentors/advocates, and how to overcome challenges in one's career progression. We also discussed Keith's transition from Bristol Hotels and how he dist...

Gilda Perez-Alvarado, CEO, Orient Express & Group Chief Strategy Officer, Accor, interviewed by David Kong 11.01.2023 38:00

In this episode, Gilda shares contributing factors to her success. She discusses the importance of building a network, and finding mentors and advocates. She also talks abut the required skills and qualities of great leaders. Managing a hectic job and the needs of a young child can be daunting. Gilda offers her advice for working moms. We also have a frank conversation about the lack of women and...

Radhika Papandreou, President of North America, Korn Ferry, interviewed by David Kong Korn Ferry, interviewed by David Kong 10.01.2023 32:34

In this episode, Radhika shares recent trends and provides helpful tips to prepare for interviews. Radhika also offers advice to women and minorities with high career aspirations on building a network, finding champions/mentors, improving and broadening skill set, taking calculated risks and being positive.