Developing Talent in Your Community with Juan Fernandez of 21c Museum Hotels

Hospitality Leaders - Interviews with hotel, event, and food service experts

English - October 25, 2021 17:00 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MB
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Previous Episode: Creating Memorable Guest Experiences with Leah Fields-Nester of Hyatt House

Next Episode: Finding and Keeping Top Leadership Talent with Mike Hogan of Marriott

On this episode of the Hospitality Leaders podcast, Juan Fernandez, general manager of 21c Nashville Museum hotel, joins me to talk about his lifelong career in the hospitality industry.

Juan’s career started when he was a boy. Growing up in Milwaukee, his family ran restaurants and bars, and he would go into work to help out however he could. He got into the Hilton manager training program while he was still in college, and was elevated to his first GM job at the age of 25.

When I ask Juan about the effect of the pandemic, he says the entire industry had to hit the reset button. The old mindset of moving GMs and other senior leadership from location to location had to be put on hold. That change might become permanent.

Juan is a big believer in developing talent in the community through involvement and volunteerism. Working in the hospitality industry means you’re already making customers happy, and those skills can be used to make a difference outside of work.

Work food drives. Help out at your local Boys & Girls Club. Help a disadvantaged family. You might meet young people who end up being your team members.

Resources

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