Rupesh shares his journey and his secret to his tremendous success on social media. We discuss how his parents as immigrants have shaped him and the evolution in thinking from generation to generation. Rupesh also offers advice on dealing with setbacks and challenges, building networks and finding inspiration and passion.

Sylvia Douglin, Founder, Refined Training & Consulting, shares insights gained in her 20 years as a trainer, including what personal branding entails and why it’s important.  She also offers practical tips on how to ask for advice, how to speak up and share your ideas in a way that gets heard, and why learning how to write for business can further your career.  Sylvia explains the difference between a mentor and an advocate, how to select a mentor or advocate, how to develop those relationships, and discusses the significant differences in what diversity encompasses today.

Clara shares how she took a risk by leaving her corporate job to start her own business, eventually bringing $5 million of new event business to San Diego within 3 years, the challenges she had to overcome and the advice her mentors have offered her along the way.  She also discusses how she built her network and launched the Women in Tourism & Hospitality Conference to celebrate the achievements of women.

Craig shares his career journey and his learnings. He offers advice on embracing diversity and creating alignment based on his experience working in multiple countries. We discuss strategic agility and finding inspiration for innovation. He shares the best advice he has received and we discuss work life balance. He offers parting advice on personal empowerment.

Dr. Jeffrey O epitomizes the incredible career path which the hospitality industry provides - from front desk agent to CEO.  He shares why he felt he had a knack for leadership early on and how overcoming his hesitancy to delegate has been a main focus of his leadership development. He talks about why giving back is so fundamental to his mission, why diversity matters, and the importance of mentorship. And, he makes an exclusive offer to listeners of DEI Advisors for access to complimentary public speaking resources.

Michael shares the factors that contributed to his success plus the importance of intellectual curiosity.  He talks about the value of getting involved in industry groups and how public speaking helps to build your personal brand.  Michael shares his 3 steps for leading teams – and while the concepts are simple, he admits executing them is harder.  Finally, he shares advice for having a long and successful career.

Jeff Higley discusses how he discovered his aptitude for leadership at a young age and how a combination of both being his genuine self and knowing his stuff weaves through many of his leadership styles and successes. He shares how he tackles risks and how he works hard to develop skills needed for leadership which don't come as naturally to him. He also talks about his advice to his younger self and how loving what he does helps him manage work/life balance.

Cindy shares how she became an entrepreneur, founding three hospitality companies focused on data analytics and co-authoring over 10 industry books on topics related to the digital space and data analytics.  She discusses how advocates propelled her career forward, how she chooses the people who are part of her support system, and her approach to advocating for herself.  Cindy also advises people to determine what their strengths are and play to them, and the importance of a development plan.

Jagruti Panwala shares her journey from her childhood in India to the first Chairwoman in AAHOA’s then 30-year history. Jagruti also shares how she manages two careers and her family life, her reliance on her personal and professional support systems, her passion for the hospitality industry, and why she’s so involved with hospitality industry organizations. She also discusses how she overcomes negativity, builds her relationships and network through connecting with people, and how her desire for furthering her education and growth helps her achieve her goals.

Glenn shares his path from celebrity journalist to one of the industry's most recognizable faces as podcast host and public speaker.  He discusses how he builds relationships in an authentic way, why and how he overcame his fear of public speaking to make it his career, and how his daily podcast keeps him up to date on the industry.  Glenn also shares how he's built his personal brand, why he'd tell his younger self to stop worrying, and how he pivoted during the pandemic to forge a new path.