The Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) kicked off in Adelaide on Tuesday May 6 with the fourth edition of the Future Leaders Forum, presented by Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School.
The under-35s leadership event drew a crowd of over 150 to network with peers, discuss career challenges and hear from industry stalwarts.
The opening interactive session opened with Accor’s Nick Lockyer and Michelle Bradshaw discussing how to recognise an upcoming leader and what characteristics they possess. Bradshaw revealed that a lack of obvious ego and a sense of vulnerability is a good indicator. Would that young person be able to achieve positive outcomes in a collective environment – or are they predisposed to operating in a “silo”?
Furthermore, spending quality time with quality people, whether at work or home, is an environment conducive to advancement.
Next, Taylor O’Brien from Accor hosted a panel investigating opportunities in property and development where a select group of young achievers shared their experience in the industry.
IHG’s Anna Church was quick to point out an open mind was crucial, recognising that new environments are neither good nor bad, just different. Chris Boyd from JLL stressed that wide experience, especially international, helped to develop one’s character and enhance employability.
Hannah Rose from Knight Frank, emphasised being conversant with emerging technologies like AI is important in the industry, but maintaining an individual’s core skills at least equally important.
Taylor’s takeaway was don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable, it will always expand your capabilities.
Nicole Burg announced the opening of Young Hotel Leaders (YHL) in Melbourne and invited delegates to participate.
A fun quiz revealed the room’s knowledge (or lack thereof) of current hospitality affairs.
Nicole Burg from La Vie Hotels interviewed Voyages CEO, Matthew Cameron-Smith, about his rise through the ranks to gleen some pearls of wisdom.
When asked about his desire to be a leader, Cameron-Smith revealed he wasn’t particularly conscious of his ambition but acknowledged it was a matter of staying curious and to keep going.
Beyond that he stressed being an active part of the community, especially when operating regionally.
Nick Hill from CBRE convened a panel of hotel heavy hitters to round off the day’s sessions and gain some insight into the outlook for 2025 and beyond, and how young executives can respond and make the most of sometimes uncertain forces.
Mulpha’s Patrick Lonergan encouraged rising stars to continue to explore opportunities by saying ‘yes’ to possibilities and leveraging pathways for personal and professional benefit.
AHICE regular, Lucia Grambalova from Hotel Capital Partners, reinforced that the policy of encouraging future leaders to not fear the uncomfortable and promote growth. And if you decide to say ‘no’ do it for the right reasons. She also stressed the need to be financially literate and confidently read P&L statements and balance sheets.
Steven Skarott from Salters drilled further, reminding the room of the benefit of ‘stretch roles’ and how such challenges are the key to growth.
Natasha Larkin, Accor’s HR supremo, encouraged candidates to keep resumes up to date and avoid sending full CVs for efficiency. She went on to alert the audience to the importance of developing a personal brand by including accurate and relevant work examples as well as some anecdotal talking points that can encourage conversation with prospective employers.
To conclude, the panel agreed that patience was a key skill in achieving long-term goals, with Steven Skarott offering the final take with “don’t let the pursuit of perfection get in the way of progress”.