What are some of the most game-changing consumer trends you’ve observed during your career in hospitality?
Over the years I’ve observed a variety of game-changing trends, including initiatives that my operations teams have developed and cultivated – from surf contests in the Maldives to artisan night markets on O‘ahu.

In Beijing, my team activated a pop-up concept long before pop-ups were on trend. The pop-up was the first of its kind in the area. It was located in the lobby and focused on high end local art and design exhibitions. The premier location captured guest engagement, created interest and brought the community into the hotel to shop and mingle.

Like the pop-up, each of these game-changing activations allowed guests to enjoy an immersive experience and one that allowed them to truly connect – either by surfing with a professional surfer, learning the tradition and art of lauhala weaving with a local artisan or creating their very own masterpiece with a popular artist. These types of trends are highly curated experiences, not typically accessible to the public, yet in my hotel’s case, each were presented in a very organic, inviting and natural setting.

What’s your strategy for staying relevant in the marketplace? What strategies are you utilizing to stay ahead of the curve?
For Mauna Lani, our team is committed to building the best-loved resort in Hawai‘i. To do so, it is about creating an emotional connection – to the place, to the people, to the memories, but in a very approachable and organic style. Experiential programs and events are a key strategy for engaging with guests and developing these connections through bespoke experiences. For example, our team is developing a collection of special events to showcase Hawai‘i’s diverse and thriving cultural scene – from practitioners to farmers, and master chefs to artisans, which will allow visitors to discover a myriad of new experiences relating to Hawai‘i and the Pacific, weaving together traditions of the past with a modern spin in a highly curated and intimate setting.

What does it take to be an effective leader? How would you describe your leadership style?
As a leader, it takes diversity, passion, intelligence and drive to enrich society and inspire those around you. In the hospitality industry, our goal is to deliver exceptional guest experiences and programs to enhance and exceed expectations. To do so, it takes innovation, creativity, collaboration and more so than not, leadership is about taking risks to achieve groundbreaking results.
My own leadership style encompasses a few simple, yet profound practices – be kind, be thoughtful and most of all – be loyal. This, combined with the ability to delegate, communicate effectively, and one of my favorites – inspire, are integral to my own daily leadership practices

After last year’s Kılauea eruption, how has the tourism on Hawai‘i island been affected? Have any of the rebranding decisions been influenced by that?
Tourism is an integral part of Hawai‘i’s thriving economy and a primary source of employment for many of the state’s residents. Here on Hawai‘i island, business is continuing to thrive and is coming back strong. With the opening of Mauna Lani, it will generate substantial growth and economic benefits for current and future generations, all the while introducing a new style of luxury to Hawai‘i island. We look forward to welcoming back visitors to our beautiful destination and most importantly, welcoming guests to Mauna Lani to begin an extraordinary journey with us.