Empowering Hospitality Leaders: Insights from Sommet Education

In Conversation With Ms. Daniela Cassini, Global Head of Business Solutions, Training and Talent Development, Sommet Education

How are human-centered leadership and empathy-driven management emerging as core skills for the future workforce?

Human-centered leadership and empathy-driven management are becoming vital as hospitality players emphasize well-being, inclusivity, and resilience. As customers' preferences evolve, leaders must gain a comprehensive understanding of emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and the human impact of decisions. Empathy nurtures trust, collaboration, and psychological safety, which are essential for innovation and retention.

Hence, future leaders will have to strike a balance between performance and compassion, designing environments where employees feel valued and motivated.

How are leadership learning models being reimagined for the AI era, and what lessons can be drawn from the world’s best hospitality schools?

Leadership learning models are being redefined to accommodate AI-driven insights, adaptive technologies, and personalized learning frameworks. The digital age, dominated by AI, demands leaders with a strategic combination of technological prowess and human-centric decision-making. In this regard, state of the art hospitality schools like Les Roches and Glion integrate experiential learning, cultural intelligence, and service excellence in their programs to foster distinctive and timeless hospitality leaders. These institutions also lay extensive emphasis on harnessing the potential of AI responsibly, along with the human touch that defines exceptional leadership in hospitality and beyond.

What role do continuous learning frameworks play in driving employee engagement, agility, and retention within the hospitality sector?

Continuous learning frameworks are crucial for driving engagement, agility, and retention in hospitality. The hospitality sector is highly dynamic with continuously evolving customer expectations. Continuous learning allows employees to acclimate to new technologies, service standards, and cultural trends. Additionally, it also promotes a growth mindset, reducing turnover and enhancing loyalty. By embracing micro-learning, mentorship, and experiential programs, hospitality organizations can lay the foundation for career advancement and innovation.

How can mentorship empower women in leadership to make a lasting organizational impact?

Mentorship is a powerful tool for empowering women in leadership, offering guidance, confidence-building, and access to networks. In hospitality, where diversity enhances

creativity and guest experience, empowering women contributes to balanced decision-making and inclusive cultures. In this regard, structured mentorship programs allow women to navigate challenges, cultivate strategic skills, and ensure more significant participation in leadership forums.

Sommet Education Business Solutions prioritizes mentorship as part of its leadership development initiatives, creating environments where all individuals, discarding of their gender, can thrive and make lasting organizational impact driven by talent.

How do Sommet Education Business Solutions' bespoke learning programs help upskill leaders and enhance both customer and employee satisfaction?

Sommet Education Business Solutions offers bespoke learning programs that include a combination of academic excellence from world-class hospitality schools with practical, industry-specific insights. These programs are customized to the objectives of the organization, emphasizing leadership agility, emotional intelligence, and service excellence. They improve engagement, reduce turnover, and drive brand loyalty, creating immense value for employees, customers, and stakeholders.