Ace Hotel / Atelier Ace

This just in from our team in Sydney! Since Camilo Finlez joined the team, he has brought incredible energy to everyone around him, including me. His enthusiasm is contagious, creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere. Camilo's confidence in who he is has been truly inspiring, and he encourages others to be their authentic selves and celebrate their unique qualities without hesitation. -Erika Cacha Front Office Manager. In today’s global environment, what qualities do you think define a truly inclusive leader? In my honest opinion an inclusive leader prefers to prioritize the authenticity and psychological safety of his team. Inclusion can be reflected when people feel free to express themselves and be themselves. On the other hand, a good inclusive leader should have the curiosity to learn new things, educate himself as much as possible on inclusion issues, and be able to question certain structures instead of blindly following rules. What’s an exciting project you’re currently involved in, and how does it connect to your personal interests? My main goals right now are to keep learning more about who I am as a person, advance my career in the hospitality sector, and absorb as much knowledge as I can while living overseas. My interests as an immigrant in a new nation include primarily exploring new places, experiencing and learning as much as I can about differently cultures, and striking a balance between my personal and professional life. Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you? I could say that one of the few traditions we preserve as a family is celebrating our birthdays together as much as possible, enjoying those delicious homemade meals are part of my most precious memories. As I mentioned before, being away from my family, a tradition could be to maintain constant communication via Face-time, keeping each other informed about our lives weekly is another of our traditions. With respect to Pride Month, what book/film/podcast/artwork/etc. that resonates with the LGBTQIA+ experiences and why is it impactful? When I was a teenager, I watched my first LGBTQIA+ film, Brokeback Mountain, which had a profound effect on me. It was a harsh reality check that illustrated how members of our community are mistreated, harassed, and in some cases, unjustly killed because of who they are. Though much progress has been made in the area of rights, I feel that, in light of this film, there is still more work to be done. How does Ace differ from other companies you've worked for? What I appreciate most about belonging to the Ace Hotel Sydney team is that in some way they have managed to celebrate and enhance our differences, I love the way in which together as a team we celebrate the diversity of our personalities, they make me feel that it is okay to be who I am. Working at Ace feels like working with a beautiful little family that works and helps each other inside and outside of our workplace.

Sharing our final Pride Spotlight, we bring you Kassandra Jackson. Kasey's thoughtful contributions and support have made a significant impact on the Kyoto HR office. - Victor Simmons (He/Him/His)   What’s an exciting project you’re currently involved in, and how does it connect to your personal interests? For this year’s April intake of new grads, we took a completely new approach to their onboarding and training as compared to previous years. In developing this new training plan, one of my main priorities was creating opportunities for the new grads to connect with each other, with the existing Ace members, and with the broader community. Human connection is such an essential part of what we do, so implementing that as a central goal was both challenging and, now seeing the results towards the end of that training period, incredibly rewarding.   What strategies do you use to maintain a healthy balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life? For me, clear boundaries and giving my mind a break are the keys to maintaining a good work-life balance. So, unless there’s something that will unfold into disaster without my immediate attention, I don’t check emails on my days off, and I trust that the team will call me if there’s something they really need. Outside of work, I intentionally set time aside to spend with family, friends, and for my hobbies.   Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you? I’m the eldest of three siblings and my mum is a single parent, so we didn’t always get a lot of one-on-one time. But, every year on each of our birthdays, she would let us take the day off school and spend the entire day together hanging out, having treats, just the two of us. Even though it’s not something we do any more (although I still make every effort to take my birthday off), it was special to me, and I often think about it.   With respect to Pride Month, what book/film/podcast/artwork/etc. that resonates with the LGBTQIA+ experiences and why is it impactful? I appreciate how shows like Brooklyn 99, Sex Education, even Bridgerton, portray LGBTQIA+ characters. They’re dimensional, complex, and interesting. While some of the storylines do focus on themes specifically related to sexuality, they come up naturally and aren’t the character’s entire personality. I think it’s just good for everyone to see representation like that – of queer people just being people. Also, I absolutely love fantasy books, so if anyone has recommendations for books featuring queer characters, magic, and dragons, I’d love to hear them!   How does Ace differ from other companies you've worked for? I feel like Ace takes action in line with the company values. Both public and internal events and initiatives reflect the importance placed on inclusivity, collaboration, a love of art and culture and music. That hasn’t always been the case in other companies I've worked at, and it’s also what drew me to Ace in the first place.

Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens seeks kind, curious and industrious humans to join our family. Opening soon on the Athenian Riviera, our first-ever Greek home weaves the golden-age allure of Glyfada with the ever-evolving culture of now. All we need is you. Sound good? Send your CV and the positions you're interested in to hr.ath@acehotel.com.

We stan Paulie ❤️

"It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Michael P. Quart. Their passion for creating memorable experiences and their dedication to inclusivity and authenticity truly shines through in everything they do. MPQ is an invaluable asset to our team and embodies the very essence of what makes Ace Hotel Toronto a unique and welcoming place." - George Sovatzis What inspired you to work in hospitality? My innate love for connecting with people, my passion for creating memorable experiences, and the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the hospitality industry all excite and motivate me, which are what have brought me back into hospitality on multiple occasions throughout my 22+ years in HR.   In today’s global environment, what qualities do you think define a truly inclusive leader? Adaptability (situations, people and perspectives), Advocacy/Allyship (both during positive times and times of change management), Collaboration (cannot accomplish anything alone) and Passion (sustains ongoing commitment to change) What’s an exciting project you’re currently involved in, and how does it connect to your personal interests? Currently property shopping, as we have decided to move away from having vast country space to a property size that will require much less time to maintain (while still being enjoyable for green thumbs and entertaining). What strategies do you use to maintain a healthy balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life? Live in the moment when I can; without dwelling on the times I cannot. I accept that there will always be give and take opportunities for me in both worlds (personal and professional), while maybe just not always at the same time. Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you? Family dinners (even if late in the evening) are non-negotiable when I'm home.  Since I am often away from home for long periods during work days, we utilize this time (family dinners) as a means of catching up and connecting.  No TV and/or no mobile devices allowed! With respect to Pride Month, what book/film/podcast/artwork/etc. that resonates with the LGBTQIA+ experiences and why is it impactful? Book: Pride Colors (as well as other books) by Canadian author Robin Stevenson, who writes for kids and teens. As a parent myself, I do believe that reading is not only an exercise for the mind, it also helps kids by: finding calmness and relaxation, opens doors to new knowledge in-order to enlighten their spirits and minds, as well as assists with the development of better cognitive and social skills. How does Ace differ from other companies you've worked for? Authenticity of self and inclusivity are celebrated both FOH and BOH at Ace Hotel, without exceptions.  In my many years of professional experience, sadly ,far too often corporate messaging of authenticity and inclusivity are beautifully branded and Marketed; however, not always an accurate reality of what transpires in the workplace.

"There really is no one like Samuel Laurence. His positive, creative energy is truly infectious, and you can't help but always be excited to collaborate with him. He is a perfect example of what Ace is all about."- Michael Bubba Rowan What inspired you to work in hospitality? My initial jump into hospitality was to save some extra cash before moving from Australia to the US in 2014. Once stateside, I initially worked at a boutique on Sunset Blvd, which coincidentally neighbored the Standard Hotel. Lunch breaks by the pool turned into drinks after work, which led to making friends with the team and eventually working the door for the club and pool. Moving to LA with nothing but a suitcase and a very exhausted bank account, hospitality has given me a family, a community and exposure to worlds one could have only ever dreamed of. In today’s global environment, what qualities do you think define a truly inclusive leader? It's tricky— that's the first part- and it's also not one size fits all. If you had to pick one quality, it would be empathy. But again, it's tricky. If you're too empathetic as a leader, nothing will get done, but if you have none at all, you won't be able to connect with your team and understand their issues. What’s an exciting project you’re currently involved in, and how does it connect to your personal interests? Currently, I am working on streamlining many of the digital elements for our Sydney location. This involves filing, naming, exporting, and formatting many of the existing digital tools we use on site. What strategies do you use to maintain a healthy balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life? There is no one-size-fits-all solution for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The first step is setting boundaries, both personal and professional. Don’t mix them up; they may waver and cross over here and there, but keep them separate. Boundaries are our force fields. Stand firm in your identity and never allow anyone to chip away at it. Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you? Growing up in a Caucasian Australian family, traditions weren't something we celebrated much, which is probably for the best as many of white Australia's traditions are rooted in colonization. However, French toast, American bacon, and a glass or two of bubbles on Christmas morning was always a highlight. With respect to Pride Month, what book/film/podcast/artwork/etc. resonates with the LGBTQIA+ experiences and why is it impactful? Harvey Milk. Tom of Finland. Marsha P. Johnson. Paris is Burning. Keith Haring. Pink Flamingos and everything John Waters/Divine. Pink Narcissus and everything James Bidgood. Rocky Horror Picture Show. Galliano, Tom Ford, and Gaultier forever. How does Ace differ from other companies you've worked for? Ace is a real melting pot. Different cultures and different ideas meeting at a singular point, sharing the space so everyone has a seat at the table.

APID Heritage Month Spotlight – Jason Wang Ace Hotel Toronto Jason has been with Ace Hotel Toronto since January 2023, and in the last year they have professionally grown from Senior Line Cook to Senior Sous Chef. Their passion, talent, and team spirit make our kitchen a better place, and we're grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside them." - Michael P. Quart What inspired you to work in hospitality? My inspiration to work in hospitality stems from a combination of my cultural upbringing and a genuine passion for creating memorable experiences for others. Growing up in China, I was immersed in a culture that values hospitality and the art of bringing people together over food. What’s an exciting project you’re currently involved in, and how does it connect to your cultural background or personal interests? Currently, I'm involved in developing a menu that highlights the diverse culinary traditions of Toronto while incorporating elements of my Chinese heritage. This project allows me to showcase my cultural background through the flavors, ingredients, and techniques that I infuse into the dishes. By blending traditional Chinese cuisine with local ingredients and innovative approaches, I'm able to create a dining experience that celebrates both my cultural heritage and the multicultural fabric of the city. Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you? One tradition that holds special importance to me is the practice of gathering with family for meals during important holidays and celebrations. Whether it's Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, or other significant occasions, coming together to share traditional dishes and exchange stories strengthens our familial bonds and keeps us connected to our cultural heritage. These moments of togetherness and tradition are cherished memories that I hold dear. With respect to APID Heritage Month, what book/film/podcast/artwork/etc. resonates with your cultural experiences and why is it impactful? One piece of artwork that resonates with me is the film "Eat Drink Man Woman " directed by Ang Lee. As a Chinese immigrant living in Canada, this film holds particular significance for me due to its exploration of family dynamics, cultural traditions, and the role of food in bringing people together. How does Ace differ from other companies you've worked for? Ace Hotel stands out for its commitment to fostering a culture of creativity, authenticity, and community. Unlike other companies I've worked for, Ace values individuality and encourages employees to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table. The emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability, and local engagement resonates with my values and personal interests, making Ace a truly inspiring and rewarding place to work. Additionally, the supportive team environment and opportunities for growth and development set Ace apart as a company that truly invests in its employees' success and well-being.

Work can be a beautiful thing when done beautifully, and it's a lot more fun done together than apart. Now all we need is you. Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens seeks kind, curious and industrious humans to join our family! To find out about specific positions currently posted please visit https://lnkd.in/e772se3Z. Candidates will be contacted for an interview and need to be eligible to work in Greece. I am super excited that Maria Vesleme has joined or team and is leading our recruiting efforts.

Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens opens late summer 2024 but you can book a room now. We made sure to fill it to the brim with that fabled Greek light — it’s your place in the sun.