Karen Baines FCIM’s Post

As we approach the end of #womenshistorymonth, we'll be highlighting one more very special woman working on The San Francisco Peninsula! Adora Manalo works at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto as the General Manager. We had the chance to catch up with her and ask about her approach to work. Q: Can you describe your current position and responsibilities at the Four Seasons? A: As the General Manager of the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley, I'm responsible for the oversight of the Hotel, Operations and a team of 200 employees Q: How did your career path get you to where you are today? A: I began my career managing luxury condominiums which allowed me to understand the expectations of owners and providing exceptional service. This same philosophy transcends to luxury hospitality and providing exceptional experiences for guests. Q: Did you have a mentor who guided you in your early career? If so, what kind of help did they give you? A: I did not have one specific mentor but several individuals that have supported me and provided guidance throughout my career. They continued to encourage me to try new things and saw strengths in me that I did not immediately recognize. Q: As a woman and/or person of color, do you feel your experience has been different than that of your male peers in hospitality? Other industries in your career? If so, how? A: As a woman of color, I have always felt supported and encouraged by colleagues and supervisors, especially in Four Seasons. The difference that I experience is when guests meet me for the first time. There is sometimes a bit of surprise expression on their face, but it is often a pleasant surprise. Q: Is there anyone you’d like to highlight as an inspiration to you? A: My mother inspires me. Her accomplishments in moving to a new country with young children, raising a family/always being present and carving out a career for herself are inspiring. Q: Do you have any advice for young women who are looking to pursue a career similar to yours? A: Be fearless! It’s a no if you don’t try. Pursue your passions and go for it! There is nothing holding you back except yourself. Cherish your relationships with other women – there is space for all of our crowns on the shelf. Thank you very much for all you do, Adora! :)

💡You need two things to create a company culture that people love to be a part of. Great people and leadership that invests resources to support those people. Universal has both. One of Universal’s values is “We are team players,” and I have to say—in just this past month, I already feel part of the team in a way I have never experienced before. Everybody has been so genuinely welcoming, and it is apparent that TMs take this value to heart. Yesterday, I was invited to attend a new hire ice cream social, and whenever I asked a tenured Team Member, “what has kept you here?” the answer was always (ALWAYS)—“the people.” I’ve also never worked for a company that prioritizes “fun” as one of their key values—and leadership has demonstrated in just my first month that they dedicate company time and resources to create an environment that fosters camaraderie. A lot of companies have values—but values are just words on a page if you don’t have people who bring them to life. 🎉 A huge thanks and shoutout to the committees that put these events together! We are grateful for your dedication. 👋 If I haven’t met you yet, please say hi and let me know where you work! I hope our paths cross soon. 📸: Fun fact, Adam Swiatek (pictured here), is not only at EVERY Team Member event, but we also share 4 out of 5 Clifton Strengths! Give him a follow for all things fun at Universal Orlando! #uotm #uotmpride #uotmlife #companyculture #universaljobs #marketing #caitcomms #values #hybridjobs #universalorlando

4 days in at Mo and here is my experience on how they created a sense of belonging for me in just 4 days. 💬 Day 1 - Welcome gifs and messages from employees across all departments. All of my needs and concerns taken care of by Lily. 📩 An intro to the team to share experiences and bond, with Harriet and Alice and see all the good work they’ve been up to. 👏 1:1 with the Head of Strategy and Operations Mark to introduce me to where I can find everything I need. ♟️ A chat with the CEO Luke to understand the vision of the company and where I fit in. 👀 Day 2 - Future of Work Europe event from M-Media Events with Luke and Oliver Thomas. Empowering me to understand more about the product, what we offer and to who, whilst meeting a range of clients and prospects. 📈 Event drinks and dinner with a casual chat, getting to know the team, partners, prospects and customers, telling and listening to stories. 🥂 Celebrating Craig Burns’ birthday, digitally, despite not meeting each other yet. 🎂 Day 3 - Watching Luke Fisher on stage discussing how to turn the vision for your culture into the reality of your employee experience. 🎤 Day 4 - Received this amazing advent calendar in the post from Mo, and also getting to see others receive theirs and have conversations and ice-breakers about it. 🗓️ I feel like I belong. How incredible is that. After 4 days… 😮 #belongingatwork #adventcalendar #futureofwork

Black Diamond proudly presents our May 2024 Employee of the Month, Brian Kent on this #SpotlightSaturday! Congratulations to Brian for his third year as our skilled IT Assistant! Brian has played an integral part in supporting our Black Diamond team by ensuring our IT systems are consistently available and reliable. His dedication to his role enables Black Diamond to run smoothly behind the scenes and in the field. Continue reading to get to know and appreciate him the way we do! Q: What’s a fun fact about yourself that many people may not know about you? 🥝 I lived in New Zealand for two years. This was before “Lord of the Rings” was filmed, so no, I didn’t get to see any of the sets. You won’t believe how many times I’ve been asked that question! Q: Can you share a piece of advice or a lesson you've learned in your career that has stuck with you? 🏆 “There’s no I in team,” so we succeed and fail together. If you’re unsure about something, always ask! It’s important to work together to solve a problem before it becomes a larger one. Q: What are your interests or hobbies? 📷 I really enjoy photography - specifically city life and natural life. Time lapses and panoramas are two of my favorite techniques for capturing a beautiful moment in time. Q: How do you handle challenges and setbacks at work to overcome those obstacles? 🔍 Whenever I encounter a challenge, I look at things analytically and approach the situation step by step. Giving myself a clear framework for getting from point A to point B is key to helping me solve a problem. Congratulations again Brian - and thank you for everything you do to keep the IT systems running smoothly for our entire Black Diamond team! To learn more about our skilled Team visit https://lnkd.in/g5t9wiAz #SpotlightSaturday #BlackDiamondLandscape #OfficeMVP #EmployeeoftheMonth #employeeappreciation #AllStarEmployee

This year’s Out & Equal Workplace Summit was held last week at Walt Disney World Orlando and it was an amazing experience. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ I was lucky enough to attend, representing the UKI Uber Eats team, and it was incredible to connect with colleagues (now friends) from all over the globe, sharing stories, and learning from inspiring leaders in the diversity and inclusion space. 🌍🤝 What I’ve learned is that meaningful connections and open communication, lie at the heart of progress. It’s about fostering a workplace culture where everyone feels valued, regardless of their background. It’s about creating an environment where authenticity is celebrated and stories are shared. 💼 Diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s our strength. 💪 Together, through these meaningful connections and the interactions we share, we can make strides towards more inclusive workplaces. 🏢 Let’s keep the conversations going, keep challenging the status quo, and keep working towards a world where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. 🌈 In today’s world, face-to-face social events provide the invaluable opportunity to forge deeper connections and share experiences. Let’s leverage these gatherings to unlock even more opportunities for inclusivity and change. 🔗 Thank you to everyone who made this summit a memorable one. 🙏 #OutAndEqual #DiversityandInclusion #InclusivityMatters #ReflectAndLearn #LifeAtUber #OESummit23 #WeAre Travis Millspaugh Bryan De Jesus Ry Mealer Kelsey Pipitone, MBA Milan Dragojević Andrea Vallada Betty Alzamora Cameron Loughlin Christine Stout Michael Makris Julian Musson Katharine Palmer Umar Salahuddin Zaid Al Mahasneh Llewellyn G. Hector Castruita Dan Greenberg George de Lucena Jack Leitch Christine Anne Mabini

I don't know about you, but as we head into the last half of December, I find myself immersed in a unique blend of reflection and anticipation. December is not just a time for festivities but a crucial period for contemplation and celebration. Here are some of the things I'm doing and hope you are too! 🔍 Reflect - take time to analyze our wins, learn from the challenges, and appreciate the resilience and dedication that brought us to where we are today. It's a chance to acknowledge each team member's contribution, fostering a culture of gratitude and camaraderie. 🚀 Look to the Future - this time of year is also about setting the stage for the upcoming year. I immerse myself in reviewing the strategic plan and making sure I can start the year laser focused on areas for growth, innovation, and improvement. This will help us start the year with a shared vision for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. 🎊 Celebrate Together - amidst the strategic discussions, we make sure to celebrate the holiday spirit as a close-knit team. This year those of us able to, spent a day together in Atlanta doing various activities and culminating in Cirque du Soleil ECHO. Whether big or small, celebrating together fosters a positive and joyful atmosphere. After all, our successes are as much about the journey along the way as they are about the destination. 🌐 Connect - in the digital age, December is also a time to connect with our clients, partners, and industry peers. Sending out warm wishes, expressing gratitude for collaborative endeavors, and extending a hand of goodwill strengthens our professional relationships and builds a sense of community within the tech industry. 🌈 Embrace Innovation - December is a moment to embrace change and innovation. As we bid farewell to the current year, we eagerly anticipate the technological advancements and industry shifts that the new year will bring. Remaining agile and adaptable ensures that our firm continues to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of technology consulting. Here's to a December filled with reflection, strategic planning, celebration, and a shared anticipation for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead! Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year! 🎉 #Leadership #Innovation #TeamSpirit #YearEndReflection #TechInnovation #DecemberReflections

As we gear up for the company holiday party season, consider pondering a crucial aspect of event planning — the delicate dance between purpose + celebration. ° Purpose Matters ° Our gatherings are more than just festivities; they are a reflection of your company's ethos. How do we ensure the event aligns with our mission + values ? ° Joyful Atmosphere ° Yet, we're also here to revel in the spirit of the season + celebrate the incredible journey we've had together. How can we infuse the atmosphere with contagious joy, ensuring everyone leaves with a heart full of holiday spirit ? I believe in the power of collective wisdom. Any experiences or ideas that turned a company bash into a purposeful + joyful memory ? #CompanyCulture #CelebrationAndPurpose #TogetherWeCelebrate Looking forward to connecting + to what we'll create together in the future !

Picture this: A corporate Christmas event, unlike any other. Instead of the classic Secret Santa, imagine an event that fosters team spirit and elevates company culture. Let's rethink the traditional corporate Christmas event. What if we used this opportunity to show our team members that we value their individual talents and contributions? For starters, we could have a 'Talent Showcase' where they get to display skills outside their job descriptions. Picture your IT guy strumming a guitar, or your HR manager dazzling us with a magic trick. It's about creating a platform for employees to express themselves, and in turn, foster a sense of belonging. Let's redefine the festive feast. Instead of a lavish spread, let's organize a 'Multi-cultural Potluck' where everyone brings a dish from their native place. It could be a beautiful expression of diversity and unity. Remember, a corporate Christmas event is not just about celebrating the season, it's about celebrating the people who make your organization what it is. Let's start a conversation. Share your ideas on how you would like to revamp your corporate Christmas event. http://crown-events.uk #corporatechristmas #holidayevent #teamspirit #companyculture #talentshowcase #individualcontributions #kindnessexchange #employeeexpression #fosterbelonging #multiculturalpotluck #diversityandunity #holidaycelebration #seasonsgreetings #corporatetraditions #employeeengagement

"Have you ever felt like an outsider in your own industry? I have. As a young professional in the hospitality industry, I often found myself as the only woman in a room full of men. It was intimidating and isolating. But it also fueled my passion for diversity and inclusion. Fast forward to today, I am proud to say that I've been able to use my position to advocate for more inclusive practices in our industry. We've made strides, but there's still a long way to go. Diversity and inclusion aren't just buzzwords. They're the new frontiers for leadership in the hospitality industry. A diverse workforce brings a wealth of ideas, perspectives, and experiences that can drive innovation and improve customer service. Inclusion, on the other hand, ensures that everyone feels valued and heard. It fosters a sense of belonging, which can boost morale and productivity. But how can we, as leaders, foster diversity and inclusion? It starts with us. We need to challenge our biases, be open to different perspectives, and create a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. I invite you to join me in this journey. Let's challenge the status quo and pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive hospitality industry. What steps are you taking to foster diversity and inclusion in your organization? I'd love to hear your thoughts. #DiversityInHospitality #InclusiveLeadership #ChangeTheStatusQuo