Behind every great leader is a moment of clarity, a piece of advice that shifted their mindset, reshaped their path, or grounded them during challenging times. In conversations with some of the hospitality industry’s most respected voices for It’s Personal Stories, one theme emerged with striking consistency: everyone carries a sentence, a saying, or a moment of guidance that becomes a lifelong compass. These are the ideas leaders return to when making high-stakes decisions, navigating uncertainty, or inspiring their teams. Their stories reveal that the best advice is often simple, but never small.

1. “You don’t need permission to do the right thing. Just do it.”

This guiding principle stayed with Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple, throughout her career. In an industry full of processes and protocols, she learned that values, not bureaucracy, should drive action. For Belon, leadership means stepping forward when something needs fixing, even if no one has asked you to. Her advice reminds us that courage is a form of service, and doing what’s right rarely requires approval.

2. “Be the dumbest person in the room.”

Jonathan Tisch, Executive Chairman of Loews Hotels, recalls receiving this early in his career. Rather than feeling threatened by others’ strengths, Tisch embraced the power of surrounding himself with people who excel in areas where he does not. “You can’t be all things to all people,” he said. This approach allowed him to build a respected brand and high-performing teams. True wisdom often begins with humility.

3. “Say yes, even if it scares you, especially if it scares you.”

When Amy Vaxman, Vice President at Questex, hesitated over a career transition  a mentor gave her this advice. It became a catalyst for growth. By saying yes to unfamiliar opportunities, she discovered new strengths, expanded her capabilities, and built confidence. Her experience echoes a common thread among leaders: fear often signals the beginning of something meaningful.

4. “Be bold, take risks, and never settle.”

Mitch Patel, President & CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, was taught early on to take pride in every task, “even if it’s sweeping the floor.” That mindset, instilled by his father, gave him the confidence to leave a secure engineering career and follow his passion for hospitality. His advice reminds us that boldness and excellence often begin at home, rooted in values passed from one generation to the next.

5. “Career pathing builds loyalty.”

For Kate Walsh, Dean of the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration, the best advice she received was about helping people see what’s possible, even before they ask. “Career pathing and communicating possibilities generate loyalty and retention,” she explains. Her mentors taught her to illuminate opportunities for others, a philosophy that now shapes how she develops future industry leaders.

6. “Make yourself valuable, and the doors will open.”

Nimesh Patel, General Counsel at IHG, began his career without a hospitality background. His strategy: ask questions, take notes, meet someone new for lunch every day, and stay curious. “That’s how I learned,” he says. His mentors encouraged him to be useful and engaged, and that mindset has propelled him throughout his career. Sometimes the best advice is both humble and powerful: contribution creates opportunity.

Advice Becomes Legacy

The best advice ever received often becomes the wisdom leaders pass on to others. Hospitality’s most admired figures were shaped by the words of mentors, family members, and unexpected moments of clarity. These teachings guide how they lead, how they serve, and how they rise during uncertainty. Ultimately, the greatest reminder is this: never underestimate the power of a single sentence. For someone standing at a crossroads, that one line can shape a life, a career, and a legacy.