What keeps a leader grounded when markets shift, teams struggle, or pressure mounts? For many of hospitality’s most respected voices, the answer, shared with It’s Personal Stories, lies in a personal mantra, a belief or guiding principle that provides clarity in chaos and direction in moments of doubt. These philosophies are not always printed on posters or recited in boardrooms, yet they shape how leaders show up with purpose, steadiness, and conviction. Their mantras serve as internal compasses, helping them navigate complexity while staying true to who they are.

1. “Never forget where you came from.”

Liam Brown, Group President, U.S. & Canada at Marriott International, carries this mantra with him every day. Beginning his career on the front lines taught him humility, empathy, and perspective. “That phrase centers me,” he shared. “I remind myself that I’m here to serve others, not the other way around.” His leadership is grounded in remembering his roots, an enduring reminder that no title should distance a leader from the people they serve.

2. “Be intentional. Have purpose. Create alignment.”

For Abhijit Patel, Vice President of Revenue Management, Distribution and Commercial Strategy at Choice Hotels International, this trilogy forms the backbone of his leadership. “If I do those three things every day, act intentionally, lead with purpose, and align my team, we move forward.” His mantra keeps priorities clear, helps filter distractions, and ensures his team moves cohesively toward shared goals. It acts as a strategic compass, simple, powerful, and grounding.

3. “Wisdom isn’t about knowing more - it’s about learning to listen.”

Chip Conley, Co-Founder of the Modern Elder Academy, blends soulful leadership with sharp business insight. With his focus on emotional intelligence and intergenerational learning, his guiding principle is rooted in curiosity and humility. “In modern business, emotional intelligence often trumps IQ,” he said. “And the older you get, the more important it becomes to listen.” His mantra reminds leaders that listening is not passive, it is a gateway to wisdom.

4. “Leadership is a mindset rooted in service.”

For Lisa Lombardo, President of ARK, leadership begins with elevating others. “I want people to exceed their own perceived expectations,” she explains. “That starts with how I serve them.” Her service-driven philosophy creates cultures where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. Her guiding principle reframes leadership as stewardship, a mindset that shifts the focus from authority to impact.

5. “You’re not your failures - you’re your actions after failure.”

Anthony Melchiorri, President of Argeo Hospitality and host of Hotel Impossible, draws from a career filled with high-pressure turnarounds. “I’ve made plenty of mistakes,” he admits. “But I’m not defined by them. I’m defined by what I do next.” His mantra centers on resilience, accountability, and forward momentum. It is a powerful reminder that failure is inevitable, but recovery is a choice.

6. “Stay curious and stay connected.”

Jeff Higley, President of The BHN Group, has built his career at the intersection of journalism, networking, and hospitality. His mantra keeps him evolving: “Stay curious and stay connected.” Curiosity fuels learning; connection fuels relationships. In a people-driven industry, this principle keeps leaders both expansive in thinking and grounded in community.

Principles That Anchor Progress

In an industry as dynamic as hospitality, personal mantras do more than inspire, they stabilize. These guiding beliefs help leaders remain consistent in their values, resilient under pressure, and clear about what truly matters. Whether shaped by early experiences, wise mentors, or defining challenges, these principles guide not just the how of leadership but the why.

When the pace accelerates or the path becomes uncertain, pause and ask: What’s your mantra? It might be the steady force that keeps you grounded, and the spark that propels you forward.