Hospitality leaders give endlessly, to teams, guests, owners, families, and communities. But sustaining that level of generosity requires intentional renewal. The leaders featured in It’s Personal Stories remind us that self‑care is not indulgence; it is the engine of resilience, clarity, and long‑term impact. These six practices show why self-care matters and how to put it into action.

1. Be Kinder to Yourself: Replace Harsh Judgment with Compassion

Heena Patel, SVP of Rental Operations at Travel & Leisure, reminds us that self‑empowerment begins with how we speak to ourselves. “Most of us are our own worst critics…regardless of the outcome, you’re going to be the same individual, but with a little more knowledge…you're going to be better than you were yesterday.” Anthony Melchiorri, President of Argeo Hospitality, echoes this: “I’m a flawed human…yesterday you did the best you could. Today you just have to do better.” Self‑care begins with giving ourselves the grace we freely extend to others.

2. Release the Day and Start Fresh: Rest as a Leadership Strategy

Mary Li, Founder & CEO of Atlas, learned that renewal begins with letting go. “I learned to forgive myself…I learned to let it go every evening…When I sleep well, I can think well, I can communicate well, I can eat well…Go to sleep and everything will be good when you wake up.” Her wisdom reframes rest not as escape, but as a strategic reset that restores clarity.

3. Prioritize Your Well-Being Without Guilt: Caring for Yourself Enables Caring for Others

Gilda Pérez‑Alvarado Chief Executive Officer, Orient Express / Group Chief Strategy Officer, Accor offers a reminder grounded in a universal metaphor: “Just as in an airplane when they tell you, put your mask on first before assisting others…If I want to be the best mom to my daughter, I have to take care of myself, mentally, emotionally, physically.” Leaders who replenish themselves model sustainability for their teams and show that well‑being is integral, not optional.

4. Set Boundaries That Protect Your Energy and Your Effectiveness

Aly El‑Bassuni, Head of Managed Hotels Division at Choice Hotels International, emphasizes that leaders must normalize and model boundaries. “Make self-care a priority… there has to be a period where you're recharging the batteries… step away for a little bit and come back able to rev the engine higher than before.” Leaders strengthen their teams when they demonstrate that rest is respected and overwork is not a badge of honor.

5. Show Yourself Grace to Navigate Hard Moments and Imperfect Days

Ama Romaine, General Counsel of Progress Residential, reflects on how self‑grace fuels resilience. “We are really good at showing grace to other people…but on ourselves, we beat up on ourselves a lot… embrace that you are where you’re supposed to be.” Her insight reminds leaders that setbacks and self‑doubt are part of the journey, not a verdict on their worth or capability.

6. Refuel Your Lantern Daily to Shine for Others

Rachel Humphrey, Founder of Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance and Principal of It’s Personal Stories, captures the heart of this message: “Self-care is not selfish. It means I have the fuel in my lantern to shine brighter for everybody around me… carve out time every day to take care of yourself physically and mentally.” Her words underscore a central truth: when we refuel ourselves, we elevate our ability to uplift everyone around us.

Across these leaders’ stories, a shared message emerges: self‑care is not “me first,” it is “me also.” By embracing compassion, rest, boundaries, grace, and renewal, leaders strengthen their capacity to serve with purpose, presence, and authenticity. A lantern shines only when it is fueled; when leaders refuel mind, body, and spirit, they illuminate the path for others.