Business Leaders interview: Eric Darde-Beaumier

Tell us a little about yourself and your business?

Since my early days in the hospitality industry, I’ve been deeply passionate about the art of service. My journey began as a sommelier, and I gradually took on roles as a barman, a waiter, and eventually a hotel general manager. My eagerness to learn, commitment to teamwork, and innate curiosity have continually fuelled my growth into more strategic and responsible positions. Fuelled by an entrepreneurial spirit, I embarked on the initial chapters of Beaumier in 2013, culminating in the official launch of the brand in 2021.

Beaumier is a lifestyle hotel brand with a human face; our properties stretch from the snowy peaks of the Alps to the seashores and countryside of exceptional European leisure destinations. During a stay with us, we want guests to reconnect with the essential things in life: nature, wellbeing, sport, and people. Our journey began in the mountains, and in each destination, we honour our original vision of luxury: to offer a soulful experience in extraordinary natural environments.

What motivates you in your work and what do you find most fulfilling about being a business leader?

My motivation stems from a deep passion for hospitality and the drive to create exceptional guest experiences. The challenge of enhancing our offerings and expanding Beaumier Hotels into new destinations inspires me. Witnessing our vision come to life and positively impacting guests and local communities is incredibly fulfilling. I’m also driven by the opportunity to lead a talented team and work together towards excellence.

The most rewarding aspect of being a business leader is seeing the tangible results of our efforts. Watching our properties evolve, receiving positive guest feedback, and seeing our team members grow brings immense satisfaction. I take pride in integrating local culture into our hotels, making each property unique and strengthening our community connections.

How did you develop your leadership skills and how would you define your leadership style?

My leadership skills evolved through a diverse range of experiences in the hospitality industry. Starting as a sommelier and progressing through roles such as barman, waiter, and hotel general manager, I learned the value of hands-on experience and teamwork. Each position taught me different aspects of leadership, from operational efficiency to guest relations. Embracing continuous learning, seeking mentorship, and adapting to challenges have been key to my development as a leader.

I would define my leadership style as collaborative and strategic. I believe in fostering a strong team spirit and empowering individuals by recognizing their strengths and encouraging their growth. My approach is to lead with vision, setting clear goals while remaining open to feedback and innovative ideas. I aim to create an environment where team members feel valued and motivated to contribute to our shared success.

Innovating is crucial in our very diverse industry. How do you stay ahead of trends and incorporate them into your global strategy?

Beaumier has effectively aligned itself with current hospitality trends by emphasising sustainability, personalised guest experiences, wellness, local cultural immersion, and a boutique, lifestyle-oriented approach. This positions the brand as a forward-thinking player in the hospitality industry, catering to the evolving demands of contemporary travellers.

What do you consider to be the key component(s) of effective business operational development?

For me there are 3 critical components to start with:

• It always starts by having a Clear Vision and Strategy, this provides direction and aligns the team with long-term objectives, ensuring that every operational decision supports the overall strategy.
• Create a Customer Focus organisation, our operations have to be centred around delivering exceptional experiences and deliver great products.
• Build Strong Leadership and Team Culture, effective leadership is vital for guiding the team and fostering a positive work environment.

How do you approach identifying areas for improvement within a company's operations?

I analyse performance data and key metrics, gather employee and customer feedback, and conduct regular process audits. Benchmarking against industry standards and competitors also helps reveal gaps, while staying informed about trends and innovations offers new opportunities for enhancement. It is super important to foster a culture of continuous improvement to encourage proactive suggestions from the team, ensuring a thorough and dynamic approach to refine operations.

Where do you think the most promising investments should be focusing on and/or made on?

4 keys areas: 

1. The most promising investments should focus on advanced technologies like AI and data analytics to boost efficiency and customer experiences. 

2. Sustainability initiatives to meet environmental demands and customers’ expectations. 

3. Enhancing customer experience through personalised services and innovative amenities. 

4. Investing in talent development to ensure a skilled and motivated workforce.

What is or are your biggest career achievement(s)?

Every step, every position, and every challenge have been a significant achievement for me. I left school at 16 and began my career in the industry at a very young age. Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to work with exceptional people, teams, partners, and stakeholders on projects that have offered invaluable opportunities for learning and growth. The hospitality industry is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, regardless of the role you take on. It’s all about finding joy in the results of your work and achieving meaningful outcomes.

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

Resilience, Trust and Team Work! 

Navigating challenges with perseverance and maintaining your vision during adversity is crucial. Trusting your team and following your instincts are also key. By recognising team strengths, encouraging growth, and supporting them through tough times, you build trust and drive collective success. Keeping your long-term vision in mind ensures focus and purpose, while trusting your intuition helps in making informed and effective decisions.

How did you identify and seize opportunities for advancement in your career?

From a very young age, I was advised “to take my job seriously, NOT myself”. By concentrating on delivering outcomes and excelling in your role, opportunities will naturally present themselves.

I was always a “dreamer”, and I was motivated to make a difference to whatever challenges I was taking. I followed my instincts, chose projects with exciting challenges, and worked with inspiring people. I always made sure to set high goals that would challenge me.

Have you achieved everything you wanted in your career so far?

In one simple word, No! 

The word “legacy” is important to me and only time will tell me. Beaumier has the potential to create a lasting legacy in the luxury hospitality sector, impacting both its guests, the broader industry and its environment. But we still have a lot to achieve…

How do you prioritise tasks when everything feels like a priority?

When everything feels like a priority, I prioritise tasks by assessing their impact and urgency. I start by identifying which tasks align most closely with our strategic goals and have the greatest potential to drive results. I then categorise tasks based on deadlines and their effect on key outcomes. Effective delegation and clear communication with my team also help manage workload and ensure that critical tasks are addressed promptly. By focusing on high-impact activities and managing time efficiently, I ensure that we tackle the most important tasks first while keeping everything on track.

What was the hardest decision you have taken as a leader?

The hardest decision I’ve had to make as a leader was navigating through a significant restructuring of an organisation. This involved difficult choices about reallocating resources, making staffing changes, and redefining roles to better align with our strategic goals. Balancing the need for organisational efficiency with the impact on individuals and team morale required careful consideration and empathy. Ultimately, the decision was made to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the company, but it was a challenging process that involved tough conversations and significant adjustments.

What steps do you take to measure your own performance?

To measure my performance, I set clear, measurable goals aligned with strategic priorities, seek regular 360-degree feedback from colleagues and stakeholders, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs). I remain open-minded and reflective, analysing my achievements and challenges to identify areas for improvement. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and making necessary adjustments based on these insights, I ensure that I stay accountable, focused, and aligned with our objectives.

What does success mean for you as a business leader?

Making a positive impact on the people and stakeholders around me is a core focus. 

At Beaumier, I have the opportunity to craft a vision with real purpose, adding value to everyone’s lives. Beaumier represents a way of life, striving to be the most soulful luxury and lifestyle-leisure brand in hospitality. Our goal is to create a brand with meaning and relevance in today’s and tomorrow’s environment. We embrace diversity and differences with a shared vision, underpinned by transparency, engagement, and a genuine passion for achievement. We are committed to ethical and responsible economic development, enhancing the quality of life for our people, local communities, partners, and society at large.