Business Leaders interview: Gloria Peixe e Silva

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

I am Glória, the Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing for Maison Albar Hotels in Portugal. I oversee two properties: Le Monumental Palace in Porto and Amoure in Braga, which is the first luxury hotel in the Minho region. With extensive experience in hospitality, I manage sales, marketing, and business development strategies to ensure sustained growth and global brand alignment.

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

My motivation comes from delivering memorable experiences to our guests and building long-lasting relationships in the luxury hospitality industry. Seeing our team excel and knowing that I’ve contributed to creating an environment that encourages their growth, is the most fulfilling part of leadership for me.

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

My leadership skills developed through experience, observation, and a focus on self-improvement. I would describe my style as collaborative and adaptive, always aiming to empower others while maintaining strategic direction. I believe in leading by example and creating a positive, supportive culture.

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

I stay ahead by constantly monitoring market trends, particularly in hospitality and luxury travel. Collaborating with global partners and attending industry events helps me integrate new ideas into our strategy, ensuring we offer distinctive and up-to-date experiences.

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

Clear communication, flexibility, and a strong alignment with core business values are key. Every team member must understand our objectives and have the tools to adapt to changing market conditions without losing sight of long-term goals.

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

By actively listening to both guests and team members, reviewing performance metrics, and keeping an open line of communication across all departments. Regular feedback loops help us identify and address inefficiencies.

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

In hospitality, investments in technology to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency are crucial. Sustainability and personalized services are also growing areas that deserve attention.

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

One of my proudest achievements was launching the soMos Restaurant & Lounge. This allowed me to develop my passion for F&B marketing and implement strategies that led to achieving a return on investment in just four years (including two years of the pandemic), rather than the five years originally projected. 

Do you have examples where your leadership made a difference? If so, what were they?

During the launch of Maison Albar Amoure, my leadership played a key role in uniting the team under a clear vision. This contributed to our successful opening and a strong start in the market, attracting significant attention from both local and international guests.

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

To trust your team and delegate effectively. It allows them to grow and creates a more dynamic and resilient organization.

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

Through a combination of self-reflection and seeking out mentorship, I identified gaps in my skills and worked on them. I also made sure to be proactive in taking on projects that stretched my abilities and exposed me to new areas of the business.

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

While I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, I believe there’s always room for growth and new challenges. I continue to set ambitious goals for myself and my teams.

How important is personal development to your success, and how do you approach it?

Personal development is key to success. I make a point to constantly update my knowledge, whether through formal training or self-study, and I seek feedback from peers and mentors to keep improving.

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

I assess tasks based on urgency and impact. If something directly affects the business's bottom line or a key project, it moves to the top of the list. I also make use of delegation to ensure tasks are managed effectively.

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

One of the toughest decisions was restructuring a department to increase efficiency. It involved difficult conversations but was ultimately necessary to align with our long-term goals and growth strategies.

What steps do you take to measure your own performance?

I use both qualitative and quantitative feedback: guest satisfaction scores, team performance, and personal feedback from mentors and peers. Regular self-assessment ensures that I remain aligned with my objectives.

What does success mean for you as a business leader?

Success means achieving a balance between personal fulfilment and business growth, while also nurturing a team that is motivated and empowered to perform at their best.