Leadership series: Jose Abreu

The CORE Leadership Series tells the stories of inspiring leaders making an impact across the industry.

We are here talking to José Abreu, Hotel General Manager and CEO of J-Abreu Strategic Master Consultants.

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

My motivation is my goals and the most fulfilling about being a business leader is Helping others without expecting anything in return.

What skills or mindsets do you think will be most important for the next generation of hospitality leaders?

Flexibility, adaptability, and positive attitude.

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

Prioritize based on the impact on the results and safety. Safety and security are first over other aspects, then have objectives very clear to choose based on them. As a leader you must know the order of priorities and the capacity of doing the urges the most is a soft skill.

What do you see as the most significant challenges and opportunities currently shaping the service industry /sector?

The lack of talent. We struggle every day to get the right people or at least trained ones with the right attitude. The demand of staff grows along with the industry, but we did not get ready for that rapid growth. Companies must invest on a development plan that attracts talent and have an organizational culture that retains them because they feel valued and respect, so they don't leave when they have been trained.

What values or behaviors do you consider essential for leadership teams today?

Empathy, sympathy, loyalty and humanity. Treat and respect staff like individuals, not like numbers. Be human with humans.

What strategies have proven most effective for attracting and growing future talent?

Respectful and Loyal treatment. Being honest with them and leading by example. Care for people.

Who or what has had a major influence on your approach to leadership?

Mr. José Corletto, my former GM who taught me how to be strategic and how vision can transform and team and an organization. Set the goals and then go for them. Make sure the whole team understands the vision and ensure they are all on the same page. He also taught me how to empower our team for their growth.

What advice would you give emerging leaders who want to shape the future of the service industry?

Have a people focus work style. Care for the wellbeing of the people around you. Show them you care for them and they will do anything for you. Results will come alone because they will perform and excel.