In this episode of The Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk sits down with Mauro Pinho, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Acqualina Resort. Mauro shares his incredible journey from waiting tables to becoming a leader in luxury hospitality. Discover the key moments and relationships that shaped his career, the challenges and rewards of working at world-renowned properties, and his insights on the future of hospitality marketing. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the industry, Mauro's story will inspire and motivate you to pursue your passion in hospitality.

00:00 - Introduction

• Steve Turk welcomes listeners to The Hospitality Mentor Podcast.
• Introduction of Mauro Pinho, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Acqualina Resort.

02:00 - Early Beginnings

• Mauro discusses his first job in hospitality, waiting tables, and how it shaped his perspective on the industry.
• His transition to a sales manager role at the Fasano Hotel in Sao Paulo.

08:00 - Career Growth

• Mauro’s experiences and growth at the Fasano Hotel.
• The importance of curiosity and going beyond job descriptions.

12:00 - Transition to St. Regis

• The cultural shock and differences between working at Fasano and St. Regis.
• The importance of structure and processes in large hospitality chains.

17:00 - Knowing Yourself

• Mauro’s advice on understanding your professional needs and finding the right fit in the hospitality industry.

19:00 - Joining Aqualina Resort

• Mauro’s decision to join Aqualina Resort after an inspiring conversation with Deborah Yeager.
• The importance of creativity and innovation in his role.

24:00 - Building Relationships

• The significance of networking and maintaining professional relationships in the hospitality industry.

27:00 - Embracing Technology

• Mauro’s views on using AI and technology to enhance the customer journey and improve efficiency.

30:00 - Conferences and Influencers

• The role of conferences and social media influencers in hospitality marketing.
• How Aqualina integrates these strategies to build its brand.

33:00 - Exciting Projects at Aqualina

• Upcoming renovations and projects at Aqualina Resort.
• Mauro’s excitement for the future and ongoing growth of the resort.

38:00 - Advice to Young Professionals

• Mauro’s advice to young hospitality professionals: focus on people and relationships.

41:00 - Closing Remarks

• Steve Turk wraps up the episode and thanks Mauro for sharing his story.
• Information on how to connect with Mauro Pinho.

42:00 - Sponsor Message

• Biscayne Coffee: Enjoy delicious coffee roasted in Miami while helping save Biscayne Bay. Use promo code MENTOR for 10% off your first order at BiscayneCoffee.com.

• Subscribe to The Hospitality Mentor Podcast for more inspiring stories from top hospitality professionals.

Episode Overview:

In this special crossover episode, Steve Turk, founder of The Hospitality Mentor, joins David Arraya on the Conscious Hospitality Podcast. Steve shares his journey from his early days as a cabana boy to becoming a renowned leader in the hospitality industry. With stories from iconic hotels like Lowe’s, Mandarin Oriental, and Trump Doral, Steve provides valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and finding passion in your work.

Key Highlights:

• Introduction: Steve and David discuss their long-standing friendship and the excitement of this crossover episode.
• Starting with Gratitude: David emphasizes the importance of gratitude and asks Steve what he is grateful for today.
• Early Life and Career Beginnings: Steve talks about his childhood in Miami, his diverse cultural background, and his early competitive nature.
• Discovering Hospitality: Steve shares how his father’s career as an attorney for major hotels influenced his interest in hospitality.
• Career Milestones: From his first job at Lowe’s Miami Beach Hotel to executive positions at renowned hotels like Mandarin Oriental and Delano.
• Challenges and Resilience: Steve recounts pivotal moments, including overcoming difficult leadership challenges and learning from setbacks.
• The Entrepreneurial Leap: The story behind Steve’s successful staffing company, the decision to sell it, and lessons learned about passion versus opportunity.
• Returning to Hospitality: Steve’s return to the hotel industry, his renewed passion for team-building, and his innovative approaches to leadership.
• Pandemic Reflections: How the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped Steve’s perspective on work-life balance and led to new entrepreneurial ventures.
• The Hospitality Mentor: Steve discusses the creation of The Hospitality Mentor, his goals for inspiring the next generation of hospitality professionals, and his thoughts on the future of the industry.

Takeaways for Listeners:

• Importance of Gratitude: Starting each day with gratitude can ground you and provide clarity in challenging times.
• Leadership Lessons: Effective leadership involves understanding and motivating diverse teams, and the power of regular one-on-one meetings.
• Entrepreneurial Insights: The balance between passion and opportunity, and the importance of staying true to your values.
• Resilience and Adaptability: How to navigate career challenges and make strategic decisions that align with your long-term goals.
• Work-Life Balance: The significance of balancing professional ambition with personal life, especially in times of crisis.

Quotes from the Episode:

• “When you’re grateful for things, you realize we have so much more than so many other people around the world.” – Steve Turk
• “Don’t be afraid to taste different things. If you want to move up, you’ve got to try different places.” – Steve Turk
• “This industry is one of the few where you can really start at the bottom and end up at the top, no matter what your education level is.” – Steve Turk

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