Beyond just the job, it is the opportunity to build a lasting career while traveling the world. Just ask Sue, Regional Director of Hilton Worldwide Sales (HWS) Australasia, Japan, Korea, and Micronesia.
Sue is no stranger to taking on new challenges. A world traveler, she has followed her curiosity from Brisbane to Tokyo and beyond, collaborating across all ages and stages to help make the stay at Hilton. Now, she is reflecting on her vibrant career journey and sharing her advice for future generations of hospitality. As we close out Intergenerational Month, dive into Sue's most impactful experiences, insights, and lessons learned throughout her career below.
Get to Know Sue
Sue joined Team Hilton in 2008 as a commercial director at Hilton Brisbane. Her career trajectory moved her globally, from leading commercial efforts in New Zealand to embracing leadership roles in Japan. In 2019, she expanded her expertise, focusing on sales operations before rising to Senior Director at Hilton Worldwide Sales Asia. Over time, Sue’s role grew to oversee regions including Australasia, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. However, in 2023, she made the heartfelt decision to step back and take care of her aging father. With the full support of her leaders at Hilton, she took on a new role as Regional Director to balance her career and family.
Reflecting on your career evolution, how have Hilton’s programs or leaders contributed to your career development?
“The leaders I have worked with throughout my Hilton career have been the biggest contributors to my professional development. I learned a great deal from my first general manager, especially about navigating a large organization. I also worked with other GMs who seamlessly transitioned to new locations in their careers. Their stories of varied experiences inspired me to pursue similar opportunities.
Not to mention, a senior leader persuaded me to make one of the most significant decisions I made in my career—moving to Tokyo. This decision is something I have never regretted. The fact that a senior leader took the time to discuss my career was incredibly inspiring. Sometimes, that gentle push and encouragement to step out of our comfort zones and believe in ourselves is precisely what we need.
Lastly, I faced a situation where I had to take a slight step back in my career to support my father. As someone who has always prioritized their career, this was a very tough decision, even though it was the right thing to do. My boss, the senior commercial team, and HR were incredibly supportive and understanding. They found a solution that allowed me to fulfill my family responsibilities without significantly compromising my career. When I share this with friends and family, they always remark on what an incredible boss I have and what a great culture Hilton must have.”
Your career has seen you leading teams in vastly diverse cultural settings, from New Zealand to Japan and more. What lessons have you learned about leadership and adaptability in these varied environments?
“Frequent relocations have taught me the importance of pausing, observing, and asking numerous questions when starting in a new country or location. This approach helps me understand the local culture before making any changes. I have also learned that some cultures are more outspoken when things are not working, while others may be more reserved. Therefore, watching for non-verbal cues and knowing the right questions to ask in less vocal environments is crucial. Living in various places has broadened my mind, allowing me to embrace different ideas and viewpoints. It has also helped me see things from multiple perspectives.”
This year’s Intergenerational Month theme is “shared passions and priorities across all ages and stages.” How does this theme resonate with your personal and professional experiences?
“Regardless of our age or generation, there is always something to learn from one another. Those with more experience have a wealth of knowledge to share, while younger generations are often more attuned to the needs and preferences of our future customers. Therefore, it is essential to remain open to the fresh ideas and insights they bring.”
With your experience across various roles and regions within Hilton, what advice would you offer to young professionals aspiring to leadership positions in the hospitality industry?
“Seek to learn as much as possible from colleagues in various business areas by asking numerous questions and volunteering for projects and new experiences whenever possible. Simultaneously, remain authentic by bringing your unique personality, strengths, and style to your role, as uniformity is unnecessary.
As a new leader, remember that your team is your greatest asset. Treat them with respect and recognize them as individuals. Do not feel threatened by high achievers; instead, see them as valuable contributors who can help you achieve your goals.”
