Beyond the job at Hilton, it is a culture built on collaboration and innovation across all ages and stages of life—one where varied, multi-generational perspectives help drive success.
As part of our continued celebration of Intergenerational Month, we are proud to shine a spotlight on David, Director, Data & Analytics, in our Watford corporate office and an active member of the Generations Team Member Resource Group (TMRG). With a marine biology and oceanography degree, David’s journey to the hotel industry has been an unexpected delight. His passion for marine life began with early experiences studying orcas in Puget Sound and continued with work as a guide leading dolphin-watching tours in New Zealand. Ultimately, David found a different calling in data analytics, but he has carried his love for the natural world throughout his career. Since joining Hilton, he has made an impact not only through his job but also with the Generations TMRG.
In the Q&A below, David shares his insights on generational strengths, his experiences within the Generations TMRG, and how he has integrated his love for marine biology into his work at Hilton.
From your experience working across different generations within Hilton, what unique strengths do you believe your generation brings to the table, and how do these enhance our workforce?
“Rather than thinking in terms of generations (like “Millennial” and “Gen X”), I love that Hilton’s Generations TMRG talks of ‘ages and stages.’ I am a millennial. However, I imagine many of the challenges and opportunities a millennial with children faces are quite different from those faced by a millennial without children. As a father of two small children, this life stage is teaching me about patience, coaching, and recognition, which enrich my abilities as a people leader.”
Balancing a career, personal growth, and family responsibilities can be challenging. How has Hilton's culture and support system played a role in your successful management of these areas?
“My managers [have shown] me nothing but trust and support in managing my work-life balance. They championed me and my work to others where I was not so well known in the business. They supported me in making connections with other Team Members and truly listened when I pushed back on my workload or ways of working.
I also have had numerous opportunities to attend industry conferences and to travel to different parts of the world, and recently had the chance to start sharing my data and analysis expertise with the Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) team to help Hilton make the world a better place for everyone—coming right back to my passion for protecting the natural world. This comes down to the culture at Hilton.”
As an active member, what are one or two highlights from your participation in the Generations TMRG, and how has it enriched your experience at Hilton?
“The Generations TMRG provides a fantastic opportunity for Team Members to expand their networks beyond the reporting lines and stakeholder relationships where we spend most of our time. More than that, though, you get to have different conversations from the day-to-day work and are exposed to a greater diversity of thinking. From the perspective of a parent with young children, discovering a cohort of Team Members going through the same things is also hugely beneficial to your mental well-being. Not to mention the advice you get from those who have been there before.”
Can you share an instance where multi-generational collaboration within Hilton led to a successful outcome?
“Analytics is a fast-paced function. Rapidly evolving technology and artificial intelligence are changing the landscape quickly, and competition among college graduates is fierce for vacancies in this field. This young talent is ambitious, skillful, and eager to grow.
Alternatively, I have also observed a significant positive impact of having a more experienced voice on the team. Someone who has seen it all before and naturally calms some of the emotions and enthusiasm to act before the dust has settled; someone who has spent time either on-property or in other functions and thoroughly understands the impact our work will have on the business; or simply someone who thinks differently and comes up with solutions others would never think of.”
We love that you came full circle when you had the chance to share your expertise with the ESG team. Have there been other ways you have integrated your passion for marine biology into your work at Hilton?
“It is hard to shut me up about marine wildlife, so I will find any excuse to shoehorn it into my work! My unconventional marine biology and tour guide background has played a massive role in shaping who I am as a Director at Hilton. The science and research skills were very transferable to data and analytics, but being a tour guide and meeting new people from around the globe every day also taught me a lot about hospitality and the joy of diversity. Additionally, my team volunteered to join a local conservation project during Travel with Purpose Week, helping clear the local scrubland to protect chalk grasslands and ensure biodiversity thrives. This also felt like getting back to my roots.”
From exploring the expansive blue oceans to navigating the dynamic environment of the hotel industry, David's journey exemplifies how embracing diverse experiences and leveraging one's passion can lead to unanticipated success and fulfillment. Much like Hilton’s celebration of Intergenerational Month, his story highlights the power of collaboration and learning across ages and stages—showing that no matter where we start, we all grow together.
