At Hilton, career growth isn't one-size-fits-all, and plenty can be learned from people whose paths look different from your own.
With five generations working side by side, Team Members are surrounded by a variety of experiences and perspectives that can challenge established ways of thinking, shape how people lead, and open doors to new possibilities. It's all part of a spirit of lifelong learning that encourages Team Members to stay curious as they continue growing throughout their careers.
For Intergenerational Month, six Team Members reflect on careers spanning countries, cultures, industries, and functions - and the people who have shaped them along the way. Keep reading for their perspectives on leadership, growth, and the lessons that can come from learning across generations.
How have colleagues from different generations changed the way you think about leadership?
Kathy: "When I was younger, I thought being a good leader meant knowing the answers, making decisions quickly, and solving problems for the team. As I gained more experience, I realized that leadership is much more about people.
Today, I spend more time listening and trying to understand what motivates each person. I have learned patience and perspective from more experienced colleagues, while younger colleagues constantly remind me to stay curious, embrace change, and sometimes question the way we have always done things.
I think that is one of the best parts of working with different generations. We all have something to teach each other, regardless of age or title.”
Sarah: “At the very beginning of my career, I naively assumed that leadership is reserved for older generations with more work and industry experience. Throughout my seven years at Hilton, I learned that leadership can really come from anyone within a team. Project leaders, thought leaders, and skill leaders can influence teams just as much as those with official ‘leader’ titles.
How have colleagues from different generations changed the way you think about leadership?
Blanca: “After working with colleagues from different generations, I have learned that there isn’t one correct way to build a career. Everyone has a different path.
When I moved to the UK from Spain, my background was in journalism, and I initially did not expect hospitality to become my long-term career. But working in hotels gave me the opportunity to be around people with different career stories and levels of experience.
I became passionate about hospitality, and I feel lucky to have worked with colleagues who have been in the industry for many years and have built their experience over time with passion and patience. Younger colleagues have also reminded me to stay curious and open to new ideas.”
As a people manager, I have learned so much more from my Team Members than I ever expected, and it really keeps work fresh and fun!”
Bruce: “Working with colleagues across generations has reinforced that great opportunities often come from listening to people with different experiences. Senior leaders encouraged me to dream bigger and take international opportunities that shaped my career. Younger colleagues continue to inspire me to adapt, learn new skills, and stay open to change.
The lesson I have taken forward is simple: growth comes from being willing to learn from everyone, regardless of age or position.”
What has helped you navigate change and new opportunities throughout your career?
Nigel: “Throughout every transition in my career, the one constant has been a proactive and persistent commitment to continuous learning. Even if you stay in the same role or property, the world around you is constantly evolving, and so are the people.
I have realized that actively learning new things is the best way to continuously sharpen my interpersonal skills. In such a people-driven industry, that dedication to growth is what prepares you to adapt, connect with anyone, and thrive in any new environment.”
Clay: “Different functions and regions have different playbooks. What has transferred most consistently for me is the ability to simplify complexity, connect the right people, and align teams around a common goal.
That became especially clear when I moved from leading Commercial Analytics in APAC to a global Pricing Analytics role in the U.S. The scope changed, but many of the fundamentals did not.
I have also found that trust travels well. Taking the time to listen, understand where others are coming from, and invest in relationships matters, regardless of geography, function, or industry.”
Ready to open the door to what’s next? Explore opportunities at Hilton and find a role that’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is lifelong learning important for career growth?
As roles, industries, and workplaces evolve, continuing to learn can help people adapt, build new skills, and stay open to new opportunities. At Hilton, a spirit of lifelong learning encourages Team Members to stay curious and continue growing throughout their careers.
How can working with different generations support professional development?
People at different stages of their careers can bring different experiences, ideas, and ways of thinking. Learning across generations can encourage people to consider new perspectives, build new skills, and stay open to opportunities they may not have considered before.
Can you build a career in hospitality after working in another industry?
Career paths into hospitality can take many forms. Blanca, for example, began her career in journalism before discovering a passion for hospitality after moving from Spain to the UK. Skills developed in other industries – such as communication, adaptability, and relationship building – can also be valuable in hospitality roles.
What can you learn from working across countries, regions, or functions?
Working in different environments can expose you to new ways of communicating, leading, and solving problems. The Team Members featured here emphasized curiosity, continuous learning, adaptability, trust, and relationship building as skills and mindsets that have helped them navigate career changes and new opportunities.
