Name: Mike Q.
Position: Senior Director of HR Operations
Location: Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Dream destination: Cape Town, South Africa
Drink or treat of choice: A beer from any of the local breweries in San Diego!
Oh, the thrill of new beginnings! For many Marriott associates, starting over in a new city and experiencing different hotels and brands while advancing in your career is one of the perks of working for such a big multinational company. Mike is one of them. Nine months ago, this HR leader left the sunny beaches of San Diego after being promoted to Senior Director of HR operations at the Gaylord Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, in Nashville and is already making the most of it.
“With each new hotel, there are new teams, new needs, new practices, new laws, new brand standards, and so much more! I love taking things I have learned from previous roles and using them to improve upon an established process or procedure with my new team.”
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The not so fun part about starting over? Moving! Luckily, Mike was able to take advantage of Marriott’s relocation program, which proved to be “a lifesaver” for him. “Having someone helping coordinate my move, having a place to stay when I first get to a new city, financial support, and more, helped make me feel more confident when moving across the country,” Mike recalls. “There are so many other things running through your mind when starting a new role, it was nice to not worry so much about the move. This was not my first time moving using Marriott’s relocation program either and I am always so grateful for this program!”
After nine months in his new role, Mike has already noticed how being a part of a larger HR team with leaders from all kinds of different backgrounds and experience has helped him grow and amplify his leadership skills on a larger scale. “This role has given me the opportunity to become more confident in who I am as a leader. It has allowed me to test my knowledge, use my past experiences, and keep learning. I look forward to continuing to grow!”
Keep reading to learn more about how Mike has made the most of each role he’s had at Marriott and be inspired by his journey to leadership.
How do you think your previous roles prepared you for your new position?
In my journey, I have been able to work under three amazing Directors of HR; They have all had various strengths and styles that have allowed me to tailor and form my own approach and create my own personal brand. Those leaders also provided me with numerous opportunities and experiences that have challenged me and helped me grow.
How does this new role align with who you’re striving to become at Marriott?
I took this role to challenge myself in some areas that I felt were opportunity areas for me. This is helping me to be a more well-rounded HR professional and also to set me up for success in the future.
How has Marriott helped you become who you are today?
Marriott has supported my growth in so many ways. I feel like this company has unlimited opportunities for those that are willing to take them. Marriott empowers you to take advantage of training, whether in person or through the DLZ, and also encourages networking opportunities so you can really foster your own career. Personally, I have found the opportunity to task force at different properties the most impactful. I have done it at several hotels in the Southern California market as well as a property in Boston. Seeing how other properties operate opens your mind to possibilities and ideas you can use for your own department. I also really appreciate that our company culture encourages growth and promotion opportunities. Being open and willing to relocate around the country has not only helped me grow my career quickly, but also helps you understand our company on a larger level and gives perspective on the overall direction we are headed. That perspective helps you to operate more effectively.
How would you describe the culture at Marriott?
Marriott really lives up to the Core Value of Putting People First. At every property where I have worked, it’s always been so inspiring to me to work with associates who have decades of tenure with Marriott. I have worked with two different associates with over 50 years of service! When you hear directly from them what Marriott has provided them and their families and what has kept them working here all these years, you realize the impact of our people-first culture.
What are you most proud in your career so far?
I am most proud of becoming a mentor to several associates in the company. I have many coworkers that have become dear friends that ask for career guidance and advice. I know I have my own mentors that I reach out to and appreciate any insight they provide to me. It is so nice to know that I can be that for someone else.
Have you used the Marriott Explore Rate?
This was the reason I first wanted to work for Marriott! I love using the Explore Rate, whether for a full vacation or just a night away. It’s great to have the benefit of exploring our world at discounted prices and earn Marriott Bonvoy points while doing it. And my family loves being able to use the Explore rate when they travel even more than I do. They always tell me I am never allowed to leave Marriott because even they get travel perks because of my job!
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