{"id":37714,"date":"2025-11-10T10:19:35","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T15:19:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/?p=37714"},"modified":"2025-11-10T10:21:44","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T15:21:44","slug":"reimagining-hospitality-talent-purpose-passion-and-the-next-generation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/insights\/reimagining-hospitality-talent-purpose-passion-and-the-next-generation\/","title":{"rendered":"Reimagining Hospitality Talent: Purpose, Passion, and the Next Generation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"block-hero alignfull  has-breadcrumb\">\n    <div class=\"outerwrap\">\n        <div class=\"wrapper\">\n            <div class=\"copy\">\n\n                                    <ul>\n                        <!-- Breadcrumb NavXT 7.0.2 -->\n<li><a property=\"item\" typeof=\"WebPage\" title=\"Go to Insights.\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/insights\/\" class=\"post post-page\" aria-current=\"page\"><span property=\"name\">Insights<\/span><\/a><meta property=\"position\" content=\"1\"><\/li>                    <\/ul>\n                \n                                    <h1>Reimagining Hospitality Talent: Purpose, Passion, and the Next Generation<\/h1>\n                \n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block-insights-detail \">\r\n\t<div class=\"intro\"><p>The following piece is the first in a three-part series co-authored by David Mansbach, Managing Partner of DHR Global\u2019s Hospitality &amp; Leisure Practice, and Leora Halpern Lanz, Associate Professor at Boston University\u2019s School of Hospitality Administration. Together, they examine the hospitality industry\u2019s ongoing talent shortage and offer strategic insights to help organizations reframe how they recruit, develop, and retain talent\u2014especially in an environment where service, and the people who deliver it, remain essential to success.<\/p>\n<p>With a professional partnership spanning 25 years, Mansbach and Lanz bring a unique blend of industry and academic insight to the conversation. They argue that now is the time for hospitality leaders to reimagine leadership development and workforce sustainability, grounded in a renewed appreciation for talent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\t<div class=\"meta\">\r\n\t\t<p class=\"date\">November 10, 2025<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"is-style-underlined has-dark-blue-color has-text-color\"><strong>Reimagining Hospitality Talent: Purpose, Passion, and the Next Generation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>By: David Mansbach and Leora Halpern Lanz<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hospitality industry is facing a pivotal moment. As seasoned leaders retire and leadership pipelines run dry, organizations are scrambling to fill roles rather than strategically cultivating talent. At the same time, a new generation of professionals\u2014driven by purpose, global awareness, and emotional intelligence\u2014is entering the workforce with fresh expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These young professionals are not just looking for jobs; they\u2019re seeking careers that matter. This disconnect between industry practices and emerging talent values has created a widening gap. To close it, hospitality leaders must rethink how they attract and retain team members\u2014starting with a renewed commitment to purpose, mentorship, and long-term growth. This is not just a staffing issue. It\u2019s a strategic imperative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-off-white-background-color has-background\"><p>While this article primarily focuses on the next generation of hospitality talent, it\u2019s important to note that the leadership gap at the executive level is equally pressing. <\/p><cite>Stay tuned for the second article in the series, where we will dive into the talent implications at the top.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"is-style-underlined has-green-color has-text-color\"><strong>A Talent Crisis in Hospitality<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Across the globe, talent is scarce. That\u2019s not new. What is new is the accelerating pressure and reactive approach that now shapes hiring decisions at every level\u2014from early-career roles to the executive suite. Without a long-term talent strategy, even the strongest brands risk instability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the talent search and advisory side, executive search professionals are receiving an influx of urgent calls from hospitality companies. Executives are retiring, leadership pipelines are empty, and company cultures are starting to fray. As a result, searches for key roles are rushed, and companies are settling instead of securing top-tier talent.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"block-billboard alignfull has-dark-blue-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"maybe-wrapper\">\n\t\t<div class=\"inner\">\n            \n\n<p>Today, a more strategic approach to talent acquisition is crucial for developing the robust leadership pipelines needed for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>At the university level, there are students with global perspectives, high emotional intelligence, cultural fluency, and a genuine desire to serve. These are the future leaders who could redefine what hospitality means, but too many are leaving the industry before they\u2019ve even begun. Many are leaving because early career opportunities don\u2019t always offer the growth, flexibility, or impact they\u2019re seeking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, a more strategic approach to talent acquisition is crucial for developing the robust leadership pipelines needed for the future. The hospitality industry has a unique opportunity to redefine purpose-driven careers that engage the next generation of talent. This goes beyond simply filling jobs. It\u2019s about redefining how companies attract, develop, and retain the people who make the industry run. Across all segments, organizations are scrambling, not strategizing\u2014overlooking the very people who chose this industry with intention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"is-style-underlined has-green-color has-text-color\"><strong>Reshaping the Industry for Sustainable Talent<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s rewind to 1993, when milk was in a tailspin. It wasn\u2019t flashy or exciting, nor was it competing with Gatorade or Mountain Dew. Jeff Manning, executive director of the California Milk Processor Board, understood the dilemma: milk had an image problem. So, he launched one of the most iconic campaigns of our time: &#8220;Got Milk?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, hospitality faces a similar challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The incoming generation of hospitality leaders doesn\u2019t want to wait for the perks of loyalty. Students across hospitality programs consistently express a desire for continuous learning beyond college. They are seeking employers that offer structured mentorship, provide ongoing professional development, and empower new associates to make a meaningful impact, now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While other industries offer flexibility, robust benefits, and visible career ladders, hospitality often asks young professionals to prove themselves in outdated ways. Industry observers note that this focus on labor efficiency over meaningful connection has contributed to the loss of emerging talent who could have become the next generation of great leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Could offering a flex day attract talent that wants to contribute to company culture but can\u2019t afford to live in or commute to work locations every day? Many young professionals highlight the benefits of a hybrid approach, as they recognize that in-person work allows them to learn more on the job and gain social connections that strengthen their skill set. A more flexible approach doesn\u2019t have to be all or nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1366\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Hospitality-Heart-and-Mindv2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-37746\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Hospitality-Heart-and-Mindv2.png 1366w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Hospitality-Heart-and-Mindv2-300x66.png 300w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Hospitality-Heart-and-Mindv2-1024x225.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Hospitality-Heart-and-Mindv2-768x169.png 768w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Hospitality-Heart-and-Mindv2-320x70.png 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1366px) 100vw, 1366px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is hospitality\u2019s \u201cGot Milk?\u201d moment. The industry must rewrite its narrative\u2014one that shows a career in hospitality is meaningful, global, and rewarding. One that presents a fulfilling and enriching long-term career, with a myriad of ways to remain an active part of the global landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This renewed vision for hospitality could be summed up as: \u201c<em>Hospitality: Where Heart and Mind Build Every Kind of Career.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"is-style-underlined has-green-color has-text-color\"><strong>The Strategic Asset: Attracting &amp; Retaining Hospitality Graduates<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Students in hospitality programs intentionally choose people-first careers. They understand the value of service, have developed cultural agility, and are learning to deliver experiences that matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their training extends far beyond hotels and restaurants. From consumer-facing brands to wellness, sustainability, tourism, retail, and experience design and curation roles, they are equipped to succeed across any industry where people\u2014and profit\u2014matter. They will become a differentiator for any business willing to invest in them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, organizations are leaner, meaning early-career professionals are asked to step up faster, often without the mentorship or visibility needed to succeed long-term. It\u2019s common to see promising assistant sales managers responsible for entire markets, or junior asset managers overseeing large portfolios without proper development. The C-suite remains a closed circle\u2014and predominantly male.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"block-billboard alignfull has-dark-blue-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"maybe-wrapper\">\n\t\t<div class=\"inner\">\n            \n\n<p>If the goal is to build brand equity, then human capital must be recognized as brand equity. The hospitality industry\u2019s greatest asset is its people.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>The hospitality industry has always been people-centric, yet in practice, talent is often treated as a commodity, and the \u201chuman\u201d part of the business can be overlooked in valuation, strategy, and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hospitality graduates are the future stewards of companies and brands. They bring emotional intelligence and are trained in service design and cross-cultural connection. Their education strengthens both hard business skills and strategic thinking. If the goal is to build brand equity, then human capital must be recognized as brand equity. The hospitality industry\u2019s greatest asset is its people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s time to shift the narrative toward \u201chigh-impact, human-centered careers.\u201d The industry must demonstrate that it values not just labor, but leadership and emotional intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"is-style-underlined has-green-color has-text-color\"><strong>The Long Game Approach to Talent: Start Earlier, Think Bigger<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This isn\u2019t about quick fixes. It\u2019s about reimagining how to build talent pipelines starting in high schools, long before job seekers are searching on job boards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hospitality organizations must:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-3 wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-container-1 wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<ul class=\"\" data-cols=\"1\"><li>Partner early with global hospitality schools and engage high school programs to introduce students to meaningful career paths.<\/li><li>Design flexible roles that acknowledge modern values: work-life balance, well-being, and purpose.<\/li><li>Invest in mentorship and growth pathways through structured, in-house development programs, and engage with campuses for one-on-one opportunities that are mutually worthwhile.<\/li><li>Offer internships that matter\u2014experiences with real exposure, structure, and opportunities to learn various aspects of the business.<\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-2 wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"500\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Recruit-with-purposev5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-37754\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Recruit-with-purposev5.png 500w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Recruit-with-purposev5-300x210.png 300w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Recruit-with-purposev5-320x224.png 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This generation is smart, mobile, and mission-driven. Without meeting them where they are, organizations risk losing them. And when that happens, the future of hospitality is at stake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s time to recognize hospitality graduates not as backup options, but as blueprints for long-term success. When companies ignore this, the result is reactive hiring, broken cultures, and leadership burnout. When done right, passionate young professionals with global acumen step into meaningful roles, shaping the future of the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Recruit with purpose. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Build with passion. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lead with humanity.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Human capital is the ultimate competitive advantage, and hospitality companies that embrace this mindset will thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"is-style-underlined has-green-color has-text-color\">Meet the Authors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-6 wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-container-4 wp-block-column\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/consultant\/david-mansbach\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">David Mansbach<\/a> is Managing Partner, Global Hospitality &amp; Leisure at DHR Global, a leading provider of professional services including executive search, leadership consulting, and emerging leader search solutions.&nbsp;David brings three decades of experience in executive search, compensation consulting, and strategic advisory services for the hospitality, restaurant, and franchise industries. Recognized as a trusted partner to private equity firms, family offices, and owner-operators, David has built deep relationships with senior decision-makers and industry leaders across these sectors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-5 wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mansbach_David_Web-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-37716\" width=\"291\" height=\"291\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mansbach_David_Web-edited.jpg 1667w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mansbach_David_Web-edited-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mansbach_David_Web-edited-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mansbach_David_Web-edited-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mansbach_David_Web-edited-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mansbach_David_Web-edited-250x250.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mansbach_David_Web-edited-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mansbach_David_Web-edited-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mansbach_David_Web-edited-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mansbach_David_Web-edited-370x370.jpg 370w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 291px) 100vw, 291px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-9 wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-container-7 wp-block-column\">\n<p>Leora Halpern Lanz, ISHC, is an Associate Professor of the Practice, and former Assistant Dean and Graduate Chair, at Boston University\u2019s School of Hospitality Administration. With decades of experience as a hospitality communications strategist and educator, Leora is a passionate advocate for preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders. Her debut book, \u201cDeveloping Your Marketing Mindset: Real-World Lessons from Hospitality,\u201d empowers leaders to embrace hospitality while championing community engagement, well-being, and sustainability\u2014creating authentic, personalized, and purpose-driven connections.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-container-8 wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1760718338345.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-37717\" width=\"293\" height=\"293\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1760718338345.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1760718338345-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1760718338345-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1760718338345-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1760718338345-250x250.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1760718338345-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1760718338345-320x320.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1760718338345-370x370.jpg 370w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 293px) 100vw, 293px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block-cta has-dark-blue-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"maybe-wrapper\">\n        \t\t<div class=\"left\">\n\t\t\t<h2>Leaders Who Will Reshape the Industry<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"right\">\n            \n\n<p>DHR Global\u2019s Hospitality &amp; Leisure Practice, led by Managing Partner David Mansbach, specializes in helping organizations identify senior leaders who can drive transformation and long-term success. Whether you&#8217;re navigating executive transitions or developing a future-ready leadership team, DHR delivers fresh thinking and unmatched access to talent. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/industry\/hospitality-leisure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more here<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/consultant\/david-mansbach\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact David<\/a> to discuss your talent strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button alignleft\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/industry\/hospitality-leisure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Reimagining Hospitality Talent: Purpose, Passion, and the Next Generation By: David Mansbach and Leora Halpern Lanz The hospitality industry is facing a pivotal moment. As seasoned leaders retire and leadership pipelines run dry, organizations are scrambling to fill roles rather&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":37802,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[],"tags":[],"insights_type":[49],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37714"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37714"}],"version-history":[{"count":34,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37714\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37856,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37714\/revisions\/37856"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37802"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37714"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37714"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37714"},{"taxonomy":"insights_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dhrglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insights_type?post=37714"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}