Laura Barbieri

I attribute my success to a combination of resilience, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to people. Throughout my career, I’ve had to step into new environments, cultures, and challenges—often starting from zero—and that required me to stay open, learn quickly, and trust the process.

A big part of it has also been my willingness to do the work, even when it’s uncomfortable. Growth doesn’t happen in easy moments, and many of the experiences that shaped me the most came from navigating uncertainty, change, and sometimes failure.

Equally important has been my curiosity about people. Understanding how individuals think, what drives them, and how to connect across cultures has been at the core of everything I do. That perspective has allowed me to build strong relationships, lead effectively, and create meaningful impact in the organizations I’ve been part of.

And finally, consistency. Showing up every day with a sense of responsibility, discipline, and purpose—over time, that’s what truly makes the difference.

One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve ever received was to stay open to opportunities—even when they don’t feel completely comfortable or expected. Early in my career at Marriott International, I was encouraged to take on international assignments that, at the time, felt like a big leap. Saying yes to those opportunities ultimately shaped my entire career.

Another piece of advice that stayed with me is that your career is not always a straight line. There are moments where you have to adapt, pivot, or even start over—and that’s part of the growth. Those transitions are often where the most learning happens.

Over time, I’ve also come to believe that you have to trust your own voice. You can learn from many people, but at the end of the day, the decisions you make have to align with who you are and what you value.

That combination—being open, embracing change, and staying true to yourself—has been fundamental in how I’ve navigated my career.

My advice would be to trust your voice early on and not wait until you feel “ready” to step into opportunities. Confidence doesn’t come first—experience does. The more you step up, speak up, and take on challenges, the more that confidence builds over time.

I would also say: don’t be afraid of hard environments. The hospitality industry is fast-paced, demanding, and at times unpredictable—but that’s also where you grow the most. Those experiences shape your resilience, your decision-making, and your leadership style.

Find mentors, but also observe everything around you. Some of the most valuable lessons come from watching how people lead—what works, and sometimes what doesn’t. Learn from both.

And finally, understand that being a woman in this industry is not a limitation—it’s a strength. Your perspective, your emotional intelligence, and your ability to connect with people are incredibly valuable. Stay consistent, stay curious, and give yourself permission to grow into your role without trying to fit into someone else’s mold.

The hospitality industry—and People Operations within it—is at a very interesting moment right now. The biggest challenges are deeply connected to people.

One of the most significant is talent—attracting, developing, and especially retaining the right people. Hospitality has always faced high turnover, but today it’s even more complex, with changing employee expectations, labor shortages, and rising labor costs impacting operations across the industry.  

Another challenge is adapting to a more demanding and evolving workforce. Employees today are looking for more than just a job—they want flexibility, growth, purpose, and a better overall experience. Organizations that don’t evolve in that direction will struggle to stay competitive.

At the same time, there is a major shift happening with technology and AI. HR leaders are now responsible not only for implementing these tools, but also for helping people understand, trust, and use them effectively, while still keeping the human element at the center.  

But with all these challenges come equally important opportunities.

There is a real opportunity to redefine how we lead and how we build organizations—moving from traditional HR to a more strategic, people-centered approach. Companies that invest in culture, leadership development, and employee experience are the ones that are standing out.

There’s also an opportunity to build more human, inclusive, and flexible workplaces, especially in an industry that has historically been very operational and demanding. And finally, technology—when used correctly—can free up time from administrative work and allow leaders to focus more on people, which is where the real impact happens.

For me, this moment is less about challenges and more about transformation. The industry is being pushed to evolve—and that opens the door to doing things better than we ever have before.

The values that guide me—both in my work and in my personal life—are integrity, respect, and growth.

Integrity is at the core of everything I do. It’s about being consistent, transparent, and doing the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest path. In leadership, people notice not just what you say, but how you act, and for me that alignment is essential.

Respect is equally important, especially in an industry like hospitality where you work with people from all backgrounds and cultures. I truly believe that every person brings their own story, values, and perspective, and understanding that is key to building trust and strong teams.

Growth is another value that has shaped my journey. I’ve always believed in evolving—personally and professionally. Every experience, whether positive or challenging, is an opportunity to learn and improve.

At the end of the day, I don’t separate these values between work and life. They are part of who I am, and they influence how I lead, how I make decisions, and how I connect with others.