Table of Contents
Episode Description
In this episode, we sit down with Mateo Nikolovski, an experienced hospitality leader, to explore how leadership in the hotel industry has evolved – from shifting leadership styles and adapting to diverse teams, to creating humane and purpose-driven workplaces. We dive into the impact of clear communication, sustainability, and emotional intelligence on employee engagement and performance. As we look ahead, we also touch on what the next few years might bring for HR and leadership in hotels, and what’s still missing from education in preparing future leaders.
Time Stamps
00:00 Welcome & introduction.
01:56 Since stepping into leadership roles in hospitality, how have you seen leadership evolve over the years?
07:11 When someone takes on a new managerial role – whether new to the hotel or to leadership in general – how long should they observe, learn, and soak in information before starting to make changes?
08:22 You mentioned adjusting your leadership style to fit your environment. How tailored is that approach – do you adapt it per department, per team, even per individual?
11:09 Have you noticed tangible changes in your teams or business performance when you adapt your leadership style?
13:55 Workplaces today place more value on employee behavior, work-life balance, and finding meaning in work. Do you think that this shift has made its way into the hotel industry as well?
19:08 You touched on sustainability, workplace relationships, and communication. Do you see these influencing employee engagement and retention, or are they seen as just “nice to have”?
21:21 Looking ahead, how do you see the hotel industry evolving in the next 3-5 years – particularly in terms of HR, leadership, and organizational culture?
27:00 What do you think is missing in education today? Are there specific gaps you’ve observed in the people entering the industry?
32:02 Final thoughts and closing.
Guest Information
Mateo Nikolovski is the Hotel Manager at Hotel Istra (Liburnia Hotels & Villas) in Croatia. With a background in Swiss hospitality education and an MBA from the University of Ljubljana, he focuses on empowering teams, elevating guest experience, and fostering a strong workplace culture.
Remarkable Quotes
