Daring to Be Great: A Leader on the Rise

Meet Henry Kweon, a dynamic leader with a passion for people and a drive for service excellence. With nearly a decade of experience in hospitality, Henry is making his mark by empowering teams, creating meaningful guest experiences, and leading with heart.

Tell us about your career journey—how did it all begin, and where has it taken you?
I’ve been in hospitality for almost ten years, and each role I’ve taken on has helped shape both my operational know-how and my leadership approach. I started at the front desk and grew into leadership positions including Front Office Manager, Director of F&B, and Assistant General Manager. Along the way, I’ve focused on elevating the guest experience and building strong, service-driven teams that take pride in what they do every day.

How would you describe yourself in one sentence?
I’m a people-first leader who builds trust, drives results, and empowers others to thrive.

What does hospitality mean to you?
Hospitality is all about human connection. It’s the feeling of being seen, valued, and truly cared for—from the moment someone walks through our doors. To me, it’s more than service; it’s a consistent, heartfelt experience rooted in empathy and integrity.

What’s your leadership philosophy?
Lead with purpose, serve with humility, and communicate with clarity. I believe in leading by example, fostering accountability, and celebrating progress. When people feel supported and challenged in the right way, they naturally deliver their best work.

What’s a recent challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve tackled recently was managing our rooms inventory effectively—especially with a high volume of airline crew staying with us. When I joined the team, we were regularly overbooked, resulting in guests being walked or left waiting for hours. I worked closely with our revenue management team to better protect inventory and minimize overbookings. I also collaborated with housekeeping to streamline scheduling, ensuring rooms were ready faster. These changes helped reduce the daily stress on our team and are steadily restoring guest satisfaction to where it should be.

What keeps you inspired to grow as a leader?
I’m driven by the opportunity to develop others while growing myself. Knowing the positive impact we can have—on our teams, our guests, and our communities—keeps me going. Every challenge is a new chance to grow, raise the bar, and strive for something even better.

What’s your go-to hype song?
“Goodbye Yesterday” by Elevation Rhythm and Grace Binion—it’s a reminder that every day is a fresh start.

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