24 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HOTELMANAGEMENT.NET | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 YOUNG PROFESSIONALS How are you working today to develop your career? ESTHER HERTZFELD EHERTZFELD QUESTEX.COM Today’s young professionals are redefi ning what it means to build a career in the hotel industry. They are armed with digital savvy, a global mindset and a hunger for hands-on experience—they are blending traditional hospitality skills with modern strategies. Here are what a few of Hotel Management’s most recent class of Thirty Under 30 award winners are doing to prepare for their next roles. Olivia Barbeau, talent acquisition manager at Brittain Resorts & Hotels: I’m working to deepen my understanding of the hospitality industry and the broader fi eld of human resources. To grow in my career, I believe it’s important to understand not just talent acquisition, but how all parts of the business work together. I have strong relationships with leaders across the company and I actively seek their insight as I continue to learn and grow. One of my current goals is earning my [Society for Human Resource Management-Certifi ed Professional] certifi cation, which I see as an important step in expanding my HR knowledge and preparing for future opportunities. I’m also working on improving my Spanish-language skills to better connect with candidates and associates across language barriers. Strengthening this skill will help me communicate more e ectively with our diverse workforce, which I see as both a personal and professional asset. Emma Dietz, former senior associate of investments at First Hospitality, now senior manager of transactions at Hyatt: To continue developing my career and prepare for future roles,I’ve been intentional about seeking out opportunities that expand both my network and skill set. Over the past year, I’ve attended industry conferences such as ALIS and the NYU Hospitality Investment Conference. These events have allowed me to connect with peers, strengthen relationships with partners and build new connections. Additionally, I’m participating in the American Hotel & Lodging Association Build & Elevate program, which has been a valuable experience for sharpening my leadership skills and broadening my perspective on career development within the hospitality industry. These e orts are helping me stay engaged, informed and prepared for the next step in my career journey. Inspired by their generosity, I want to pay it forward by helping those who choose to be in this industry. Many focus on the guest experience, but I believe it’s equally important to o er that same care and support to the people behind the desk. In addition to mentorship, I invest in ongoing learning, attend industry events and cultivate strong company cultures. By working cross-functionally—from product to client relations—I’m broadening my skills and preparing for larger leadership roles. I want to lead with empathy and purpose, helping others build fulfi lling careers in hospitality while driving meaningful innovation. Sean Marsden, general manager at the Aloft Denver International Airport for Stonebridge: I’m focused on sharpening my fi nancial acumen— specifi cally, around forecasting and managing both the top and bottom line. I want to be as strong on the business side as I am on the operations Amaan Dosani, CEO and leadership side. My immediate goal is and co-founder to position my current hotel for success so at Hifi ve & Sabha Hospitality: To prepare I can promote from within. I’m setting my sights on a full-service property. The leap for my next roles, I’m focused on developing will push me beyond the pace of select-service and force me to grow in dynamic my leadership and operational skills while ways. There’s no growth in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growth zone. HM giving back to the hospitality community. Managing both a growing tech company and a family hotel sharpens my ability to lead and scale, but I also feel a responsibility to support others entering the industry. For the entire I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by article scan some of the biggest leaders in hospitality. the QR code. Hotel Management Young Professionals is designed specifi cally for hospitality professionals within the fi rst decade of the careers. During the year, we look back on our 2025 Thirty under 30 class for their takes on what’s going on in hospitality. This is sponsored by DIRECTV HOSPITALITY. Sponsored by
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