Great Hotel Brands

With Luis Tello

Following is my interview with Luis Tello, Assistant Director of Purchasing, The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows and Hotel Bel-Air. Hope you enjoy!

Me: So you know in my last series, "Hospitality Heroes," I interviewed Veronica (Hotel Bel Air Boutique Clerk), who is such a pleasure to work with. You also were so kind to offer a great quote which I included in the main piece of that series. This last year and a half has been quite challenging for those in the hospitality arena as you know, and many have come out of this last year stronger, and learned a lot. What do you think are the most important things you have learned through all this so far?

Luis: I think patience. So much of what has gone on, and continues to go on is out of our control. What is in our control? Obviously we need to know patience, and to not stress about certain things. Understanding that things come up that are out of our control, and I control what I can and what I can't is really out of my hands. Each day is a blessing, and I am grateful first. At any moment, things can change. Gratitude is very important. This past year has made a lot of people better, and a lot of us are coming out better people.

My Takeaway:

Patience and gratitude! Also, letting go and surrendering are key takeaways, especially from this past year.

#patience

#gratitude

#bestrong

#bettertogether

#gratitude

#patience

#lettinggo

#surrender

Me: In my opinion, Dorchester Collection, is one of the best brands. I know that so many employees stay for so many years and there is loyalty, as well as longevity. I think this speaks volumes to the management, leadership, and also work culture at Dorchester.

Luis: Yes, indeed. There are over fifty people who are part of the Quarter Century Club. Another forty team members are here more than twenty. I've been here thirteen plus years.

Me: Yes, I think Arnel Ramirez who you work with, has been there a long time right? He is an awesome guy too!

Luis: Arnel is part of the Quarter Century Club, and has been here since the renovation in 1996. Without a doubt the work culture is great and the company is terrific to work for. This does indeed play a huge part in the retention of employees such as myself, Arnel, and many others. The longevity and the environment here is also great for our guests.

My Takeaway:

Great leaders, and great brands inspire and create loyalty, longevity among their people. This also creates loyalty, longevity among guests.

#longevity

#workculture

#corporateculture

#bettertogether

#corporateresponsibility

#leadership

Me: There is a quote on your website from Denise Flanders, who is the General Manager of Hotel Bel Air. She says "the emotional attachment that some have for Hotel Bel Air is so very special." I was so intrigued by this, as I feel emotions and emotional connections are extremely important in business. Working with many of the individuals at your hotel brand since the early 2000s, I know building, establishing and maintaining connections are important to your brand. Thoughts about this quote?

Luis: We genuinely care about people and understand the importance of emotional connections. Every person is different, and appreciates different things. It is the emotional connection that drives people to come back, and we build connections from an emotional level. We have many locals that come just for dinner, or for a night, and we respect the community and the community respects us. I believe we all do a great job here, in how we treat and service our guests, so they keep coming back.

My Takeaway:

Actions speak way louder than words. I still remember Regina Davis, who worked in the boutique at The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows, who wrote me a handwritten thank you note on their pink and white striped stationery, back in 2005/6. To this day, I remember the impression that it made on me. I mentioned this to Luis during our interview, as he worked with Regina, and is familiar with that pink and white stationery. True connection, appreciation, and caring, will always be evident and felt on a deep level. This is why i believe that robots will never replace human connections!

#actionspeaklouderthanwords

#connection

#emotionalconnection

#appreciation

#caring

#environmentsthatfosterconnection

#norobots

#peoplepeople

Me: Knowing that we are all doing our best to navigate these times, and with almost everyone in our industry spread so thin, how do you prioritize your workload each day? Do you have a daily to do list? weekly calendar? monthly?

Luis: At the end of the day, I send an email to myself. I set it up as a draft, and I add to it during the day. I put on there the things that are still pending, any new projects that come in that I need to follow up on. Things that I did not get to, I set reminders for myself. I also recap what I took care of and what needs to get done. What is pending, done, what is urgent, etc...

My Takeaway:

Priorities are important and staying in the day. One day at a time works well for me, and I think what Luis does to manage his work load is a great and empowering practice. This way, one gets to review, and acknowledge what did get done, and what moves into the next day/future. Unreasonable expectations we may put on ourselves, or others' unreasonable expectations projected upon us, does not serve anyone well. Daily progress and process!

#dailyprogress

#onedayatatime

#workyourland

#breathe

#stayintheday

#enjoytheprocess

#embracetheprocess

Me: As you know, there are many delays with production, and all that is involved with that. I know your property does appreciate USA made products, and I think more and more are understanding the benefits of buying made in the USA. Thoughts on this?

Luis: Yes, with all the delays getting products from overseas, with freight, shortages, etc... I think buying USA is a better way to go about business. I think there is a shift over to USA/ locally made. In general, I believe people are starting to care more about where products are made, whereas in the past many looked at what is cheaper. Even with our food, we have been looking for more options, more local farmers markets, supporting local breweries, etc...

My Takeaway:

Supporting USA made and locally made/grown is hopefully a trend with many, that will continue.

#USAmade

#locallymade

#buylocal

#buyUSA

#madeintheUSA

Me: As you probably know from many of my other interviews, I love nature. Big fan of art and nature. Tell me a bit about your swan pond.

Luis: Yes, our historic swan lake. We have three swans in there. A majestic walk across the bridge and it transforms our guests beyond Los Angeles. Our plush gardens really help to make our guests feel like they are on a real get away, away from city life.

My Takeaway:

Along with the historic swan lake, Hotel Bel-Air has twelve acres of tropical gardens, 483 specimen trees, more than four thousand plants. One of my favorite Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes: "Accept the pace of nature – her secret is patience."

#ralphwaldoemerson

#patience

#flow

#nature

#simplicity

#beauty

I want to thank Luis for his time, as I truly enjoyed this interview. Luis is a joy, and a true professional! What an asset to the Dorchester brand!

Hotel Bel-Air is celebrating its 75th year anniversary this month August.

For more information on The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows and Hotel Bel-Air, visit:

www.dorchestercollection.com/en/los-angeles/the-beverly-hills-hotel/legendary-bungalows/

Good Leadership, Part Five of Series

My next interview of this series, is with Tom Kabbash; Designer, Entrepreneur, Visionary, and Leader. Hope you enjoy, as much as I did!

Me: This is a real treat, and I am so glad we are doing this interview. As you know, I think you are a truly exceptional leader, and you are an example of how good leaders are there for others and inspire people to be the best they can be. This is something you have done for me, like no other person in my life. So, thank you for that Tom.

Me: So, what is your definition of a good leader?

Tom: Good question..... I think a lot of this is about context. Initially, when I think of a leader, I think of people who 'report' to someone, in a corporate setting. There is a 'head' of a group and this person leads people. I don't see myself in that vain. I don't have a company where I am employing people. So, I do not fit this mold. And then, I think what else is a leader, and I think everyone is a leader in their life- whether in a community, family, sports, hobbies, etc... Everyone gets to be a leader somewhere.

My takeaway:

Great points Tom makes and so true- " everyone gets to be a leader in their life."

#everyoneisaleader

#leadership

Me: So I know you follow Simon Sinek's work, and I was listening to his podcast and the interview he did with his sister.

https://simonsinek.com/discover/episode-16-moving-forward-with-my-sister-sara/

This interview reminded me of you a bit. You understand on a deep level, like Simon does, the power of being there for another person. You have shown up for me repeatedly in many of my darkest moments. You were fully present for me, when I was going through my trademark infringement case with my Eyes Cream Shades, you were fully present for me after my dad's passing, and you showed up for me after a car accident coming to help me. You were present for me, after a fire that had devastated my life, and you were present for me many other times, and I remember all of them. The gift of having a person in one's life who shows up during the tough times, and not just the good ones, is the mark of a true leader in my opinion. One never really knows, how many lives they truly touch, unless they are told. I reflect on some of the advise you have given me through the years, which possibly at the time, you may have thought I was not deeply listening, but I was. You have been such an instrumental person in my life, and one of the most inspiring people on my journey. So with regards to Simon Sinek's work- what do you think inspires you about him?

Tom: If anything, it is the ‘Johnny Bravo' story – a fighter pilot goes into an intense situation laying down ground fire to protect ground troops illustrating the type of fearless leader that puts himself at the ultimate risk in order to save others. When I was a kid, in a very limited way, I had the experience of helping someone else and I learned early on, that I felt good by doing so. Simon Sinek's video "Leaders Eat Last," I watched no less than nine or ten times. In his video, he talks about the chemistry in the brain and the chemicals which can become addictive, and can be prevalent in a capitalist culture. Leaders put others before themselves, and I, like many probably, grapple with this concept, as it is a challenging one. How can I be of service to others? How can I get my needs met, and meet the needs of others? With the company I am building, I am manufacturing eyewear domestically, which as you know well, is uncommon. My product is going to be made of plant based sustainably sourced materials. So the concept of putting others first, within the context of my eyewear company- my ego can get attached to the outcome, while I also want to provide beautiful frames for men and women to enjoy and feel good about wearing.

My takeaway:

I agree with Tom, in that the concept of being of service to others, while also getting needs met is a challenging one for many. This is why I am asking my next question......

#needs

#leaderseatlast

#simonsinek

Me: So, some are good at being of service to others, and they can get a bit out of balance in understanding they have needs too. Thoughts on this?

Tom: I do think if it comes from a healthy place, and not an insecurity – it is natural, and there is no need to think about maintaining balance. Sometimes giving can be 'people pleasing' and this is driven by our own insecurity and our own personal issues. We can give and care for others, while taking inventory of our own wellbeing. Within a company, a leader needs to know how to balance the books, or else they can not take care of all the employees, and end up bankrupt. This idea can be the same for myself and managing my own wellbeing.

My takeaway:

Terrific insights!! Definitely worth a listen to Simon's "Leaders Eat Last". Also great points that Tom makes on how being of service needs to come from a healthy place- "we can give and care for others, while taking inventory of our own wellbeing." Taking inventory and self awareness is always good.

#takinginventory

#healthygiving

#balanceneeds

#simonsinek

#leaderseatlast

#selfawareness

Me: You, like myself, have a deep spiritual side. Do you think there is a spiritual component to leadership? In my interviews thus far, no one has mentioned God or the spiritual aspect(s) of leadership.

Tom: Yes, I do believe there is a spiritual aspect to leadership. What is spirit.... breathe of life. For me personally, being spiritually fit requires maintenance. Being in a good place spiritually for me is when I am coming from a very positive place, looking for solutions, seeing the greatness in others and being outside myself, outside of looking to have my own needs met. In turn, when I can come from a spiritual place my own needs always get handled. This is often an idealized state or way of being that I strive for. I have found a few ways to recharge and this most definitely takes me out and away from the 'corporate rat race’. Connecting with nature, meditation, outdoor activity and music are some of the ways that help me come from a healthier more spiritually fit place. Connection to other people can also provide me with a spiritual boost. Connection with people or nature. I can get caught up in the game of business and be driven solely by the opportunities of capitalism, money and the successes defined by these pursuits. The struggle is real, haha! With regards to multi-national corporations, if there is a spiritual aspect present in the leadership I would imagine the results could be positive. These large corporations can provide massive levels of assistance, help and product for developing nations, while they also can really be seen as monsters with one thing in mind, profits at all costs. Again, spirituality to me is more defined by nature and life, when a leader not only considers but prioritizes the impacts on our planet, the environment and the wellbeing for our people, and looks at the larger more holistic picture, I can only imagine what the results can be because I am not sure this really exists in our world right now. Many of the corporate problems may even be rooted in the larger issues of spirituality. In our capitalistic society, corporations want to gain more and more for themselves, more for the bankers and the wealthy. Those who look for their own gain, end up betraying others. So spirituality can also come from a moral place, and conscience- what is right versus what is wrong morally. I like to support B-Corporations, the idea of B-Corporations, the corporate by-laws as I understand them, benefit the employees and the environment as a priority over the shareholders where C-Corporations prioritize the shareholders over everything else. I can get tied up between the joy of creating new products for people to love while also having an anger towards our capitalistic system that has generated massive wealth for many. The 'more, more' for ourselves culture is highly addictive. Listening to Simon Sinek's video on 'Leaders Eat Last' , helps me understand this on another level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gUL76lV7gk

My takeaway:

I agree with Tom, there is indeed a spiritual aspect to leadership. As Tom shares- spirit is breathe of life. Tom inspires, and he is one of the most spiritually based leaders that I know. I also agree with Tom about our capitalistic society, and large corporate greed. I know many creatives, entrepreneurs, minority owned businesses, small businesses, that reflect upon this, and are frustrated by systems that are not based upon spiritual principles.

#spiritualprinciples

#spiritualityinbusiness

#corporategreed

#equality

#spiritualmaintenance

#spiritualfitness

Me: So, this brings me to the question of nature and leadership, and how they relate to one another. I love nature, and I know you do too. Do you think there is any correlation to leadership, nature, and creativity?

Tom: What is better than being in nature? I remember growing up in LA, and I would go down to Orange County to surf, so I was going south on the 405, and all the traffic was going north. I remember reflecting upon how I am going into the ocean, at the end of my drive, and these people are all sitting in traffic to go into a room with florescent lights. This has had a profound affect on me and I feel very fortunate to have been able to have this perspective. Even when someone lives in a city, they can experience nature. They can see weeds come through the sidewalk, breathe the fresh air, look at the blue sky/ clouds, .... I think what is important is to have some consistent interaction with nature. To enjoy beauty and nature is part of leadership, and part of being a healthy human. So even walking instead of driving or taking a bus, one can get this connection. As you know, I have been fortunate to have surfed all over the world. Whether I am alone on the Oregon coast, or in South Africa, it is really hard to describe how wonderful I feel. It is such a great feeling, and it changes who I am when I come back home. I value things differently, and many of the decisions I make are different. My perspectives on things are better.

My takeaway:

Totally agree, and what Tom shares is deep wisdom- "to enjoy beauty and nature is part of leadership and part of being a healthy human". California is one of the most beautiful states, and whether it is driving down the coast, being by the ocean in San Diego; appreciating art in Laguna; walking the boardwalk in Newport Beach; surfing great waves, as Tom does - those who love California know the vital importance of nature. Home is where the heart is, and many have their hearts in this beautiful state. I totally get on a very deep level Tom's description of his driving down to OC to surf. I agree with what Tom says about perspectives on things are better, when we are able to spend time in nature. My best ideas and perspectives I have gotten while being in nature. To Tom's point, for those who live in a city, they can also experience nature. I was telling Tom about my last interview with Paul Patino, who is the GM of the popular Palm Springs Saguaro Hotel. Paul understands this concept of nature, creativity, and leadership, and put this into action at his hotel. In his employee hallway to the cafeteria, he hired a local tattoo artist to do a beautiful mural on the walls. I will post photos and a bit about the artist, in another blog. It was very inspiring to me, to see a leader of an organization, make this a priority. Rare indeed in the corporate world. This is very special, and totally in line with what Tom shares so eloquently.

#art

#creativityinleadership

#beauty

#natureandleadership

Me: There is a great quote from Henry David Thoreau, who is one of my favorites. He wrote Walden, and he says "You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land." Thoughts on this, as I know you are a surfer, and also creative, and an entrepreneur; so I though you would appreciate this question, on many levels...

Tom: That is an awesome quote. I actually have some of Thoreau's quotes at the bottom of my website.

Me: Wow! That is incredible – I love Thoreau!! I will check out those quotes, and put them here to share with others. There is deep wisdom in Thoreau's words. Here are the one's Tom has on his website: “I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least – and it is commonly more than that – sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements." – Henry David Thoreau. “I have met with but one or two persons in the course of my life who have understood the art of Walking, that is, of taking walks – who had a genius, so to speak, for sauntering.” – Henry David Thoreau.

Tom: Yes, so I never heard the quote you mentioned, and it is really good. There is a lot in there. There is always a goal to be in the moment, and this is a lifelong process. The island of opportunity and looking to the other island, means we never really get anywhere unless we really commit. For me, I did not want to be 'pigeon holed' as 'the eyewear designer', but then decided to double down on eyewear. Sometimes things are right there in our face, and we do not see it- this is when the island of opportunities is looking at the other islands. The name of my eyewear collection - Saunt, comes from the word sauntering. The art of walking. Being present in the moment, and the world we live in along side nature. The process of sauntering- meandering. This is what emerged and it works. The balance and blend of connecting and being with nature, and the experience of being alive.

My takeaway:

Having built a successful niche sunglass brand, from the ground up, I know what it takes to build a niche in the eyewear arena. There are always riches in niches, and while some are "monetary" riches, others are riches that can not be "measured" in terms of dollars and cents. And then there are riches in niches that bring forth the fruits of both- the measurable and the immeasurable. The monetary, and the invaluable. Tom will no doubt make this a success in all aspects, as he has the experience, wisdom, creativity, inspiration, spiritual foundation as well as talent, heart, and class. I am so excited for Tom's new endeavor, as I know what a blessing his vision truly is.

#sauntering

#saunte

#nichesunglass

#richesinniches

Me: So what about passion and the importance of passion in leadership and being creative ?

Tom: I do not think it is just creatives who need to feel passionate about what they are doing- I think it is everyone. We can all draw passion from different things. I myself, need a bigger vision, for what I am up to. After I closed Pleasure Ground Eyewear, I had quite a hard time professionally. I was going through the motions to make a living, and something sparked in me two years ago. The spectrum of experiences has been a process. I wish I had bounced back sooner, with the closure and completion that I needed, as to what had happened. I had a lot of disempowering stories I was telling myself based upon closing the company. To put it simply, we didn’t generate enough sales and interest to keep the doors open and I was sitting in failure, disillusioned to try again. So this next venture, Saunt Eyewear, has been a different experience. I have energy, passion, and also fear but I do not feel pressure. Passion comes from a goal being bigger than self, and also comes from a challenge. I am able to saunter in the context of my business. I am excited that I am able to make sustainably sourced frames, which are stronger than nylon. I do not have the same financial liability since there are no mold costs. I am manufacturing myself domestically so minimums are quite a bit less. So less pressure, all the way around, as you know. Also, nature and conservation is very important to me, so I have the drive, and will do it in a sauntering way and let the brand and product progress organically.

My takeaway:

I love what Tom has shared! During and also after my trademark infringement case, I had a very hard time as well. Like Tom, the spectrum of experiences was a process for me, and I wished I had bounced back sooner too. On some level, I did not get the actual "closure" that I wanted, and was extremely disappointed as to how trademark laws really work, but I did go through the process and I did learn a lot. I think with entrepreneurs especially, those who work diligently at creating and building a brand, when it does not "work out" how they had planned or foreseen, there is a period of time that they need to process things, until they can get that passion and inspiration back for something else. Whether it takes a year, or many years, what is important is that they do get it back. I am glad that something sparked in Tom to ignite him into another passion project, as usually the next one is way better than the prior one , as the lessons learned are invaluable. No one can teach heart, passion, inspiration, vision, from a book or in a class.. For those who are blessed enough to embrace the process of discovery, growth, and knowledge; they come out on the other end wiser, and are able to help others who may have gone through something similar. There is a shared empathy and compassion. Many entrepreneurs go though this, and I am glad Tom is brave and vulnerable enough to share his journey. Ultimately, we all want to be whole healthy individuals, and that is something that exceptional leaders like Tom understand fully.

Me: So as you speak about Saunte, and how you will "do it in a sauntering way" – I think of the documentary "Down to Earth" with Zac Efron, where they did a segment in Sardinia Italy on the Blue Zones, and the gentleman they featured, Francesco Paba, sauntered daily. It was really cool, and quite intriguing!!

Tom: Yes, I did see it. It was with Darin Olien too. Great stuff!

My takeaway:

For anyone who has Netflix. check out Zac Efron's "Down to Earth." Be sure to watch the segment in Sardinia, with Francesco Paba who "saunters."

Me: So last question, any good podcasts you listen to?

Tom: Rich Roll, and also Finding Mastery Podcast.

My takeaway:

Here are the links to Tom's recommended podcasts:

Rich Roll: https://www.richroll.com/

Finding Master Podcast: https://findingmastery.net/tianna-bartoletta/

My final takeaways:

I want to thank Tom so much for taking the time to do this interview. I believe like Tom, we are all born leaders, and we all have something unique to contribute. Unfortunately, many do not have someone who sees them for who they really are- their innate gifts, talents, etc... Tom has always been able to see and honor my sensitivity, creativity, passions, and spirituality. So, in essence I think a great leader is one who helps inspire and build others. Ralph Waldo Emerson has said that "our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be." Tom does this for me, and I know for many others who are blessed to know him.

Concierge – At Your Service

Featured Spotlight - Alexandra Yarborough

(Senior Concierge)

I met Alexandra many years ago at La Costa Resort in Carlsbad – now it is Omni La Costa. As I have been doing these interviews, I thought Alexandra would be a perfect fit for my series on workplace wholeness and workplace wellness.

As mentioned in some of my previous interviews, I want to shine a light on those who are positive, engaging, present, as well as “whole;” as they bring their unique perspectives to their work. In the times we are in, some in the hospitality industry can feel “pressured” and possibly “over worked,” but more so than not, most are super happy in their positions, and have excelled within the brands they work for. Not only that, they are appreciated and valued by their employers.

What is it about them as individuals? And what does it also say about the companies they work for that encourage and appreciate this kind of talent?

Our work is supposed to be a place where we can be ourselves, and whatever the “job” or “profession,” we can all be healers for one another by being truly present, and engaged
in how we interact with one another.

It is my hope that we can all learn and grow by engaging in meaningful conversations such as these that can benefit the whole.

My interview with Alexandra is below...


Me: How long have you been in the Hospitality/Spa arena?


Alexandra: I started with La Costa in June 2011, and now it is Omni, so I have been working at this location 7 years.

My take away:


I met Alexandra when the Resort was La Costa Resort, a KSL Resort, and even back then I knew she was someone special, and knew that she was going to thrive in the hospitality space. Hospitality is about people and service. Alexandra is defiantly a people person, who is not only heart centered and present in all that she does and says, but is also super organized and efficient. This blend makes for a spectacular fit for any team at a Resort.

#hospitality

#service

#being integrated at work

#workplace wholeness


Me: Did you have prior experience in concierge services before getting hired?

Alexandra: I had no prior experience. I went to a job fair here at La Costa and got a call back. I was interviewed, and then hired in a “seasonal” concierge position. Once the season was over, I was asked if I wanted to stay and they changed my position to full time concierge.

My take away:


Being a people person, does not involve any “prior experience” – it is the experience of demonstration. Those who genuinely love connecting with others have the ability to be present in another’s presence and are here to serve – there is no “training” for these skills. These are the best types of individuals for companies to hire, as these are the leaders and team players. One can lead and also be part of a winning team. Organizational details and specialized “tasks” can be taught. Thriving companies look for people like Alexandra.

#connection

#presence

#leaders

#team players

Me: I notice that the concierge interacts with every department. How have you been able to master this role?


Alexandra: I embrace the fact that I work as a team with other departments. My main point of contact is with the front office, bell stand, In room dining team, and IT.; but my role can be seen as a kind of liaison among all departments. I have been really good at connection and creating relationships and alliances with other key departments such as Sales, Marketing, Food and Beverage, and Accounting. I take the time to get to know the individuals in each department and love creating and building relationships.

My take away:


The value of relationships and connection is crucial – especially in the work environment. We spend so much of our time as well as our energy in our “jobs” or “positions” that if we are not connecting with others in our work environment, then this should be a call for concern. Those who take the time to work with those with whom they can connect with on both a personal and professional level, lead richer lives, and are generally more fulfilled and content in their work.

#workplace wholeness

#connection

#relationship building

Me: So do you have a favorite part of your job?


Alexandra: My favorite part is connecting with different departments to really shift the dynamics of work culture. When someone new comes on board, I make it a point to introduce myself, and maintain and build from there. I like to develop rapport with others.

My second favorite part of my job is service and creating an exceptional type of experience for each guest – whether it is in person or on the phone.

#work culture

#workplace wholeness

My take away:


As many industries are wanting their workers and employees to become more “robotic” and mechanic in their day to day responsibilities, it is great to know that there are those companies who value individual talents, gifts, and perspectives. The whole is about the sum of its parts... so those who embrace the uniqueness of its parts, make for a thriving work culture. It is awesome that Alexandra can bring her uniqueness, flair, and perspectives to her role, as she is definitely a key part of the overall team.

#workplace wholeness

#company culture

#uniqueness

Me: Since you interact with so many guests, do you ever have any “difficult” ones, and if so, how do you handle these guests?


Alexandra: Most of our guests are a joy and a delight! If there is a “difficult” guest, sometimes I will take a step away from my desk, and just breathe. I remind myself that people generally bring in who they are and where they are at in life. I also remind myself that they have chosen to be “delightful” or “difficult.” For the “difficult ones,” I see this as an opportunity to build my skill set, attitude, and character. I can not take their attitude personally. I can only do my best and maintain grace and poise serving them. I am really good at being gracious, diplomatic, and flexible.

My take away:


This can be a common theme of any job or position. While most people are wonderful to work with, there can be those that are “difficult.” Whether it is a one time interaction with a guest or client, or it is a pattern with someone we work with, it is best to remember to not take it “personal.” Alexandra’s way of handling tough situations is spot on, and we can all take this in.

Me: You do so much and have so many responsibilities, are you good at asking for help when you need to?


Alexandra: Yes, I do not have a problem with asking for help or advice. I ask for help when I really need it and I am also patient when others need it. I am really good at juggling things, in general, and am good at prioritizing and delegating. I realize that I can’t be the best in all areas.

My take away:

Many of us have so much on our plates and are pulled in so many directions, it is definitely a sign of strength to be able to ask for help or advice. We are all here to contribute our uniqueness and perspectives to all we do, so if others can add a perspective or lending hand, it is always wonderful as well as appreciated on multiple levels.

Me: Two part question: How are able to be so grounded and centered ? Do you have any daily “routines?”

Alexandra: One of the most important things in life is to let people know that I see them and acknowledge them. I let people know this in my actions. I am present with what I am doing, whether face to face or on the phone. I am able to give guests my full attention.

I am most recently starting “routines” around my high time and low time of energy. I am finding my algorithm. I start my day with prayer and time in God’s Word receiving instruction and strength from Him. For ten minutes or so, before work, I visualize what my day will look like, and I set my goals for the day (personal as well). I have a visual calendar as well as use Evernote, where I prioritize most important to least important for personal, work, and my music. I like to do a journal “mind spill.” This is when I write down all that is on my mind and release.

Also, I like to walk during my lunch breaks. The one thing in my routine that is non-negotiable is my Bible time in the morning. Being in the Word gives me peace of mind. Peace is the highest priority.

My take away:

The importance of daily rituals, and finding one’s own unique flow in maintaining one’s center point is imperative, especially in the times we are in!

#daily rituals

#free flow writing

#spiritual practice.

Me: We touched on your music briefly, so let’s chat a bit more about your music, as well as what some of your other passions and interests are.


Alexandra: I enjoy UFC fights as well as love to hang out with friends. I love to go for walks on the beach and I also love to explore brief excursion to learn more about my city. I enjoy time with family, and I love to do my music. I am a songwriter. I write all my own music and sing. My stage name is Lexy Luz (Luz means light in Spanish), and you can find my music on YouTube, iTunes, and Soundcloud.

My take away:

The ability to express oneself and touch others, whether writing, speaking, singing, or rapping – is a gift as well as an art. Alexandra is definitely creative, artistic, heart centered, and present in all she does. The consciousness she brings to her work, is the same consciousness she brings to everything else in her life!

#connection

#consciousness

#content same form different.

Me: What two words sum up 2018 so far for you?


Alexandra: “Keep your eyes on Jesus” – this sums up my faith. Keep eyes on God, whatever the circumstances. Through all of my experiences, my faith has deepened, and I am very aligned in my faith and trust in Christ Alone as my source. My faith in Him guides me and leads me to be all I can be to serve others.

#faith

#trust

My take away:

Alexandra is a true demonstration of walking her talk. Her actions, words, and deeds are aligned; and her core is one of beauty, grace, and divine radiance. The glow she has and the faith, joy, and trust she radiates is extremely spectacular!

I am so blessed and grateful for this interview. Being able to share and connect with someone like Alexandra is a treat, and it is wonderful to be able to connect on many levels. It is my hope that those reading this interview can take away something that may resonate with them and their own journey.

#authenticity

#divine alignment

#beauty

#grace

#deep gratitude

For more information on Alexandra and her music, visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mtZ7WRCTy0