Leadership in Design: Intern to Principal - Alessia Genova - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 169

In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan interviews Alessia Genova, a noted interior design expert in the hospitality industry. Alessia shares her inspiring journey from starting as an intern at Tihany Design to becoming the company's principal and managing partner. With over 15 years of experience, Alessia discusses her passion for hospitality design, the importance of relationships and reputation, and the challenges and triumphs she encountered when taking over the company. The conversation offers valuable insights into maintaining high-quality standards, navigating career transitions, and balancing innovation with tradition in the design industry. She is an inspiration to hospitality professionals everywhere, you don’t want to miss this episode!

Takeaways: 

• Identifying and communicating the mission behind what you do can energize and drive you and your team. In hospitality, for example, the goal might be to make people feel cared for during their journeys.
• Building strong, lasting relationships within your industry—whether with clients, colleagues, or vendors—can be a foundation for long-term success.
• Nurturing your team members and providing mentorship can foster a strong, supportive working environment. Encourage personal and professional growth through guidance and sharing knowledge.
• For firms with a rich legacy, it’s essential to balance the respect for past accomplishments with the drive to innovate and explore new paths.
• The COVID-19 pandemic was described as a non-linear challenge, indicating the importance of adaptability. Leaders must stay flexible and manage unforeseen changes effectively.
• Focus on the quality of work and craftsmanship, from design to execution. Detailed project planning and immaculate attention to detail can set you apart.

Quote of the Show: “Eventually you grow and you understand that having an understanding of these spaces will help you also design them in a certain way.” - Alessia Genova

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessia-genova-a28b742a/ 
• Website: https://tihanydesign.com/

Shout Outs:

• The Breakers https://www.thebreakers.com/ 
• Beverly Hills Hotel https://www.dorchestercollection.com/los-angeles/the-beverly-hills-hotel 
• Hilton https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/hilton-hotels/ 
• Heart of House https://www.heartofthehouse.com/ 
• Amber Hotel https://www.hotelamber.com/ 
• Mandarin Hong Kong https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/hong-kong/victoria-harbour 
• Richard Serra https://gagosian.com/artists/richard-serra/ 
• Le Cirque https://lecirque.com/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419
• Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/