With five generations in the workplace, industries are rapidly changing - from the ways employees communicate to younger employees stepping into executive roles. Hospitality is just one of the many industries ushering in a new wave of leadership and undergoing structural changes, as well as, overall transitions in recent years. The older generation of leaders are stepping away from executive level positions and welcoming in a new group of executives that are transforming the industry and becoming the leaders that they used to look up to.

Where hotels used to just be a place for travelers to lay their head at night, the consumer perception has dramatically changed - now expecting more to be offered. Whether it be an experience or more of an authentic connection to the destination, the industry is shifting to focus more on lifestyle hospitality. This is where past leaders are leaning on the new wave of hoteliers to break into this space and truly keep a pulse on traveler’s wants and needs.

The work that we are doing at Sightline Hospitality in the lifestyle space is one of the many examples of this transformation of leadership and overall shift in the hospitality industry. As the president of Sightline, I like to think of myself as the “conductor,” directing a team of well orchestrated leaders, all experts in their respective disciplines. It is my responsibility to have first hand knowledge in all aspects of the hospitality industry so that I can responsibly lead and inspire the “orchestra” to get the best performance out of each individual and work in sync to create a cohesive brand. At Sightline, we push the limits of possibility to deliver individualized solutions and big-ideas that embody the true culture of each property while serving the needs and earnest curiosity of guests. Where there’s opportunity to be creative, collaborative, and engaging, we are standing at the front of the line.

With consumer preferences shifting from big branded stays, Sightline Hospitality is consistently selected to oversee independent, lifestyle hotels because of the company’s out-of-the-box thinking, niche expertise in hotel management, and passion for creating soulful stays that make an impression long after departure. Focused on highlighting and celebrating each property’s individuality, the distinctively unique third-party management company brings together people, places, and possibilities to redefine hotel management. Sightline is looked to be a pioneer in this new lifestyle space as it truly lives the lifestyle of lifestyle hospitality. As larger big branded hotels can be managed with more of a cookie-cutter approach - and generally are - in the lifestyle, independent space, each property under Sightline is approached differently depending on the personality of the hotel.

The portfolio of unique properties really speaks for itself for how Sightlight lives in this space. For example, Calistoga’s original wellness resort, and the destination’s famed “crown jewel,” Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, is known as the place where wellness meets happiness and health food meets comfort food, and the scent of green chiles roasting meets Napa Valley's world-renowned wines. This lifestyle hotel has been perfected throughout its 70 year history by “Doc,” with guests invited to experience an iconic wellness encounter in the reimagined spa. Travelers can truly immerse themselves in the experience by visiting the bar for a chilled glass of rosé before soaking in the spring-fed mineral pools, detoxing in the Calistoga volcanic ash mud baths, and drifting far away in the secluded Spa Garden. On the other spectrum, Celebrity chef Todd English’s The English Hotel located in the Arts District of Las Vegas, invites a completely different type of lifestyle for guests to experience the acclaimed Chef’s desired world. With a passion for his craft married with his love for serving and entertaining others, his vision for this concept was to go beyond a great dinner and present a more well-rounded hospitality experience to every guest. From the specially selected, in-room cocktail carts to the adult-only sexy design of the hotel, pool, and restaurant, every element of the hotel is thoughtfully and carefully thought out to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Yes, what we are doing at Sightline is changing the industry, but we aren’t the only ones breaking through the glass and making an impact in the lifestyle hospitality sector. Additional leaders are entering this space and are revolutionizing the industry in their own unique ways. Each management company working in the lifestyle space is approaching the industry differently - specializing in their own expertise and compelling niche. Where some may focus on a more holistic view of their properties and customized experiences, others may take more of a turnkey approach with services that produce immediate improvements. Each bringing their own fresh perspectives.

The up and coming leaders are truly living and positioning their career to be in the lifestyle sector, therefore can understand the trends that are emerging out of this new consumer focus. Anticipating the new desires and staying ahead in this space takes a real and deep understanding to seamlessly and successfully tap into. Brands are realizing this and are utilizing third party management companies that live and breathe this approach, like Sightline Hospitality, to create the immersive and personal hotel experience that travelers are now looking for.