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Nate Swanson is a seasoned Corporate Human Resources Executive with over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He specializes in culture building, talent development and implementing strategic HR initiatives. Recognized as a mentor and culture advocate, Swanson blends operational insight with a passion for employee engagement and forward-thinking workforce solutions. His approach is characterized by collaboration, strategic partnerships and a commitment to advancing people practices in hospitality.
Hospitality Roots to Corporate Leadership
My journey in hospitality began 18 years ago in Chicago, where I started as an HR coordinator at a luxury hotel. I was keen to learn and grow in the industry, not realizing how much it would change over time. But what I discovered during that stage is that hospitality is more than just delivering service to guests; it’s about creating environments where employees feel valued and supported in their growth. This realization has been the foundation of my leadership philosophy.
Over the years, I took on various leadership roles. I had the opportunity to manage the opening of luxury properties, which taught me the importance of building strong teams from the ground up. Later, I oversaw boutique lifestyle hotels, balancing the different needs of teams and fostering a collaborative culture. These experiences helped me transition into corporate leadership during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.
After stepping into a corporate role with Virgin Hotels, I supported multiple properties across the U.S. and the UK. The pandemic tested every aspect of the industry, from operations to employee well-being, demanding adaptability and a renewed focus on supporting people. It was a defining moment that shaped my approach to leading HR functions, focusing on adaptability and people-centered solutions.
“In my view, technology should never replace the human element; rather, it should enhance the ability to connect, learn and grow”
More than just responsibilities, these efforts entail both strategic and operational challenges. One of the most important among them is the widening skills gap. The industry has welcomed many new employees without prior experience, thereby increasing the need for comprehensive training programs that encompass both technical and interpersonal skills.
This is especially true in areas like customer service, conflict resolution or leadership development. In my earlier stints, I have seen talented individuals promoted into management roles without the necessary support or training, and the results have been challenging for the team.
To address this issue on a broad scale, our team At Spire Hospitality developed emerging leaders programs to equip new managers with essential skills in motivation, communication and conflict management. In these programs, participants are paired with experienced mentors who offer practical guidance and real-world insights, helping them build all managerial and technical skills. The mentors encourage the use of e-learning platforms like LMS to bridge skills gaps, teach company policies, and reduce turnover by making onboarding easier and improving talent retention.
Technology and Workforce Development
As technology continues to shape work culture, it also plays a key role in training and development. AI tools like ChatGPT are helping employees access information quickly, generate content and solve problems more efficiently. However, it is essential to implement these tools thoughtfully, with a focus on protecting confidentiality and ensuring effective use.
In my view, technology should never replace the human element; instead, it should enhance the ability to connect, learn and grow. I believe that integrating AI with customized training will transform hospitality learning, making it more relevant and practical. This future is not as far off as it may seem, as efforts are already underway to prepare people to adapt to these changes and ensure they possess the necessary skills and confidence to succeed.
Staying Ahead in Hospitality
From my start as a young HR coordinator to my current role as a corporate leader, I have learned that true success is not measured solely by policies or profits. It is measured by the people we empower and the futures we help build. Based on this experience, the advice I most often give to aspiring professionals and seasoned leaders is to stay adaptable and curious, as the pace of technological change continues to accelerate. The shift from early computer systems to today’s AI technologies shows how rapidly workplaces can evolve.
Hospitality has sometimes lagged behind other industries in adopting new technologies, but now is the time to catch up and lead. To achieve this, it is essential to focus on fostering culture, bridging skill gaps and embracing emerging trends. By investing in teams and using technology wisely, people can create a future that balances both artificial and human intelligence.
