Rising To Every Occasion

In an age where automation is rewriting the rules of customer service, hospitality remains one of the few industries where the human element still reigns supreme. The heartbeat of any hotel isn’t the marble in the lobby or the thread count on the sheets—it’s the people behind the desk and the ones cleaning the rooms, making each stay a memorable experience. While technology has made check-ins quicker and payment more seamless, it’s emotional intelligence, empathy, and attentive leadership that still define success in the hotel business. From corporate travelers practically living out of suitcases to spontaneous weekend guests, every guest brings unique expectations—and stories—that demand more than just transactional service. Leading this ever-shifting landscape requires more than skill; it calls for heart, intuition, and the ability to uplift a team even during moments of deep personal struggle. Rising to this challenge means embracing feedback—both positive and painfully honest—as opportunities for growth and connection. Few embody this spirit better than Ricky Flores, AGM of Glo Best Western, whose commitment to people-first hospitality makes him the perfect guest for this edition of Rising To Every Occasion for Visual Matrix.

Recent Episodes

The hospitality industry has weathered enormous shifts in the last five years, from pandemic‑era shutdowns to evolving guest expectations. Although hotels are projected to add over 14,000 employees in 2025, staffing levels are still well below pre‑pandemic (2019) figures. For hotel professionals, visibility and adaptability are critical, not only in operations but in how they…

Influencer marketing is rapidly changing, and many hotels are still figuring out how to tap into its full potential. As travelers demand more authentic and relatable content, the pressure is on for hotels to adapt their marketing strategies. But with skepticism around the true ROI of influencer partnerships, it’s more important than ever for brands…

The hospitality industry is under mounting pressure to modernize to meet guest expectations for seamless, tech-driven experiences and also develop leaders who can drive that transformation. According to Rackspace Technology, only 28% of travel and hospitality companies qualify as “AI leaders”— those aligning strategy, compliance, and training with real-world deployment. Another 28% remain in…