14/04/2026
I spent a few days in Hong Kong last month with my team, meeting with our strategic hotel partners — C-level and SVP leaders across the region. Every conversation reminded me of this:
Showing up in person is only half the equation.
How you show up is everything.
People, even my team members , always ask me:
“How do you know what to say in a room full of senior leaders? Don’t you feel intimidated? Are you nervous?”
Honest answer?
They’re just humans. Like you and me.
When my team and I have done the work — I’m not nervous. That’s why I’d always rather be overly prepared than under-prepared.
And I don’t open with an agenda. I start with genuine curiosity — their stories, what they’re focused on, what’s keeping them up at night, and how we can actually help.
That openness changes everything.
Next time, if you have to walk into a big meeting with many senior leaders, remember this:
1. Walk in settled, not eager.
Take time to settle before the meeting starts. Know the room, know your seat, know who will be sitting across from you.
2. Read the room.
The real influence isn’t always the highest title. Watch who others look to before they respond. This one takes practice — especially for newer leaders.
3. Don’t fill the silence.
Senior leaders think before they speak. Match their energy.
4. Ask intelligent, strategic questions.
It’s not about quantity. It’s about quality. One sharp question tells them you’ve done your homework and you respect their time.
5. Close with clarity, not just warmth.
What was agreed. What comes next. Who owns what.
Being in the room is a privilege.
Show up like you’ve earned it — because you have.
