When Alessandro Pasague began his leadership journey in the hospitality industry, he thought the job was all about ticking boxes and enforcing standards. “I started as a very task-focused manager,” said Pasague, a Certified Hospitality Professional, in an interview with Financial Adviser PH. “But over time, I evolved into a more people-oriented leader.”
Like many professionals in high-pressure service roles, Pasague was initially driven by performance metrics and process execution. But as he took on more responsibility, he realized that managing people was about more than just getting things done—it was about building trust.
“I learned that understanding your team’s motivations, strengths, and even their personal challenges can help you manage them better,” he shared. “Today, I balance task execution with emotional intelligence—I still aim for excellence, but I never forget the human side of leadership.”
The transformation didn’t happen overnight. It came through real-world experience—listening to team members, managing conflicts, and recognizing that empathy and consistency were more powerful than authority alone.
“I believe in leading by example,” he said. “When your team sees that you’re willing to do the hard work, that you’re consistent, and that you genuinely care about them, they naturally rise to meet the standard.”
That people-first approach has become central to how Pasague manages high-performing hospitality teams. Whether it’s defusing tense situations or motivating staff during peak seasons, emotional intelligence has become his most valuable leadership tool.
In an industry known for long hours and constant change, Pasague’s management style is built to last. “Empathy, adaptability, and accountability,” he emphasized, “are the traits that keep teams strong, especially when the pressure is on.”
The takeaway? In hospitality—and any people-driven business—emotional intelligence isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s a must-have. The leaders who succeed today aren’t just managing tasks; they’re leading with heart, and that’s what inspires teams to thrive.
