In the fast-paced world of tourism and hospitality, leadership is often mistaken for authority. But for Rogelio Alejandro Jr., a Certified Tourism Professional who holds senior roles with both Uni Orient Travel in the Philippines and Big Bus Tours in Los Angeles, the most powerful form of leadership doesn’t rely on scripts, playbooks, or rigid hierarchies—it relies on presence and empathy.
“In this industry, you’re dealing with real people, real problems, and real emotions every single day,” Rogelio says in his interview with Financial Adviser PH. “If your leadership style is purely transactional, it won’t last. People won’t follow you just because of your title—they’ll follow you if they feel seen and supported.”
That belief didn’t come from a textbook. It came from decades of working with diverse teams across the globe—from the high-pressure environments of the Middle East to the people-centric culture of Los Angeles. It was also shaped by personal experiences that took him far outside the corporate world, including a formative season working as a licensed caregiver. “That chapter taught me that service at its core is about being present. Sometimes, what people need most isn’t direction—it’s reassurance.”
Presence, Rogelio explains, means more than physically being in the room. It means listening when someone is struggling, noticing shifts in team morale, and being available even when your schedule is packed. “You don’t have to have all the answers. But you do need to show your team that you’re in it with them.”
Equally important is empathy—what he calls the “non-negotiable” of modern leadership. “Empathy isn’t weakness. It’s one of the strongest tools you have. It allows you to connect with your team on a human level, especially in high-stress moments when performance alone isn’t enough.”
Rogelio shares that many of his most meaningful leadership moments weren’t about hitting targets or solving complex problems—they were about offering perspective, creating space for others to grow, and having the courage to lead with heart.
“I’ve seen leaders lose teams because they tried to manage people like numbers. And I’ve seen average performers turn into top talent because someone believed in them when they didn’t believe in themselves yet.”
Leadership without empathy, he says, may get results—but it won’t build loyalty. “In hospitality, service begins inside the team. If your people don’t feel cared for, they won’t be able to care for others.”
His advice to new and emerging leaders? “Forget the script. Lead with presence. Lead with empathy. That’s how influence lasts beyond the moment—and beyond the metrics.”
