Anthony Esguerra, Certified Hospitality Professional, has built his career in tourism and hospitality, an industry where success is measured not just by efficiency, but by experience. Over the years, he has seen how the field continues to evolve, shaped by changing customer expectations and economic conditions. Yet despite these shifts, one belief has remained central to how he works and leads.
“You have to love what you do to make everything work—and do it in a heartfelt manner,” he says.
For Esguerra, technical skills are important, but they are not enough on their own. In hospitality, the difference often comes from how service is delivered. Anyone can be trained to perform tasks, but not everyone can bring genuine care into the way they serve others.
“A standout candidate… is passionate about what they do,” he explains, emphasizing that service is something people feel, not just observe.
At the same time, he recognizes that passion must be supported by adaptability. Tourism and hospitality are constantly changing, and professionals need to keep up with new demands and challenges. This is especially true in today’s environment, where uncertainty requires flexibility.
“Management skills allow you to adapt in different situations and become resilient,” he says, adding that continuous learning is essential to staying relevant.
His own career reflects that mindset. One of his most notable transitions was moving from the service industry into higher education, a shift that required a different approach. The change wasn’t easy, but it allowed him to bring real-world experience into the classroom.
“It is not an easy adjustment from the corporate and service industry to the educational sector,” he admits.
That transition also shaped his leadership style. Over time, he moved toward a more coaching-based approach, focusing on guiding rather than directing. He believes that growth happens when teams are supported and involved in the process.
“I would say I’m more on a coaching leadership style… we need to guide, work, and learn together,” he says.
Managing people, however, comes with its own challenges. Different personalities and expectations can lead to conflict, especially in high-pressure environments. For Esguerra, handling these situations requires patience and understanding.
“One must recognize that every individual is different… it takes patience and understanding to navigate these challenges,” he explains.
Leadership also involves making difficult decisions, even when they are personal. He recalls one of the toughest moments in his career—having to let go of a close friend who was part of his team. It was a decision that tested both his professionalism and values.
“It was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done, but I needed to do it for the organization,” he says.
Beyond decision-making, he highlights the importance of balance. In hospitality, where performance expectations are high, it can be easy for work demands to take over. But he believes that long-term success depends on protecting both results and people.
“A good balance is not allowing organizational ambition to exhaust good employees,” he explains.
When it comes to motivating teams, Esguerra keeps his approach simple. He believes that leaders set the tone through their own actions. When leaders show passion and care, it naturally influences how teams perform.
“Show a passionate way of serving, a heartfelt way of doing things,” he says.
Looking ahead, he believes professionals need to be intentional about how they grow. Future-proofing a career is not about chasing trends, but about understanding one’s strengths and adapting to change.
“Capitalizing on your strengths and reflecting on relevant skills is key,” he says.
At its core, his message is straightforward. Skills and experience matter, but in hospitality, passion is what sustains a career. Because in an industry built on service, how you do the work matters just as much as the work itself.
