Ep. 1: From Luxury Hotels to Building an Empire: Lessons in Leadership, Resilience, and Strategic Networking with Kevin Lillis

Technically Speaking

In this episode of Technically Speaking, host Kevin Lillis, CEO of Hospitality Alliance, opens up about his remarkable journey from working at iconic hospitality brands like the Plaza Hotel and Dream Downtown to founding his own company. Alongside his partner Kelly Jones, Kevin built Hospitality Alliance into a successful venture by blending his expertise in venue launches with Kelly's sharp focus on operations and financial management.

In this candid conversation, Kevin shares invaluable insights on:

• The Transition from Employee to Entrepreneur: How Kevin proved his own abilities and established credibility after years in high-profile roles.
• Success Through Incremental Growth: Kevin explains how consistent preparation and readiness for opportunities—like working with AT&T on major projects—are keys to long-term success.
• Adapting to Setbacks: Reflecting on how the pandemic disrupted a key partnership with AT&T for the launch of HBO Max, Kevin discusses the importance of staying adaptable and diversifying risk.
• Networking & Strategic Relationships: Learn how Kevin leveraged relationships early in his career to open doors and expand his professional network, citing collaborations with industry leaders like Helen Huang.
• Leadership and Mentorship: The value of having great mentors, and how Kevin is giving back by investing in the next generation of leaders through a company-wide mentorship program.
• Pivoting Career Goals: Kevin offers advice for young professionals to set long-term goals but remain flexible and ready to evolve as priorities shift.
• Practical Productivity Tips: From managing large-scale projects to staying hands-on, Kevin shares his daily habits for staying organized and ensuring quality control.
• Adapting to AI and Automation: A forward-thinking conversation about how industries like hospitality are evolving with technology and the importance of staying ahead of automation's impact on various sectors.

Kevin's leadership philosophy emphasizes balance, adaptability, and continuous learning. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an experienced leader, his story offers critical lessons in resilience, building lasting relationships, and leading with purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of proving your own value when transitioning from employee to entrepreneur.
• Why incremental progress and being prepared for opportunities leads to sustained success.
• The crucial role of networking and how early relationships can open doors for major opportunities.
• Mentorship and leadership: The best leaders invest in the growth of others.
• How to embrace challenges and see setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Kevin also gives a thoughtful reflection on how artificial intelligence is shaping the workforce and urges the next generation to critically consider how emerging technologies may affect their careers.

Listen Now

Tune in to hear more from Kevin Lillis and discover actionable insights to elevate your career and business. Spotify | iTunes

Resources

For more inspiring insights, follow Kevin Lillis and Hospitality Alliance.