Leading a New Era

Opening Six Senses London: Nick Yarnell on Wellness, Leadership & Culture

In the season finale of Leading a New Era, we sit down with Nick Yarnell, General Manager of the highly anticipated Six Senses London - the brand’s first UK property, bringing a bold new wellness and sustainability focus to the reborn Whiteleys building in Bayswater. With over 30 years of experience, Nick shares his philosophy on what truly defines luxury today: emotional connection, intuitive service and creating spaces where both guests and teams feel a deep sense of belonging. From launching transformative guest experiences in Portugal’s Douro Valley to leading one of the most competitive hotel openings in the world, Nick reflects on: - Why luxury isn’t about excess, but about meaning and emotional resonance - How Six Senses London is reimagining wellness for city living - Building a family-like culture in one of the world’s most multicultural cities - His personal wellness tip you can try today This episode is a powerful reminder that hospitality is as much about humanity as it is about hotels.

What Luxury Leadership Looks Like When It’s Rooted in Purpose

At Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain, hospitality is about so much more than service, it’s about presence, purpose and deep cultural connection. In this episode, General Manager Melissa Tang shares how she’s built her leadership approach on authenticity, courage, and emotional intelligence. With experience across Asia and the Middle East, Melissa reflects on how her own journey has shaped how she now guides others, and how she continues to learn and lead with intention every day.

Empowering Teams & Community: Diego Padula Shares His Approach to Leadership

Join us as Diego Padula, GM of the Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa, discusses his career journey across Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. He reveals the importance of mentorship, empowering his team and local community, and shaping a culture of belonging. You’ll also hear how his hotel is helping to position Honduras on the global luxury map through sustainability measures, wellness initiatives and by creating memorable guest experiences.

25 Years of Leadership Excellence at IHG Hotels & Resorts with Mohamed Mahmoud

Join us for a conversation with Mohamed Mahmoud, Cluster GM of two landmark Dubai properties: InterContinental Residences Business Bay and Kimpton Dubai. In this episode of Leading a New Era, Mohamed shares the leadership lessons, mindset shifts and pivotal moments that have shaped his journey in luxury hospitality.

Redefining Luxury Through Positivity, Passion & People with Merry Antoja

Today’s guest is Merry Antoja, General Manager at Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella – a landmark resort on Spain’s south coast and Kimpton’s debut in the country. With a background in Sales & Marketing and experience leading luxury hotels across Europe and Asia, Merry brings a sharp strategic mind and a warm leadership style to every project she touches. She talks about her approach to culture-building, managing complexity, and how she keeps her teams motivated in a high-stakes, high-touch environment.