From Waiter to Vice President: Mauro Pinho’s Journey in Luxury Hospitality

The Hospitality Mentor

In this episode of The Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk sits down with Mauro Pinho, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Acqualina Resort. Mauro shares his incredible journey from waiting tables to becoming a leader in luxury hospitality. Discover the key moments and relationships that shaped his career, the challenges and rewards of working at world-renowned properties, and his insights on the future of hospitality marketing. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the industry, Mauro's story will inspire and motivate you to pursue your passion in hospitality.

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction

• Steve Turk welcomes listeners to The Hospitality Mentor Podcast.
• Introduction of Mauro Pinho, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Acqualina Resort.

02:00 - Early Beginnings

• Mauro discusses his first job in hospitality, waiting tables, and how it shaped his perspective on the industry.
• His transition to a sales manager role at the Fasano Hotel in Sao Paulo.

08:00 - Career Growth

• Mauro’s experiences and growth at the Fasano Hotel.
• The importance of curiosity and going beyond job descriptions.

12:00 - Transition to St. Regis

• The cultural shock and differences between working at Fasano and St. Regis.
• The importance of structure and processes in large hospitality chains.

17:00 - Knowing Yourself

• Mauro’s advice on understanding your professional needs and finding the right fit in the hospitality industry.

19:00 - Joining Aqualina Resort

• Mauro’s decision to join Aqualina Resort after an inspiring conversation with Deborah Yeager.
• The importance of creativity and innovation in his role.

24:00 - Building Relationships

• The significance of networking and maintaining professional relationships in the hospitality industry.

27:00 - Embracing Technology

• Mauro’s views on using AI and technology to enhance the customer journey and improve efficiency.

30:00 - Conferences and Influencers

• The role of conferences and social media influencers in hospitality marketing.
• How Aqualina integrates these strategies to build its brand.

33:00 - Exciting Projects at Aqualina

• Upcoming renovations and projects at Aqualina Resort.
• Mauro’s excitement for the future and ongoing growth of the resort.

38:00 - Advice to Young Professionals

• Mauro’s advice to young hospitality professionals: focus on people and relationships.

41:00 - Closing Remarks

• Steve Turk wraps up the episode and thanks Mauro for sharing his story.
• Information on how to connect with Mauro Pinho.

42:00 - Sponsor Message

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Call to Action:

• Subscribe to The Hospitality Mentor Podcast for more inspiring stories from top hospitality professionals.