Ilaria Pellegrin is the Commercial Director at Hilton Lake Como. After starting her career in the fashion industry, Ilaria ultimately returned to her love of hospitality and to providing travellers with that home-from-home feeling when she started working with Hilton in 2011. A decade later with Hilton, Ilaria now manages the successful team at the new generation 4-star Hilton Lake Como whilst being a female mentor striving for Hilton to push its sustainability boundaries.
Three career learnings you have learned that has made you a more effective leader?
1) I love working in an environment where people are not all the same, but different in who they are, what they have experienced, and how their unique skills contribute to create memorable experiences.
2) Recognize success and always keep a positive attitude, including turning mistakes into opportunities.
3) Each of us has a different way of perceiving information and consequently deserve a fine-tuned approach in the way I convey my message.
How did you achieve awareness?
The hardest comparison to make is with myself, especially when it comes to accepting flaws, needs and strength as a whole. Still a work in progress.
What are the key successes?
I always do things with passion and professionalism, being ambitious and realistic at the same time, without ever forgetting my own roots.
What were/are the challenges and how have you overcome these?
One of the main challenges I encounter very often nowadays is with a generation that does not always have the patience to chase their dreams at the right times. I am conscious that this attitude is linked to a new way of living in this fast-paced society, however I have found that enhancing their engagement is key to positively contribute to their success.
What are your plans now/for the future?
Since I started my career with Hilton, the company has supported my growth at each phase of my life, giving me the privilege to inspire young generations and coach talented professionals. A wise man once said: “Try to think where you see yourself after your next achievement”, and I love dreaming that one day I will run a lifestyle hotel with the same enthusiasm as today.
Who are the 5 people who inspire you the most and why?
It is really hard, if not almost impossible, to select only a few people that inspired me the most. Certainly, the real values with which my parents have faced life’s choices, both professional and personal, influences me on every important decision I have to make, while the warmth of hospitality with which my first Event Manager welcomed me at Hilton made me realize that I had made the right choice.
What are your favourite inspirational /motivational quotes?
1) Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.
2) The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.
3) Live simply so others may simply live.
What are your Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn social handles and also website links so our readers can connect with you?
https://www.instagram.com/hiltonlakecomo/ https://www.instagram.com/terrazza241/
https://www.facebook.com/HiltonLakeComo https://www.facebook.com/terrazza241/
