06/01/2026
I genuinely believe we are in a thrive-or-die moment in history, and this is the one thing that will help those in the 'thrive camp'…
*Adapting to change*
Change used to be something we had to react to only occasionally.
Now?
It’s something we have to lead on daily.
After years working with unique hospitality and event owners, operators and suppliers across conferences, consultancy and hands-on business development work, one thing is clear to me…
The most successful operators aren’t the biggest or the flashiest.
They’re the ones who have learned how to adapt, flex and bend like the wind!
As I look forward to 2026 and beyond, I realise that the skill of *managing change* isn’t just a 'nice to have’... it's an essential.
Here’s why:
> Guest expectations are shifting faster than ever (it’s getting hard to keep up)
> People want experiences that feel personal, have higher value and are friction-free (from looking to booking)
> What worked even two years ago already feels dated (for smaller teams, this is scary)
And the number one disruptor... new technology and AI (no surprise there!)
This is no longer optional.
Gone are the days when owners could say, “I don’t want to learn new systems. I want to keep things low tech”.
From dynamic pricing and smarter marketing to leaner operations. The winners aren’t replacing people or themselves with tech… they’re using it to give extra support to staff, get more done and free up time for what really matters: *the guest experience*.
But I’ve seen this go wrong a few times, notably when change is imposed on people. *This creates resistance*... And when change is done with people, it *builds loyalty and momentum*.
I recently delivered training to a large hospitality business that understood they needed to prepare for what lies ahead. I loved the fact that everyone was there, from the higher management to the reception staff. Everyone learnt the essentials, and it wasn’t long before they were all on board.
Everything's evolving and changing, from tech, systems, business models, revenue streams, guest preferences, styles of hospitality, modes of accommodation, marketing techniques and more… all requiring owners and leaders to think differently… faster.
The truth is, embracing change doesn’t fail because the idea is wrong.
It fails because people aren’t supported through the transition.
That’s why I believe the hospitality leaders who will thrive in 2026 will be the ones who:
> Stay curious rather than defensive
> Experiment, test, learn and adjust instead of waiting for 'perfect’
> See change management as an essential skill
> Involve every member of the team every step of the way
> Know that they don't need to do this on their own (I can help you)
Change isn’t something to fear. Handled well, it’s one of the most powerful growth tools we have.
*Other than the inevitable New Year's resolutions, what are the most significant changes you’re navigating right now? I’d love to know…*
