Wednesday Wrap-Up: Top Three Things You Need to Know

Edition #9

August 28, 2024

Wednesday Wrap-up:

Top Three Things You Need to Know

1) Spotlight on Dr. James Arthur Williams: A Founding Member of Our Academic Advisory Committee

We are proud to introduce Dr. James Arthur Williams, one of the founding members of our Academic Advisory Committee at Hospitality Internships. Dr. Williams brings a wealth of experience and an inspiring story that exemplifies resilience, leadership, and an unyielding drive to uplift others.

Dr. Williams currently serves as an associate professor and Director of University Honors at the University of Tennessee. He is also the owner of UNMASKYTP, LLC, a leadership training company that works with domestic and international managers, helping them become more effective, mindful leaders. His unique approach encourages leaders to "dwell in joy" and remain curious as they guide their teams, promoting brighter futures for all involved. His work spans the globe, with clients and leaders in Spain, South Korea, China, France, Colombia, Bulgaria, and various Fortune 100 companies.

Beyond academia, Dr. Williams is also a professional actor, appearing in the SAG film *Marble and Bullets* and starring in the TV show *Murder Chose Me.* He is a celebrated author, with titles including *Check Your Life: Be Limitless,* *From Thug to Scholar: An Odyssey to Unmask my True Potential,* and *From Flabs to Abs.* His literary and academic contributions include more than 21 scholarly articles and over 70 presentations on leadership, emotional intelligence, and mentorship.

Dr. Williams' personal journey is as remarkable as his professional achievements. He grew up facing significant challenges, including selling drugs at the age of 13, becoming a father of two, and dropping out of high school before living on the streets by 17. Despite these obstacles, Dr. Williams transformed his life, earning six degrees (including two doctorates) and completing his Ph.D. at Iowa State University. He also served honorably in the United States Air Force, where he won the prestigious Airman of the Year award.

His extensive career spans industries such as pharmaceuticals, banking, sales, and hospitality. He holds a Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) designation and is a sought-after speaker, having presented to over 100 diverse audiences, including as a keynote speaker at TEDx UTK and Coffeewood Correctional Institution. Recognized as one of the Top 15 Emerging Scholars of 2019 by *Diverse: Issues in Higher Education,* Dr. Williams continues to be a beacon of inspiration for many.

In addition to his work in academia and leadership, Dr. Williams is also an accomplished athlete, winning the NGA River City Classic Bodybuilding Open Master’s 40+ and Lightweight divisions. His motto of "BeLimitless" serves as a guiding principle in his life, as he excels in mind, body, and spirit.

Dr. Williams shared his motivation for joining our Academic Advisory Committee:

"I decided to join this advisory committee because I believe every student needs an opportunity to find a proper position aligning with their career interests and personal passions. This committee has recruited and brought in individuals who place students' needs, interests, and passions first. Ultimately, this goal correlates to my life's mantra: Be better than your best and never rest on your last success...Be Limitless!"*

We are honored to have Dr. Williams as a key member of our Academic Advisory Committee, where his passion for leadership, education, and mentorship will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals.

For more motivational and inspirational content from Dr. Williams, follow him on:

YouTube:drjamesarthurwilliams
Instagram: drjamesarthurwilliams
Facebook: Unmaskytp LLC
Twitter: drjamesarthurwilliams
TikTok: drjamesarthurwilliams
Website: [www.drjamesarthurwilliams.com](http://www.drjamesarthurwilliams.com)

Dr. James Williams truly embodies what it means to "BeLimitless."

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2) Spotlight on Alec Dalton: Leading Service Excellence and Shaping the Future of Hospitality

Hospitality Internships is proud to feature Alec Dalton, Executive Director of Accelerating Leaders, as a key member of our Industry Advisory Committee. With a distinguished career spanning hospitality giants like Marriott International, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and The Walt Disney Company, Alec's leadership has been pivotal in shaping global hospitality strategies. His passion for driving service excellence and developing the next generation of leaders aligns perfectly with our mission.

Alec’s journey through hospitality is one of continuous learning and innovation. At Marriott International, he led global quality management systems for over 7,500 hotels across 30 brands, ensuring seamless service and guest satisfaction. His time with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company saw him operating luxury hotels and crafting global operating strategies that elevated the guest experience. At Disney, Alec created “magic” as a recruiter and resort concierge, honing his skills in delivering world-class service.

Beyond his operational roles, Alec is an accomplished author and researcher. He co-authored the first two best-sellers in the Customer Experience series and edited *Operations Management in the Hospitality Industry*. His research has been widely published in journals and industry publications, contributing valuable insights to the field. His accolades, including being named one of the "100 Most Inspirational People in Travel and Hospitality" by the International Hospitality Institute and earning a spot on Hotel Management Magazine’s “30 Under 30” list, underscore his commitment to excellence.

When asked about his role on the Industry Advisory Committee for Hospitality Internships, Alec shared, “Across the hospitality industry, success tomorrow starts with the students of today. Hospitality Internships hosts an invaluable pipeline that connects talented future leaders with leading companies, so they can learn and grow together. It is a privilege to serve on the Industry Advisory Committee that helps bridge that connection.”

Alec's belief in the power of internships stems from his own experiences: “Internships were invaluable when jump-starting my career. Hospitality Internships ensure that future generations of rising leaders have access to meaningful growth opportunities, and I am pleased to serve this mission as a member of the Industry Advisory Committee.”

With a focus on connecting students and employers, Alec highlights the unique value of Hospitality Internships: “What excites me about Hospitality Internships is that they connect two critical parts of our industry’s talent pipeline. With emerging leaders on one hand and growth-oriented employers on the other, Hospitality Internships is the professional matchmaker our industry needs for collective success.”

We are honored to have Alec Dalton as a champion for our mission. His dedication to advancing hospitality standards and empowering future leaders helps drive the vision of Hospitality Internships forward, ensuring a bright future for the next generation of industry professionals.

3) The Importance of High-Quality Internships

Across the Globe

By Tim Flohr, Cofounder and Managing Partner of Hospitality Internships

In today’s competitive and rapidly evolving global hospitality industry, the importance of high-quality internships cannot be overstated. For students and aspiring professionals, internships provide the foundation for successful careers, offering the hands-on experience and mentorship needed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice. As a cofounder and managing partner of Hospitality Internships, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of these opportunities for students across the globe.

A well-structured internship can open doors to leadership roles, management positions, and career advancement, while also offering students invaluable insights into the demands and nuances of the hospitality industry. When internships are thoughtfully crafted, they provide not only technical skills but also the soft skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex and diverse workforce.

A high-quality internship aims not just to expose students to the industry but to immerse them in real-world situations where they can develop problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership qualities that will serve them throughout their careers.

Global exposure is another critical factor that elevates the value of internships in the hospitality sector. The hospitality industry is inherently global, with businesses spanning continents and cultures. For students to be truly prepared, they need to understand how to navigate different cultural expectations and work environments. Hospitality Internships is committed to providing access to opportunities that connect students with companies and properties worldwide, offering an unmatched diversity of experience.

Internships are a critical gateway for students, not just to gain experience but to understand the global scale of hospitality. When students engage with international brands or properties, they come away with a broader perspective, greater adaptability, and the confidence to pursue opportunities on any continent.

Internships also help foster relationships with industry leaders, mentors, and peers, which can become lifelong connections. These networks often play an essential role in a graduate’s career development, leading to recommendations, job offers, and continued professional growth.

At Hospitality Internships, our mission is to ensure that students from all corners of the world have access to the highest quality internship experiences. This means working closely with educational institutions, industry leaders, and employers to ensure that internships mutually benefit students and companies. We emphasize that internships should never be viewed as merely "checking a box" but as integral steps in career building.

An internship should be more than a temporary job. It should be an immersive learning experience that shapes a student’s career trajectory. By offering students real responsibilities and meaningful engagement, we give them the tools to succeed long after their internship has ended.

As we continue to partner with hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts schools across the globe, we remain committed to creating internships that push the boundaries of what’s possible for students. By fostering environments where students are challenged, supported, and empowered, we contribute to shaping the next generation of industry leaders who will define the future of hospitality.

I encourage all industry partners and academic institutions to join us in elevating the standards for internships. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to launch their career with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in this exciting and dynamic industry.

Visit www.HospitalityInternships.com