Meet Daniel Lam | Area General Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Lam and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Being an effective leader in the hospitality industry involves coaching from the sidelines, focusing on development and allowing others to shine. This approach is about guiding your team, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to excel, and then stepping back to let them take the lead. This leadership style encourages growth, builds confidence, and fosters a sense of ownership among team members. By nurturing their talents and skills, you create a strong, capable team that can drive the success of the hotel business. This method not only leads to a more efficient and motivated workforce but also cultivates future leaders who can sustain and grow the business long-term.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career, a blend of humility, relevance, and a commitment to continuous growth, has revolved around educating and nurturing both current and future leaders. Recognizing my own worth and contributions, I’ve maintained a steadfast focus on meaningful personal and professional development, always prioritizing the advancement of others over my own accolades. I take pride in staying relevant in a dynamic industry, adapting and learning to ensure impactful, forward-thinking contributions.

Leadership for me is about earning trust and guiding effectively. I’ve built my teams on the pillars of Teamwork, Organization, and Communication. I believe that when professionals unite as a team, maintain organization, and communicate effectively, anything is achievable.

A core aspect of my career that excites me is the chance to inspire and mentor. This commitment stems from a personal experience: as a young aspirant in the hospitality industry, I was once dismissed for lack of experience. That encounter fueled my dedication to offering opportunities and supportive leadership to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Witnessing the transformation and skill refinement in new professionals is immensely gratifying.

My path to success was far from easy, filled with skepticism from others and daunting challenges. Navigating complex market dynamics and leading teams during the pandemic, particularly while opening two hotels, tested my resilience. Those sleepless nights, filled with uncertainties about the future of travel and workforce availability, taught me invaluable lessons in patience, listening, thinking innovatively, and empathetic leadership.

Key lessons from my journey include the importance of forging genuine connections and the continuous pursuit of self-improvement. Building trust-based relationships with colleagues, clients, and partners, along with a relentless quest for knowledge, feedback, and new ideas, have been fundamental to my development.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve always found myself recommending and being in the Aventura Mall and it’s surrounding area, especially when entertaining or meeting up with friends. Aventura Mall is more than just a shopping center; it’s a dynamic cultural and entertainment spot with a storied past.
**Day 1 – Introduction to Aventura Mall**: An introduction is no joke about this mall. Begin your adventure at one of the nation’s largest malls. Since its opening in 1983, it has grown into a luxurious blend of shopping, dining, and art. Explore its high-end stores to modern day to day shopping and enjoy the contemporary art installations throughout the mall.

**Day 2 – Culinary Delights**: Day two is all about culinary exploration in and around the mall. With a variety of gourmet restaurants and cafes, you’re in for a treat. In the evening, unwind at one of the trendy bars in the area.

**Day 3 – Outdoor Adventure**: Head to Oleta River State Park for outdoor activities like kayaking, biking, and hiking. Relax with a scenic picnic by the water.

**Day 4 – Beach Day**: Spend a day at Sunny Isles Beach, a beautiful spot for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing by the sea.

**Day 5 – Journey to Orlando**: Take the Brightline Train to Orlando. Famous for its theme parks, vibrant nightlife, and numerous attractions, Orlando offers a thrilling adventure and a change of pace from the coastal vibes of Aventura.

**Day 6 – Excursion on the Brightline Train**: Conclude your trip with a visit to Boca Raton by the Brightline Train. Explore Boca’s beautiful beaches, art museums, and lush gardens, soaking up the unique charm of this city before heading back.

**Day 7 – Relax and Rejuvenate**: Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Aventura’s charming boutiques and bookstores. Later, pamper yourselves with a luxurious spa day at one of the area’s top spas.

Aventura and its mall is just one small piece of the many things available to do in South Florida. If shopping is not your thing, don’t worry – there’s golf, spa, dinning, water park, and more in this vibrant area.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of hospitality, I have had the extraordinary privilege of being surrounded by exceptional individuals who have significantly shaped my career path. While it’s challenging to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to my journey, a few have been particularly influential.

Carolina Torres, serving as my Area Director of Sales, has been more than a colleague; she has been a pivotal figure in my professional development. Our growth has been symbiotic, marked by long hours, shared laughter, and navigating tough challenges together. Her unwavering availability, exemplary ethics, exceptional sales acumen, and leadership have been indispensable, making crucial aspects of my role worry-free.

During a critical phase as I stepped into the role of a first-time General Manager, Mike Walker’s mentorship was invaluable. His guidance and insights have profoundly influenced my leadership style and decision-making.

I owe a deep sense of gratitude to the Economos Family for entrusting me with the leadership of the FLL division. Remarkably, they placed their faith in me at the age of 22, a testament to their belief in nurturing young talent. Their confidence in me has been a significant catalyst in my achievements.

The backbone of our success undoubtedly lies with my team and the group of current and past leaders I’ve had the honor of working with. Their steadfast support and resilience, in times both prosperous and challenging, have been central to the triumphs of the teams I’ve led. Their dedication is the very essence of our collective accomplishments.

On a personal note, the unwavering support of my partner Maria, son Liam, and stepson Alexis has been my stronghold. Juggling a demanding career with family responsibilities is no small feat, and their understanding and encouragement have been indispensable.

Website: https://economosproperties.com/leadership/#daniel

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/daniel-lam-b44864a

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LamD83

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dlam0683

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/embed/c0wU5RvweZ0