Daring To Be Great: Leadership Insights

Cipriano Talavera

Front Office Manager
Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach

How did you end up in your current role?

The Best Western in Oceanside was sold after I had been there for 4 years and I found my way to the Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach when the new owners opted out of keeping the management company it had previously been managed by. I worked all of the shifts and positions at the HGI Carlsbad Beach property as a Guest Service Agent, Night Auditor, Front Desk Supervisor and eventually Front Office Manager.

What do you love about this industry?

I remained within the hospitality industry because I came to realize I was a people person and enjoyed seeing the smiles on the faces of families who came to experience what San Diego had to offer. I also enjoyed meeting different guests from around the world and learning about their cultures. I have now built long lasting friendships with some of our VIP’s and the smile they have when they walk into our entryway and know they came to a place where the people feel like family is priceless.