Eir Speaker Review
-------------------------------------------------
EIR Lecture - 2012
-------------------------------------------------
Mr. Albert Chew
[Author]
HMGT 3700
Dr. Josiam
Faculty, Staff and Students of the University of North Texas’ Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management had high expectations when they gathered at the Gateway on October 17th. Mr. Albert Chew, Chief Operating Officer for Freeman Company’s expo division, and the Department’s 37th Executive In Residence was not about to let us down. His presentation, “Good Choices: Three Keys to Success or Failure,” was to offer his perspective. I noticed that he offered neither his definition of success nor a ‘how to’ set of instructions. Both of these “omissions” made his presentation-and his presence-more meaningful to me-he gave us something to think about. In a job market that demands critical thinkers, this can set someone apart. He didn’t talk at us or tell us what we must do to be like him. In this, Mr. Chew conveyed a subtle, yet powerful, message of respect for his audience. What follows is my own perspective of his Three Keys, Choices and Consequences; Perspective, Perception and Communication; and Challenge. I will tie these Keys to what I found interesting and how they relate to my role as a future leader in the hospitality industry. First, Mr. Chew briefly outlined his personal background. Growing up next door to the Fort Worth Stockyards was likely more difficult than he described. A blue-collar upbringing guided his work ethic as he rapidly progressed through his bachelor’s degree at the University of Houston and his master’s degree at Texas Christian University. While studying, he worked as a carpet installer and with a civic improvement organization. Self-motivation lined his path from humble beginnings to the CEO’s desk—as he put it, “diverse experiences in various companies.” This is interesting not only as a story of someone pulling himself up by his bootstraps, but
EIR Lecture - 2012
-------------------------------------------------
Mr. Albert Chew
[Author]
HMGT 3700
Dr. Josiam
Faculty, Staff and Students of the University of North Texas’ Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management had high expectations when they gathered at the Gateway on October 17th. Mr. Albert Chew, Chief Operating Officer for Freeman Company’s expo division, and the Department’s 37th Executive In Residence was not about to let us down. His presentation, “Good Choices: Three Keys to Success or Failure,” was to offer his perspective. I noticed that he offered neither his definition of success nor a ‘how to’ set of instructions. Both of these “omissions” made his presentation-and his presence-more meaningful to me-he gave us something to think about. In a job market that demands critical thinkers, this can set someone apart. He didn’t talk at us or tell us what we must do to be like him. In this, Mr. Chew conveyed a subtle, yet powerful, message of respect for his audience. What follows is my own perspective of his Three Keys, Choices and Consequences; Perspective, Perception and Communication; and Challenge. I will tie these Keys to what I found interesting and how they relate to my role as a future leader in the hospitality industry. First, Mr. Chew briefly outlined his personal background. Growing up next door to the Fort Worth Stockyards was likely more difficult than he described. A blue-collar upbringing guided his work ethic as he rapidly progressed through his bachelor’s degree at the University of Houston and his master’s degree at Texas Christian University. While studying, he worked as a carpet installer and with a civic improvement organization. Self-motivation lined his path from humble beginnings to the CEO’s desk—as he put it, “diverse experiences in various companies.” This is interesting not only as a story of someone pulling himself up by his bootstraps, but