David Kong
Founder and Principal, DEI Advisors Hospitality Podcast
Background and Professional Achievements
David Kong is the Founder and Principal of DEI Advisors, a pioneering hospitality podcast that focuses on empowering personal success, particularly for women and other underrepresented groups within the hospitality industry. His leadership has earned the podcast recognition as one of the Top Podcasts in Hospitality for 2023 and 2024, according to the International Hospitality Institute.
Before founding DEI Advisors, David Kong was the CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts, making him the longest-serving CEO of any major hotel company. This background gives him profound insights into the hospitality industry, which he shares through engaging interviews with industry icons such as Emily Goldfischer, Anthony Capuano, Geoff Ballotti, Mit Shah, Leslie D. Hale, and Gilda Perez-Alvarado.
Notable Contributions and Initiatives
David Kong has strongly emphasized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) throughout his career. In various interviews and posts, he has discussed personal empowerment, citing that individual dedication coupled with a supportive network is crucial for professional success. He has highlighted through personal anecdotes the importance of networking and mentorship in career development.
Key Interviews and Content
DEI Advisors, under David’s leadership, has conducted over 110 interviews with prominent industry leaders, earning over 235,000 views on YouTube alone. The interviews can also be accessed through popular podcast platforms such as Apple, Spotify, and Google. These discussions are rich with valuable learnings, perspectives, and advice on topics like leadership, professional growth, and overcoming challenges.
Some notable guests interviewed by David include:
- John Fareed, Global Chairman of Horwath HTL: Discussed personal branding and the importance of mentorship.
- Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts: Shared insights on leadership qualities and work-life balance.
- Miraj S. Patel, MBA, CHIA, CHO: The youngest chairperson of AAHOA, discussed his rapid rise in the hotel industry.
Professional Philosophy and Quotes
David Kong frequently incorporates inspirational quotes and philosophies into his discussions and public posts. For instance, he quotes Helen Keller to emphasize teamwork: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." He also underscores the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement, advocating for the enrichment of personal and professional horizons.
Industry Recognition and Influence
David Kong's impact on the hospitality industry is further validated by numerous awards and recognitions. He is a 2007 recipient of the Lifetime Hotelier Leadership Award from Niagara University's College of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Under his advisory, DEI strategies and personal empowerment have become central topics in many industry forums and discussions he partakes in, like the Tata Consultancy Services AOD Forum.
Summary
David Kong's dynamic leadership at DEI Advisors and his previous role as CEO of Best Western highlight his extensive expertise and commitment to the hospitality industry. His advocacy for DEI, along with the significant reach and influence of his podcast, make him a noteworthy figure in hospitality. His contributions continue to shape and inspire the industry, fostering a culture of empowerment and continuous professional development.
