Carlos Monroy is the General Manager at EM HOTELS, graced the cover of the renowned World’s Leaders Magazine as one of World's Phenomenal Leaders in Hospitality, 2023

1. www.worldsleaders.com Vol. 12 | Issue 09 | December 2023
A Hospitality Veteran Leading EM
Hotels to Excellence
Carlos
Carlos
Carlos
MONROY
MONROY
MONROY
WORLD’S
Phenomenal
Leaders
in Hospitality, 2023
General Manager
EM HOTELS

4. World’s Phenomenal Leaders in
Hospitality, 2023
Providing exceptional customer service is one of the
most crucial components of a hotel executive's job, as
every skilled one knows. But becoming a great leader in
the hospitality industry requires more than just having
outstanding customer service skills. Building a solid
team is essential to being a successful leader in the
hospitality industry.
For this, particular management skills and qualities are
crucial. One can progress forward in any area of the
hospitality industry and his/her leadership skills with a
business degree in hospitality.
A leader in hospitality holds a prominent position within
an organization. The person could be employed as a
director of operations for a hotel company, a senior
manager for a travel or hospitality company, or in
revenue management. A figure of authority in the hotel
business needs to inspire their team, focus them on a
single goal, and emphasize giving exceptional customer
service. The leader will take the lead to ensure that the
business exceeds customer expectations. World Leader's
latest edition “World’s Phenomenal Leaders in
Hospitality, 2023” has featured leaders in hospitality
who has the ability to use technology for improved guest
experiences, operational efficiency, and data-driven
decision-making.
The cover features Carlos Monroy, the General Manager
at EM HOTELS. He brings with him a wealth of
experience in the hospitality industry. His skills
encompass various aspects of the field, including Food &
Beverage, Hospitality Management, Hotel Booking,
Hotel Management, and Rooms Division. Carlos has
received specialized training in Revenue Management
for Hotels, holding a Diplomado from Universidad
Externado de Colombia.
Before launching EM Hotels a couple of years ago,
Carlos was a part of the "Dorado Plaza" hotel chain.
During his tenure there, he leveraged his experience in
marketing and brand positioning to enhance the national
and international visibility of the hotel chain. Under his
leadership, the chain successfully conceptualized,
developed, and operated seven hotel properties.
Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to
read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff
and industry experts.
Making Hospitality Luxury
Have a lovely read!

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should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
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remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS.
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Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez
Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar
Executive Editor Nicole Williams
Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal
Art & Design Director Jack Anderson
Business Development Manager Mary Jane
Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey
Associate Designer Kevin Rust
Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke
Sales Manager Megan Morgan, Irfan Shekh
Marketing Manager Tom Swann
Technical Specialist Barry Jones
Circulation Manager Danny Parker
CREDIT PAGE
December 2023

6. Carlos Mon y
10
A Hospitality Veteran Leading EM
Hotels to Excellence

7. Anish Kuttan
Ayman Baky
Dupe Olusola
Rasha Al Danhani
Liliam M. Lopez
Maggie Hardy
Denis Sorin
Kaustubh Sur
Alexander Suski
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50
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22
18

10. CARLOS
MONROY
A Hospitality Veteran
Leading EM Hotels
to Excellence
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12. Carlos Monroy is the General Manager at EM
HOTELS, and he brings with him a wealth of
experience in the hospitality industry. His skills
encompass various aspects of the field, including
Food & Beverage, Hospitality Management, Hotel
Booking, Hotel Management, and Rooms
Division. Carlos has received specialized training
in Revenue Management for Hotels, holding a
Diplomado from Universidad Externado de
Colombia.
Before launching EM Hotels a couple of years ago,
Carlos was a part of the "Dorado Plaza" hotel
chain. During his tenure there, he leveraged his
experience in marketing and brand positioning to
enhance the national and international visibility of
the hotel chain. Under his leadership, the chain
successfully conceptualized, developed, and
operated seven hotel properties. However, the hotel
chain underwent a division, with one part being
retained by his brother, maintaining the name
Dorado Plaza. Carlos established his firm, EM
Hotels, in honor of his parents, Eduardo and his
mother. From this point, EM Hotels began
operating hotels in Colombia, including the
Cartagena Plaza in Cartagena and the Andes Plaza
in Bogotá. Additionally, they started marketing
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14. hotels in Colombia, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.
Carlos's journey in the hospitality industry reflects his
dedication and passion for delivering exceptional
experiences to guests.
Offering Comprehensive Hotel Solutions
At EM Hotels, the team specializes in providing
comprehensive solutions for the conceptualization,
construction, development, marketing, and operation of
diverse accommodation services across multiple brands and
segments. They excel in hotel management and maintain a
focus on quality-certified hotels. The primary objective is to
achieve guest satisfaction, facilitate the development of the
potential of their collaborators, and deliver the highest
possible profitability for investors.
The company's approach revolves around defining the
concept of product-service that can yield the greatest returns
for investors, taking into account various factors including
the market dynamics, location, and the existing as well as
prospective competition.
EM Hotels extends its advisory services to investors, guided
by the chosen product-service concept. This guidance covers
aspects such as architectural planning, technical system
design, and technological solutions, all aimed at optimizing
the investment, enhancing the hotel's operational efficiency,
and ensuring the safety and security of guests.
Leveraging their knowledge and experience, EM Hotels is
adept at achieving increased revenue and cost structure
improvements that translate into tangible competitive
advantages for their clients.
Their portfolio includes lodging experiences in Colombia,
Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, offering a diverse
range of options to meet the needs and preferences of
travelers in these regions.
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15. essential for personal and professional
development in the leadership role.
Ideas to Bringing Positive Change
Carlos highlights several key areas he
would like to see improved in society,
the hospitality industry/organization,
and people's lives:
Ÿ Invest in building a high-trust
culture.
Ÿ Train and develop people
exceptionally well.
Ÿ Effective practices for recognizing
employees for jobs well done.
Carlos also emphasizes the importance
of going the extra mile to surprise and
delight not just guests but also
employees. This commitment to
exceptional service and a positive
workplace can lead to improved
experiences and outcomes for all
involved.
Navigating Responsibility and Joy in
the Hospitality Industry
In his role as a General Manager,
Carlos carries the significant
responsibility of overseeing the hotel's
performance. Every decision he makes
directly influences the operational and
strategic outcomes of the hotel. Despite
the weight of these responsibilities,
Carlos finds immense joy in his daily
routine. He derives great satisfaction
from witnessing the happy expressions
on the faces of both the guests and the
hotel's dedicated team. This knowledge
that they are collectively working to
provide the best possible experiences
for guests is undoubtedly the most
fulfilling aspect of his work.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Carlos holds a strong belief in the
continuous pursuit of learning and
improvement, both in leadership and
business skills. He actively enrolls in
courses, seeks new experiences, and
avidly reads books that contribute to
his growth as a leader in his field. His
approach involves viewing "problems"
as opportunities for improvement and
learning from them.
In Carlos's view, emerging leaders
should possess several key qualities,
including patience, a genuine
willingness to learn, high levels of
engagement, resilience in the face of
challenges, and the ability to positively
influence others. These attributes are
worldsleaders.com | 15

16. Key Traits for a High Performing
Team
Carlos places significant importance on
several key traits when considering
new team members. These include
alignment with the company's
principles and values, possessing the
necessary knowledge and preparation,
demonstrating leadership skills and
proactive behavior, and displaying a
strong commitment to learning and
contributing to ongoing improvement.
By seeking individuals with these
traits, Carlos aims to build a strong and
dynamic team that is aligned with the
company's values and committed to
achieving success and continuous
improvement.
Blending Technology and
Personalized Service
Carlos recognizes the high competition
within the hospitality sector, as new
hotels continue to emerge year after
year. To stay competitive and avoid
being left behind, it's crucial to
embrace innovation and stay informed
about the latest hospitality technology
trends. Technology in the hospitality
industry primarily revolves around
enhancing the guest experience,
streamlining operations, creating new
revenue opportunities, and improving
overall efficiency. Some of the
innovations in the industry include
"smart" rooms, mobile check-in and
check-out, advanced chatbots powered
by AI, and the integration of virtual
reality, among others. While
technology plays an increasingly
significant role in the industry, it's
equally important for hotels not to
overlook the personal interactions that
guests expect and value. Balancing
technological advancements with
personalized service remains a key
consideration in the hospitality sector.
An Inspiring Vision
Carlos acknowledges that the decision
to create a new hotel chain and depart
from Dorado Plaza was a significant
risk. Dorado Plaza had established
itself as a well-known hotel chain in
the South American hospitality
industry. Starting from scratch in such
a competitive field is undoubtedly a
challenging choice.
However, Carlos is optimistic about the
future of EM Hotels. He envisions that
within the next five years, EM Hotels
will solidify its position as one of
Colombia's most renowned multi-
brand and multi-segment hotel
marketers and operators. This vision
reflects his confidence and
determination in leading the company
toward greater recognition and success
in the industry.
By 2030, Carlos and EM Hotels have a
vision of becoming one of Colombia's
most renowned multi-brand and multi-
segment hotel marketers and operators.
Despite being a relatively new player
in the hotel operation and
commercialization sector, they bring
several years of valuable experience to
the industry.
EM Hotels is dedicated to making a
positive impact on Colombia's hotel
industry and actively participates in
key events, fairs, and forums globally.
Their goal is to expand their market
presence in foreign countries and
further enhance their position in the
international hospitality market.
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ALEXANDER
SUSKI

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ANISH
KUTTAN

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32. 32 | December 2023

33. Denis
Denis
Denis
Sorin
Sorin
Sorin
Redefining Hospitality in
Emerging Markets by
Mastering Hospitality
Excellence
worldsleaders.com | 33

34. The Center
Amsa Hospitality, a novel Saudi
Arabian venture, melds expertise
with daring visions. Positioned as the
'hallmark of Arabian hospitality,'
Amsa Hospitality aims to bring
centuries-old Arabian traditions of
welcoming and generosity into
alignment with the expectations of
today's guests.
The company firmly believes in
being the hallmark of Arabian
hospitality by introducing novel
solutions and proposals to an
industry that is currently in the
process of reshaping itself. As a
Citizen Company championing
Corporate Social Responsibility,
Amsa Hospitality reimagines hotels,
embracing challenges to innovate
and grow while honoring their roots.
Amsa Hospitality's cutting-edge
facilities revolutionize hospitality,
adapting timeless Arabian traditions
for discerning business travelers and
exceeding expectations by proposing
quality lifestyle midscale properties
in carefully selected locations.
Forging a Powerful Partnership
Amsa Hospitality has established
itself as one of the fastest-growing
companies in the hospitality industry.
The company is presently in the
process of expanding its portfolio in
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
boasting a remarkable collection of
over 18 properties, and has ambitious
plans to add more in Saudi Arabia
and the GCC before venturing into
the global market.
In a significant collaboration that
took place in May 2023, Amsa
Hospitality and the world-renowned
hospitality giant, Accor, joined
forces. The objective of this
partnership is to develop economy
and midscale branded properties
strategically located in carefully
selected second-tier cities throughout
Saudi Arabia. The alliance is set to
last for 10 years, aiming to capitalize
on the combined expertise and
strengths of both companies to
deliver exceptional hospitality
experiences in these emerging
markets.
Quest to Establish Amsa
Hospitality as a Global Hospitality
Powerhouse
Amsa Hospitality is currently in its
early stages of development, with
grand aspirations for the future. The
company has set its sights on
34 | December 2023

35. With an extensive and
diverse background of over
30 years in the hospitality
industry, Denis Sorin brings a
wealth of expertise to the
table. Having held executive
positions in renowned hotel
groups worldwide, he has
mastered the art of building
exceptional hotel brands
from scratch. His approach
combines a harmonious
blend of creativity, strategic
marketing, and operational
excellence, igniting his drive
for success.
Denis serves as the
esteemed leader at Amsa
Hospitality, where he is
responsible for shaping the
company's strategic and
operational direction. He
uses his extensive experience
to guide the organization
toward sustainable growth,
profitability, and overall
success. He focuses on
accomplishing ambitious
goals and objectives,
propelling the company to
new heights within the
industry.
W
unveiling its distinctive Arabian
lifestyle hotel brand in the fourth
quarter of 2024 and has even more
ambitious plans to extend its global
presence by establishing properties in
key cities across the world.
Drawing inspiration from esteemed
hospitality pioneers like Conrad
Hilton and Gérard Pélisson, the co-
founder of Accor, Denis leads the
charge as an entrepreneur dedicated
to carefully implementing the
exceptional vision established by
Mohammad Alathel – Amsa
Hospitality creator.
Motivated by their unwavering
dedication and remarkable
achievements in the industry, Denis
is determined to make Amsa
Hospitality a prominent player in the
market. He views this venture as a
lifelong project, fueled by an
unwavering passion and relentless
determination.
Denis firmly believes that in the fast-
paced world of today, new leaders
must have the ability to quickly grasp
and address the expectations of their
teams and customers. The old
management styles are no longer
effective, and long-term success
depends on a leader's capacity to
constantly think outside the box,
actively listen to both verbal and
non-verbal communication, learn
from mistakes and competitors'
triumphs, and above all, persistently
challenge themselves to forge ahead.
Vision for Fulfilling and Inclusive
Jobs
According to Denis, far too many
individuals find themselves trapped
in jobs they dislike, making work
feel like a burdensome chore.
Considering that we spend at least a
third of our lives working, he
believes that both society and
people's lives would significantly
benefit from ensuring everyone has a
fulfilling job, no matter the nature of
the work.
The key to making work enjoyable is
straightforward in principle but
challenging to put into practice. It
involves replacing authoritative
micro-managing bosses with true
leaders who genuinely care for their
employees and the overall success of
the company, rather than solely
pursuing their personal interests.
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36. Dupe
Olusola
Journey to Achieving Proficiency
Dupe always had a strong desire to make a positive impact
on African economies by creating employment opportunities
and addressing poverty. From a young age, she was drawn to
watching CNN and keeping up with global events. This led
her to study economics at the University of Leicester and
then specialize in development Economics, focusing her
thesis on the impact of aid and trade on growth in developing
economies.
After obtaining her degrees, Dupe worked with Bloomberg
and Northern Trust in the United Kingdom before returning
to Nigeria. In Nigeria, she worked with SecTrust (now
Afrinvest) and Africa's leading Private Equity Firm SME
Manager/African Capital Alliance. She then joined the
Investor Relations department of the UBA group in 2008
before eventually becoming the Director of Resources at
Transcorp in January 2010.
Transcorp Hotels Plc.
Transcorp Hotels Plc is a subsidiary of Transnational
Corporation Plc, a diversified conglomerate with interests in
the Power, Hospitality, and Oil & Gas sectors. Transcorp
Hotels Plc was established in Nigeria on July 12, 1994, and
is responsible for managing prestigious properties such as
the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Transcorp Hotels Calabar, and
Aura by Transcorp Hotels, an online booking platform for
homes, hotels, and experiences.
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry,
Transcorp Hotels' brands are uniquely identifiable and
collectively powerful. The company's expanding portfolio of
award-winning and innovative brands ensures superior guest
experiences across its key locations and all touchpoints. The
hotels have hosted numerous notable personalities, making
them destination venues for business leaders and celebrities
visiting Nigeria. Transcorp Hotels has undergone notable
changes since its inception in 1994 and has achieved
significant milestones.
Leading Nigerian Hospitality Service Provider
Transcorp Hotels Plc is a leading hospitality company in
Africa and is listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX).
The company owns the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, which is
Africa's premier business hotel. However, in response to the
pandemic, Transcorp Hilton Abuja introduced innovative
strategies that enabled it to cater to a wider range of guests,
including those in the leisure segment, leading the way in
serving the rapidly growing Bleisure market. The company
also owns Aura by Transcorp Hotels, a rapidly expanding
digital platform for booking hotels, apartments, and
experiences. Launched in 2021 as part of the company's
asset-light strategy, Aura by Transcorp Hotels is helping to
accelerate growth and expand into new markets. The
platform currently offers over 5,000 rooms across different
hotels and apartments nationwide, and the company is
leveraging technology to drive further expansion.
A Distinguished Business Leader with Experience
Spans Various Sectors Locally and Internationally
36 | December 2023

37. Dupe Olusola is the Managing Director/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, which is considered to
be the leading hospitality brand in Africa and is the proud owner of the award-winning
Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja and Transcorp Hotels in Calabar. Before assuming her current
role, she served as the Group Marketing Director at United Bank for Africa where she
cherished working with an excellent team. Additionally, she held the position of Chief
Executive Officer at Teragro Commodities Limited, a Nigeria-based agricultural company and
the agribusiness subsidiary of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (now Transnational
Corporation Plc) which she was appointed to in 2014.
worldsleaders.com | 37

38. Transcorp Hotels Plc works closely with various
stakeholders and introduces innovative offers to improve
demand while expanding its business. In 2024, the
company is set to deliver a world-class event center at
Transcorp Hilton Abuja, while also developing a new five-
star hotel in the heart of Lagos, the economic hub of
Nigeria. With its commitment to innovation, technology,
and customer satisfaction, Transcorp Hotels Plc is well-
positioned to maintain its leadership position in the
hospitality industry in Africa.
Leading with Passion and Confidence
Dupe is a dynamic, fearless, and joyful individual who
savors life both in and outside of work. She believes in
seizing every opportunity to learn and gain fresh
experiences to become the best version of herself each day,
reflecting her personal values of excellence, integrity, and
kindness, as well as her family's values. Dupe is convinced
that nothing is impossible and that there is always a way to
accomplish any goal, no matter how difficult it may seem.
She has a confident and determined attitude towards
challenges and is always eager to build and maintain strong
relationships. While she can come across as tough and
straightforward at times, it is always for the greater good,
as she refuses to settle for anything less than the best in all
that she does.
At Transcorp Hotels Plc, Dupe's role involves providing
strategic direction for Transcorp Hotels, including
developing strategies and advising leaders on how to
achieve the company's goals. The company has cultivated a
culture of excellence and enterprise, with motivated and
self-driven employees who are supported with great
working conditions, career progression opportunities, and
new challenges to keep them motivated. Dupe finds joy in
interacting with colleagues and family and seeing daily
growth.
Values to Maintain a Culture of Integrity
Transcorp Hotels Plc's organizational culture is founded on
three core values: excellence, execution, and enterprise,
which are commonly referred to as the three Es. These
values form the foundation of the company's beliefs and
actions. At Transcorp Hotels Plc, the team strives for
excellence by delivering real results through effective
performance. It believes that enterprise is essential to
innovation, and that integrity is key to executing with
excellence, which involves ensuring that all stakeholders
are committed to achieving the company's shared goal.
Transcorp Hotels Plc's core values are integral to its daily
operations, and the company is committed to upholding
them in all aspects of its business, including its standards of
practice, team onboarding, and induction processes. These
guiding principles are not limited to Transcorp Hotels Plc
alone, as they are shared throughout the entire Transcorp
Group. This has resulted in a strong culture of integrity and
innovation, which has played a significant role in the
company's ongoing growth and success.
Success for Dupe
Dupe recognizes that success is a subjective concept that
varies from person to person. To her, success is all about
striving to be the best version of oneself and constantly
pursuing growth in all areas to achieve exceptional results.
For her, achieving success has been about living a well-
rounded life that encompasses social, emotional, mental,
physical, and financial aspects. She has always been willing
to break boundaries and challenge the norm, both
individually and as part of a team, to meet and surpass set
goals. Dupe also values being teachable and open-minded
to new learning experiences, as she believes that anyone
can impart valuable knowledge. Being authentic is equally
essential to her, and she strives to remain true to herself and
her values. With the support of her family and team, Dupe
has accomplished a great deal, and she continues to set new
goals for herself, aiming to attain even greater success.
Always Try to Learn New
The advice from Dupe to aspiring leaders is that their team
is there to provide support, and that their success is
intertwined with the success of the team. To achieve
success, they must continue to push boundaries and shatter
any perceived limitations. They should be willing to
embrace opportunities, even if they fear failure, as taking a
chance is better than not trying at all. It's important to
recognize that no one can accomplish everything alone, and
networking and collaborating with others who share similar
goals is key to achieving optimal growth. Developing
strategic partnerships is also important for success.
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46. 46 | December 2023

47. LILIAM
M. LOPEZ
Miami's Most Influential Executive
Helping Business Leaders and
Organizations to Achieve
Constant Growth
worldsleaders.com | 47

48. The chamber serves as a platform to
promote business leadership, create
economic prospects, and provide
legislative advocacy for the Hispanic
business community in South Florida.
Under Liliam's leadership, the SFLHCC
has flourished into one of the most
resilient Hispanic chambers in the
United States, boasting a membership of
over 1,650 individuals. Additionally, the
SFLHCC Foundation has awarded more
than $975,000 in scholarships to
underprivileged students of Miami
Beach Senior High School and Miami
different Mayors of Miami Dade
County, and the City Keys to the City
of Miami Beach presented by the
Honorable Mayor David Dermer on
June 20, 2002.
For 10 years Lopez was the producer
and host of a weekly television show,
“Panorama con Liliam Lopez” that
aired on WLRN Cable-Tap. The
program highlighted the career of
executives, elected officials, and
entrepreneurs at the local, State and
national levels. The pandemic
required Lopez to pivot. She launched
a digital show, "A Business Minute
with Lily Lopez", which is featured
on all social media platforms reaching
over 23,000 businesses.
South Florida Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce
The South Florida Hispanic Chamber
of Commerce (SFLHCC) is a non-
profit organization that was founded
in 1994 with the goal of promoting
business leadership, creating
economic opportunities, and
providing legislative advocacy for the
Hispanic business community in
South Florida. With a diverse
population of approximately 70%
Hispanics, Miami-Dade County
serves as a gateway to the Americas
and offers immense potential for
companies to do business with people
from different backgrounds and
experiences. The SFLHCC provides
opportunities for its members through
local programs aimed at improving
the economic condition of the
Hispanic population. The organization
has over 1,650 members and
advocates for thousands of Hispanic
businesses in Florida. It is recognized
as one of the top five most influential
Hispanic chambers in the country and
one of the leading Hispanic business
organizations in Florida. The
SFLHCC is a 501(c)(6) non-profit
organization.
Liliam M. López, “Lily”
President/CEO and founder of the
South Florida Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce (SFLHCC), is a highly
accomplished individual who has
dedicated her career to empowering
and advocating for Hispanic
communities. She has served in
various leadership roles in
organizations such as the South
Florida Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, the Spanish American
League Against Discrimination, and
the Alliance for Aging. Additionally,
López is a sought-after motivational
speaker and has been invited to speak
at various events and commencement
ceremonies. Through her work with
the South Florida Hispanic Chamber
of Commerce Foundation, she has
helped provide scholarships to
financially disadvantaged Hispanic
students. López has also been
recognized for her leadership and
invited to participate in a private
roundtable discussion with President
Barack Obama in Miami. She has
served on numerous boards, including
the Entrepreneurial Advisory Council
of the Federal Reserve Bank of
Atlanta's Regional Economic
Information Network and the Board
of Directors of WLRN Public Radio
and Television. She currently serves
on three prestigious boards: Adrienne
Arsht Center of the Performing Arts
Trust Board, the Miami Dade Beacon
Council and the Greater Miami
Convention and Visitors Bureau.
López's dedication to her community
and her impressive accomplishments
make her a true leader and role
model.She currently serves on five
prestigious boards:
Liliam graduated from St. Thomas
University with a Bachelor of Arts
with a major in Political Science in
1988. Liliam M. Lopez has received
numerous awards, she was recently
awarded a Honorary Doctor degree in
Humane Letters from St. Thomas
University, 15 Proclamations from
48 | December 2023

49. Springs High School who are pursuing careers in the fields
of Business and Hospitality. The Foundation's Education
Enrichment Fellowship Program, which is a component of
its efforts, has taken students to significant destinations such
as Microsoft headquarters, Facebook, Comcast, Southwest
Airlines, the nation's Capital, and other significant venues,
in order to empower these young people. These initiatives
contributed to the SFLHCC Foundation's recognition as a
Champion of the Miami-Dade County Public School's
Academy of Hospitality and Tourism.
On Path of Successful Leader
Liliam is responsible for managing the day-to-day
operations of her organization. Her duties include
coordinating chamber luncheons, meetings, awards
ceremonies, television appearances, and overseeing the
organization's social media platforms. She also hosts a
digital show called "Business Minute with Lily Lopez."
Liliam finds the greatest joy in seeing the success of her
organization. One of the most satisfying moments is
observing the high attendance ranging from 200 to 400+ at
the chamber luncheons held every month. Additionally, she
feels a sense of accomplishment seeing her LinkedIn
following reach over 16,000 followers. Liliam's happiness
stems from the growth and success of the organization she
founded with only four members.
Liliam shares the significance of several critical attributes
for a successful leader. Firstly, humility is a vital
characteristic that a leader should possess.
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50. MAGGIE
HARDY
An Inspiring
Woman Executive
MAGGIE
HARDY
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51. Photo Credit:
Jordan Millington Liquorice
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53. Maggie Hardy, the owner and CEO of 84 Lumber, leads one
of the United States' largest privately-owned building
materials suppliers. The company, originally founded by her
father, Joe Hardy, in 1956 in Eighty-Four, Pennsylvania,
came under her leadership in 1992 when she was just 26
years old. Incredibly, the company achieved over $1 billion
in sales the very next year.
Today, 84 Lumber operates an extensive network of nearly
310 facilities across 35 states, generating an impressive $8
billion in revenue. Beyond her role at 84 Lumber, Maggie
also owns the Nemacolin resort in rural Pennsylvania, which
boasts design elements inspired by the elegance of the Ritz in
Paris, along with vintage airplanes and even a piece of the
Berlin Wall.
In her capacity as the owner and CEO of Nemacolin, Maggie
bears the joyful yet significant responsibility of overseeing
the present and future of the resort, working closely with the
dedicated team of associates. A substantial portion of her role
involves ensuring the seamless operation and sustainable
growth of Nemacolin, aligning with the vision for its
prosperous future. Her evaluation of the resort's progress and
her own effectiveness as a leader involves a comprehensive
analysis of both the property's growth and the team
supporting it.
Among the many aspects of her daily routine, Maggie finds
immense happiness in connecting with and checking in on
her associates. Recognizing the integral role they play in
Nemacolin's advancement, their life updates serve as ongoing
motivation in her daily work, inspiring the resort's continual
growth. Maggie firmly believes that the trajectory of the
organization would not be possible without the dedication
and contributions of Team Nemacolin. As a result, she places
great emphasis on nurturing authentic and genuine
relationships with every member of the associate team. These
relationships are at the heart of the resort's success and her
role in shaping its future.
I would like to
foster stronger
associate
communities,
expand
environmental
efforts within
the hospitality
industry and
society as a
whole, and
ensure everyone
experiences Real
Life Magic in
their lifetime.”
worldsleaders.com | 53

54. 54 | December 2023

55. Rasha Al
omen have been making significant strides
in the food and beverage industry, with
more and more women taking leadership
roles in the sector. Rasha Al Danhani is a
woman who needs no introduction in the business
world. Her impressive portfolio is proof of her
determination and her ability to succeed in
everything she puts her mind to. Rasha is the
Chairperson of PappaRoti, the Owner and Founder
of Brandnoise Creative Agency, Al Rasha
Investments and The 1978 Suite.
Transforming Hospitality in the Middle East
Danhani
worldsleaders.com | 55

56. PappaRoti is a café brand known
for the signature coffee-caramel
buns. The café was introduced in
the UAE in 2009 at the Dubai
Mall. Originated in Malaysia the
brand has gained immense
popularity in the region.
PappaRoti has carved a niche for
itself in the market giving other
cafes a tough competition. The
brand has a loyal fan base that visit
malls specially to sample the bun.
The brand also contributes to
strengthening the economy. The
core values of the company are
quality, customer service, attention
to detail, maintaining a high level
of hospitality, implementing
sustainable practices, making a
positive impact and being
authentic.
From Corporate Career to
Entrepreneurship
After completing various
entrepreneurship programs such as
"Performance Management" and
"Team Leading," Rasha earned her
business management degree from
Dubai Women's College. She kick-
started her career in prominent
companies like Emaar Properties
and the Dubai Development and
Investment Authority. Moreover,
she gained valuable experience in
both banking and real estate
industries before embarking on her
own entrepreneurial journey.
Rasha was in search of a unique
idea to introduce in the UAE.
During her holiday trip to Malaysia
in 2008, she stumbled upon
PappaRoti, a small kiosk by the
metro station that caught her
attention with its irresistible aroma.
This encounter inspired her to start
her own venture.
Building a Beloved Brand in the
UAE
Rasha had always known that she
had a natural aptitude for business
and was eager to strike out on her
own entrepreneurial path.
However, finding the right product
or concept to launch proved to be a
challenge for her. Undeterred, she
remained on the lookout for any
intriguing ideas or opportunities,
with a particular focus on the food
and beverage industry. After all,
she firmly believed that few things
have the power to bring people as
much happiness as good food.
It was during a family vacation
back in 2008 that Rasha's instincts
led her to stumble upon a small
kiosk located near a train station.
Intrigued by the tantalizing aroma
wafting from the kiosk, she
decided to give the product a try.
As soon as she tasted it, she knew
that she had discovered something
truly special, something that the
UAE had been missing. Driven by
her instincts and her belief in the
product, Rasha wasted no time in
reaching out to the owner and
negotiating to bring the brand to
the Middle East.
Despite the challenges and
uncertainties involved in launching
a new venture, Rasha remained
steadfast in her conviction that the
PappaRoti brand would be a
success in the UAE.
56 | December 2023

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