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David Arraya is leading a hospitality revolution with Conscious Hospitality Unlimited, his global consultancy dedicated to transforming workplaces into thriving, people-centered environments. With over 20 years of experience in luxury hotels, including icons like The Pierre and Six Senses in Ibiza, he’s now a sought-after consultant, podcast host, and leadership coach. Through his Conscious Hospitality Podcast and bespoke programs, David champions a bold new style of leadership rooted in awareness, intention, and empathy. His innovative approach has also earned him the coveted title of Mr. November, our male ally of the month. We chat with David about breaking barriers, empowering women, and why conscious leadership is the future of hospitality!
Your career began with a cultural exchange program in the South of France. Can you tell us about that experience and how it influenced your passion for hospitality?
My journey in hospitality began with a leap of faith. After high school, I participated in a cultural exchange program in the south of France because my parents couldn’t afford to send me to university in the US like many of my peers. Initially, it was simply an opportunity to experience a new culture, but it quickly became more than that. I found myself working in a resort and was completely captivated by the industry’s rhythm and energy. Hospitality felt like home—a place where I could bring my values of connection and care to life. From that moment, I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to creating extraordinary experiences for others and to becoming a part of the industry’s elite. It set the foundation for what I call “conscious hospitality,” a practice rooted in mindfulness, presence, and intentionality that goes beyond service to create genuine, lasting human connections.
From The Pierre in New York and Six Senses in Ibiza to Auberge in Aspen and the Fontainebleau in Miami, you’ve worked in some of the world’s most iconic properties and destinations. How have these diverse locations and cultures shaped your approach to leadership?
Each location has its unique character, culture, and rhythm, which profoundly influenced how I approach leadership. In New York, I learned resilience in an environment that demanded excellence and agility. Miami taught me the importance of vibrancy and adaptability; Aspen revealed the power of warmth and luxury with a natural touch; Ibiza showcased the importance of sustainability and mindfulness. Working in such varied environments taught me that true leadership must be adaptable and deeply connected to the people and culture around you. I learned that each team is different, and effective leadership is about bringing out the best in them by meeting them where they are, respecting local values, and cultivating a sense of unity and purpose. This cross-cultural experience is woven into my conscious leadership philosophy.
You emphasize 'conscious leadership.' Please explain what this means to you.
Conscious leadership is about leading with awareness, intention, and empathy. It’s the practice of being fully present, understanding how our energy impacts those around us, and aligning our actions with a sense of higher purpose. To me, it’s not just a leadership style; it’s a lifestyle that centers around making decisions that are both human and responsible. Conscious leadership cultivates an environment where team members feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued, which ultimately leads to empowered and engaged teams. At the heart of conscious leadership is the idea that we, as leaders, have a responsibility not just to our business results, but to the human beings who contribute to those results every day.
In your experience, what are some barriers to creating meaningful engagement in workplaces, and how can leaders overcome them?
One of the biggest barriers is a lack of presence and genuine connection from leadership. Many leaders are too distracted—by technology, metrics, or simply the pressure to deliver results—that they forget to truly see their team. Another barrier is the failure to communicate a shared purpose that team members can genuinely believe in. Leaders can overcome these barriers by fostering a culture of intentionality and presence, where team members feel that they matter. Practically, this looks like slowing down to listen, openly recognizing achievements, and aligning individual goals with a greater mission. Empowering team members to bring their full selves to work, without fear, creates authentic engagement.
For leaders who might be newer to the concept of heart-centered leadership, what advice would you give to help them make this shift?
Start with self-awareness. Heart-centered leadership is not about being “nice” but about being kind, empathetic, and intentional. Reflect on your own motivations and how your actions impact those around you. Practice presence; be genuinely curious about your team’s needs, and show up consistently. Small actions, like making time for one-on-one conversations, listening without judgment, and recognizing contributions, can have a powerful effect. The more leaders understand their own values and purpose, the easier it becomes to lead from the heart, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued.
As a male ally, what steps do you take to create inclusive, empowering environments for women in the hospitality industry?
Empowerment starts with listening and creating space for all voices to be heard. In my teams, I’ve championed policies that ensure equal opportunities and provide support for women’s growth, such as flexible work arrangements and development programs specifically for women in leadership. I also actively mentor and advocate for women within my network, helping them navigate challenges and celebrate successes. Inclusivity must be intentional, and it’s essential to create safe spaces where women feel comfortable bringing their perspectives to the table. By leading with empathy and awareness, we can help dismantle systemic barriers and create an industry where everyone has an equal chance to thrive.
What advice would you give to men in hospitality who want to support their female colleagues and foster a more inclusive industry?
Listen and observe without assumption. Men often have unconscious biases that can lead to overlooking or undervaluing the contributions of female colleagues. Actively listening, asking questions, and inviting their perspectives can make a profound difference. Be mindful of how you use your influence—amplify the voices of women, advocate for equitable opportunities, and call out behaviors or policies that undermine inclusivity. Additionally, commit to ongoing self-education about gender bias and inclusivity. It’s a journey of awareness, and it begins with humility and the willingness to grow.
What advice would you give to women to better advocate for themselves?
Be assertive about what you need and value. Confidence and self-advocacy go hand-in-hand, and it’s important to know that your voice matters. If you find it difficult to advocate for yourself, start by building a network of mentors and peers who can provide guidance and feedback. Don’t be afraid to ask for recognition or advancement—often, those who receive are simply those who ask. Embrace continuous learning and seek out leadership development opportunities to build both skills and confidence.
Your Conscious Hospitality Podcast features discussions on thoughtful, intentional leadership. What has been one (or more) of the most enlightening lessons you've learned from your guests?
One profound lesson has been the importance of presence. Many of my guests have shared how transformative presence can be, not just in leading others but in personal growth. I’ve learned that conscious leaders make a difference by truly “showing up,” and that presence fosters an environment where others feel safe to be their authentic selves. Another key lesson has been the concept of resilience and adaptability. My guests often emphasize that conscious leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about staying grounded and finding strength in vulnerability, especially during times of uncertainty.
Looking toward the future, what changes would you like to see in the hospitality industry to ensure it’s a more supportive environment for everyone?
I envision an industry that prioritizes people as much as profit—where leaders invest in the well-being and growth of their teams as much as they do in physical spaces and amenities. A supportive hospitality environment should also emphasize sustainability, not just environmentally but in terms of human capital. Reducing burnout, offering mental health support, and cultivating workplaces that respect and support diversity are critical. By valuing people and their contributions more consciously, we can create an industry that truly embodies the spirit of hospitality in every sense.
Quickfire with David
What is your morning routine? I begin with gratitude and setting an intention for the day, followed by a few minutes of meditation. Then, I spend some quality time with my family before diving into work.
What do you do for self-care? I prioritize time with family, regular exercise, and being in nature—these ground me and help me maintain balance.
How do you balance your roles as a consultant, speaker, podcast host, and father? I stay intentional about my time and try to be fully present in each role. Boundaries and time management are essential, but so is flexibility.
What is the best advice you ever got? Stay curious and never stop learning.
What is the worst advice you ever took? Keep emotions out of work—I’ve found that authenticity and empathy are essential to meaningful leadership.