By: Chiara Accardi
In hospitality and talent development, Gül Gürsoy stands out as a visionary, transforming workplace cultures and nurturing talent. From key positions in UAE’s landmark hotels to becoming a certified ICF Career Coach and LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Facilitator, her journey showcases her commitment to continuous learning and excellence.
Known for her innovative approach to leadership and talent development, Gül has successfully implemented brand awareness programs, led cultural transformations, and supported hotels in their strategic developments. Her philosophy of inspiring rather than dictating, coupled with her emphasis on personal accountability and mutual understanding, sets her apart in the industry.
In the following interview, we will delve deeper into her journey and will try to learn more about her with interesting questions.
1. Can you tell us about your journey from being a Global Career Coach and Workplace Happiness Consultant to becoming a Director of Talent and Culture?
My journey has been driven by my passion for fostering personal and professional growth. Transitioning into the role of a Global Career Coach, I recognized the need to support ambitious leaders in navigating their career paths. My approach is rooted in empathy, strategic thinking, and practical guidance. I’ve mentored numerous professionals, helping them unlock their potential.
My interest in workplace happiness emerged from my belief that a satisfied and motivated workforce is key to any organization’s success. As a Workplace Happiness Consultant, I create strategies that foster a positive work culture, enhance employee well-being, and boost productivity. I use methodologies such as LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to facilitate engaging and effective workshops on topics ranging from time management to leadership development.
2. How has your experience as a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Facilitator influenced your approach to leadership and team development?
My experience has revolutionized my approach to leadership and team development. Imagine a room full of executives and team members building imaginative models with LEGO bricks. This process sparks creativity, leading to groundbreaking ideas and innovative solutions that wouldn’t emerge in a traditional meeting. LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® breaks down communication barriers, prioritizing open, honest communication and ensuring every team member’s voice is heard and valued.
Seeing problems take shape in bricks provides a fresh perspective. Traditional meetings can be a drag, but with LEGO bricks, participation skyrockets. People are more engaged, sessions are more dynamic, and the outcomes are far more impactful.
3. You’ve successfully rolled out brand awareness programs and led cultural transformations. Can you share a specific example of a challenge you faced during one of these projects and how you overcame it?
One memorable challenge was during the rollout of a brand awareness program at a luxury hotel chain. We encountered significant resistance from one flagship hotel, where the team was deeply attached to their existing practices. To address this, I initiated interactive workshops using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®. This allowed the team to express their concerns and ideas creatively. By building models representing their current and desired future states, team members visualized the benefits of the new brand identity and cultural shift.
One impactful session involved creating a model symbolizing the hotel’s legacy while integrating elements of the new brand. This helped the team see that embracing change didn’t mean abandoning their heritage. Throughout the process, I maintained open communication, provided continuous support, and celebrated small wins. Gradually, the team began to see the value in the new brand direction and started embracing the changes with enthusiasm. The hotel’s performance improved significantly, with higher guest satisfaction scores and a more cohesive team culture.
4. As a hospitality guest author for TourMag Tourism Magazine, what trends do you see emerging in the hospitality industry, particularly in talent development?
Several exciting trends are reshaping how we nurture and grow our teams. Firstly, there is a significant shift towards personalized learning experiences. Today, there is a growing emphasis on tailoring development initiatives to meet individual needs and career aspirations. This approach enhances engagement and ensures that learning is relevant and impactful.
Secondly, technology and digital learning platforms are transforming talent development. From virtual reality simulations to AI-driven personalized learning paths, technology is making training more accessible and engaging. Online platforms and mobile learning apps allow employees to learn at their own pace, anytime and anywhere, making continuous learning a seamless part of their professional lives.
Another notable trend is the focus on soft skills and emotional intelligence. Programs aimed at developing these skills are becoming integral to talent development strategies. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are also gaining prominence. Employees increasingly seek to work for organizations that align with their values.
5. Can you tell us about a workshop or program you’ve created using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology? What were the outcomes?
One impactful workshop I created was centered around enhancing team collaboration and innovation. The workshop was a two-day intensive session. On the first day, participants were introduced to LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and engaged in exercises to build their confidence and understanding of the methodology. They began with simple builds to express their personal identity and roles within the team, which helped break the ice and encouraged open dialogue.
As the workshop progressed, we moved on to more complex challenges. One key exercise involved building a model of the current team dynamics and identifying strengths and areas for improvement. Participants used LEGO bricks to create metaphors for communication flows, decision-making processes, and collaboration practices.
The second day focused on envisioning the future. Teams built models representing their ideal collaborative environment and the innovative solutions they wanted to implement. The outcomes were remarkable: improved team communication, sparked innovation, and a stronger sense of cohesion and collaboration.
6. How do you balance your roles as a career coach, consultant, and mentor for ambitious leaders in the hospitality industry?
Balancing my roles requires strategic planning, effective time management, and a deep passion for personal and professional development. I set clear priorities and goals for each role, using detailed planning tools and calendars to meet my commitments without overextending myself. There are many synergies between my roles as a career coach, consultant, and mentor.
Insights gained from projects often enrich my coaching sessions, providing real-world examples and strategies that benefit my clients. Similarly, mentoring relationships help me stay attuned to the evolving challenges and aspirations of leaders in the industry.
While I maintain a structured schedule, I allow flexibility to adapt to unexpected demands or opportunities. Continuous learning and development are also crucial. I dedicate time to professional development courses, industry conferences, and networking with peers. Delegating tasks and collaborating with trusted colleagues and partners allows me to focus on high-impact activities while ensuring that all projects and clients receive the attention they deserve. I prioritize self-care through regular mindfulness practices, and quality time with family and friends.
Each role requires a tailored approach. As a career coach, I focus on individual growth plans and personalized strategies. In consulting, I address organizational challenges and develop scalable solutions. As a mentor, I provide ongoing support and guidance, fostering long-term professional relationships. Balancing these roles is challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Published by: Holy Minoza
