I attended my first Boutique Luxury Hotel Investment Conference today in New York City. There’s something exciting about stepping into a new industry and beginning the process of mastering a craft from the ground floor. Even though I’ve been syndicating real estate for years, I still consider myself a relative newcomer to the boutique hotel world. Ironically, after meeting many of the other newcomers today, I realized I may be a little further along than I give myself credit for.
One thing I often notice at conferences is that many of the speakers are incredibly sophisticated and accomplished, but sometimes the content misses the audience it’s intended to serve. I found myself thinking that I could have shared some practical insights that might have been even more useful to many of the people in the room. That realization wasn’t about ego, it was a reminder that we often underestimate the value of our own experiences simply because we’re too close to them.
I also had to laugh at myself today. I’m not particularly used to sitting quietly in the audience. For most of my career, I’ve been the guy on the stage, behind the microphone, or leading the conversation. Today I was just another attendee, an anonymous face in the crowd looking to make new connections and learn something new. And honestly, it felt unusual. That being said, I have a belief that sometimes you have to become a nobody to become a somebody again!
It’s a healthy reminder that every expert was once a beginner, every speaker once sat in the audience, and every new chapter starts with listening before leading.
Who knows? Maybe in a couple of years they’ll invite me back and put me on the stage. Until then, I’m happy to keep learning, building, and earning the right to be there. 😊
