Dear Panther Family,
Georgia State students had an enriching opportunity to learn about business development and leadership in the workplace at the 9th Annual Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series. This is the first endowed speaker series for the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration at GSU. Mit Shah, chief executive officer of Noble Investment Group, endowed the Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series in honor of his father, Dr. Bharat Shah, a highly respected and well-known leader and philanthropist in our industry. I’m thankful for the Shah family for continuing to support Georgia State University and the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration.
The purpose of this Leadership Series is to share the intimate and diverse personal journeys of iconic leaders whose stories of struggle, perseverance, commitment, and faith have led to them realizing the American Dream. The Series has served as an inspiration to all, but particularly to our students. For many years through the Leadership Series, Shah has had candid conversations with leadership icons, including: his father Dr. Bharat Shah; Mark Hoplamazian, CEO of Hyatt; Tom Baltimore, Chairman and CEO of Park Hotels and Resorts; Chris Nassetta, CEO of Hilton; NCAA and NBA basketball legends Vince Carter and Grant Hill; and Sara Blakely, founder and executive chairwoman of SPANX, just to name a few.
During this year’s event, attendees had an opportunity to listen to Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, share his business and leadership knowledge. Ballotti started his professional journey as a dishwasher. He is now the CEO of one of the world’s largest hotel franchises with 22 brands, over 6,000 owners, and more than 9,000 hotels across over 80 countries. His story is a testament to the power of hard work and a strong resolve.
I’m incredibly proud of the many learning opportunities GSU offers outside of the classroom. I encourage our students to take advantage of these excellent events!
All the best,