April 16, 2026 · Denver Tech Center
Job Shadow Experience:
General Manager Leadership at Hyatt Regency DTC
A firsthand look into executive-level hospitality operations, leadership, and decision-making in a full-service hotel environment.
Overview
During my job shadow at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, I had the opportunity to work directly alongside General Manager Steve Faulstick and gain exposure to high-level hotel operations.
This experience provided a clear understanding of how leadership, team coordination, and business performance come together in a full-service hospitality environment. I was able to engage with multiple departments, observe real-time decision-making, and understand the systems that drive both guest experience and operational success.
What I Did
Experience &
Exposure
- —Shadowed the General Manager throughout daily operations
- —Met with department leaders across front office, events, and food & beverage
- —Observed coordination between departments during active service periods
- —Sat in on a P&L meeting to understand financial performance and decision-making
- —Gained insight into leadership structure and communication at scale
Insights
Key Takeaways
01
Leadership at Scale
Strong leadership is defined by presence, communication, and the ability to align multiple departments toward one standard of execution.
02
Operations & Coordination
A successful hotel operates through constant communication between departments, especially during high-volume moments.
03
Business Awareness
Understanding financial performance — including revenue, cost control, and operational efficiency — is critical at the executive level.
Connection to My Future
Looking Ahead: Glion &
International Experience
This experience directly connects to my next step at Glion Institute of Higher Education, where I will pursue a Bachelor's in International Hospitality Business and complete three international internships in full-service hotel environments.
Through this job shadow, I gained clarity on what to focus on during those internships:
- —Developing leadership presence early
- —Understanding operations across all departments
- —Learning the business side of hospitality, not just service
- —Positioning myself for long-term leadership roles
This experience reinforced my goal of accelerating into management and eventually reaching the General Manager level.
On the Ground
Observations
- —Leadership requires both visibility and trust within the team
- —Small operational details have a major impact on guest experience
- —High-performing hotels rely on strong internal communication systems
- —Culture and standards are set from the top down
Visuals
Hyatt Regency · Denver Tech Center
Hyatt Regency DTC · Job Shadow · April 16, 2026
Reflection
This experience provided a real-world perspective on what it means to operate at the highest level in hospitality.
It confirmed my interest in leadership within this industry and gave me a clear direction for how I want to approach my education and internships moving forward.