Rydges World Square is garnering a reputation as a “finishing school” for hospitality talent, with Area General Manager, Lisa Parker, investing heavily in the training and development of up-and-coming leaders.
Several leaders have credited the hotel for playing an important role in their career success, with the high-level, practical experience and mentorship gained on site setting them up to step into their first general manager position.
Jean-Francois Savaroc, General Manager role at Harbour Rocks by ODE Hotels, says his time at Rydges World Square was a “turning point” in his career.
“The scale and pace of the hotel pushed me to further develop my commercial skills, such as managing revenue, channels, costs, and payroll, while also teaching me a lot about leading a large and diverse team,” Savaroc told HM.
“I’m very grateful to have worked under Lisa Parker, who gave me the trust and space to make decisions, while guiding me when needed.
“She set high expectations but balanced them with support and feedback, which helped me step out of my comfort zone and grow in confidence. That combination of experience and mentorship prepared me to take the next step into a GM role.”
Other success stories include Daniel Neuman, who has progressed to the General Manager position at Capitol Hotel Sydney and Brittany Peacock-Smith who is now General Manager at Rydges Camperdown.
Parker says helping leaders reach their full potential is the most fulfilling part of her role.
“We believe the best learning happens on the job, so we ensure new team members are given meaningful responsibilities early on – always supported by access to mentors, internal training resources, and regular check-ins,” she told HM.
“We also encourage cross-departmental training, which broadens skills and deepens understanding of the business.
Parker has cultivated an environment where team members are comfortable to share their career goals and ask for advice.
“It starts with trust,” she said.
“We make space for regular 1:1s, open feedback sessions, and career development conversations – not just during annual reviews, but throughout the year.
“Leaders are encouraged to be approachable and transparent, and we normalise discussions about growth, ambitions, and challenges. When people feel seen and heard, they’re more confident sharing where they want to go.
“I’ve been fortunate to have mentors at different stages – some formal, others more organic. The best mentors have challenged me to think bigger, pointed out blind spots, and offered perspective when I needed it most.
“Their support reinforced the importance of paying it forward, which is why I’m passionate about mentoring others as they grow.”
Parker says nurturing the next generation of talent is a win-win.
“If that means they move on to bigger opportunities, I see it as a win – for them, and for the legacy of leadership we’re building,” she said.
When recruiting talent, Parker looks beyond skills and experience, seeking out individuals who demonstrate “curiosity, adaptability, and a strong sense of ownership”.
“Cultural fit is vitally important – we value team players who communicate openly, embrace feedback, and align with our values,” she said.
“A growth mindset, integrity, and a genuine passion for what they do are key indicators of long-term success within our organisation.”
Her advice for those looking to secure a GM position?
“Develop a holistic view of the business. GMs need to think both strategically and operationally, so build experience across different functions — finance, operations, people, customer success,” she said.
“Seek out opportunities to lead cross-functional initiatives and hone your ability to influence without direct authority. Finally, stay curious and humble. Listening well, learning fast, and building strong teams are core traits of effective GMs.”
Adam Whitley is the latest to take up the Executive Assistant Manager position at Rydges World Square, joining from The Eve Hotel Sydney.
This focus on internal development is part of a broader strategy to combat the national hospitality staff shortage. Hotel owner Jerry Schwartz has put his support behind a number of hospitality education initiatives including Hunter Hospitality School, in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, and Hotel Etico, a hospitality training ground for people with disability.