Mindset Mastery in Hospitality: Insights from Jerome Hopkins

“In order to deal with the fruit, you have to first address the root.” - Jerome Hopkins

In hospitality, especially in wellness, mindset can often be the difference between simply getting by and truly thriving.

Next in my Wellness in Hospitality interview series, I had the pleasure of speaking with@ Jerome Hopkins — veteran hotel general manager, former military leader, and author of Seven Keys to Developing a Better Mindset and Silencing Your Inner Critic—knows this well.

He’s seen firsthand how a clear and resilient mindset is critical to success in any high-stakes environment, from military posts to 24/7 hotel operations. In our recent conversation, Jerome shared his experiences, and his thoughts resonate strongly with the challenges wellness leaders face daily.

Here are the 3 key lessons from my conversation with Jerome that I found especially powerful for anyone leading in the hospitality space.

Interview Highlights:

1. Use vision to anchor success

“Your definition of success starts with whatever your vision of success is,” Jerome says.

For him, having a vision has been like having a compass. In both the military and hospitality, he’s found that a clear personal vision keeps leaders focused and helps them weather the demands and pressures of the job.

For wellness leaders, a vision isn’t just about hitting operational targets. It’s about knowing why we’re doing what we do, and the impact we want our work to have on guests and teams alike.

When the day-to-day stresses pile up, reconnecting to this “why” can ground us, making challenges feel more manageable.

Jerome’s approach reminds us to stay anchored in our own purpose; it’s that clarity that keeps us resilient, no matter how chaotic things get. Vision is what allows us to act with intention and lead with purpose—a vital tool in a fast-paced industry.

2. Action bias: Moving with purpose, not just momentum

Jerome talks about having an “action bias,” and he’s clear that it isn’t just about staying busy.

“When in doubt, do something,” he says. But it’s more than just doing—it’s acting with purpose. With years of experience navigating both military operations and hotel leadership, he’s learned that progress comes from focused, intentional action, not just checking boxes.

For wellness leaders, this principle hits home. It’s easy to get lost in the urgency of daily tasks, but Jerome’s action bias is a reminder that not all action brings progress. Instead, we need to focus on steps that truly align with our goals. For example, it’s not just about booking treatments or filling time slots—it’s about crafting experiences that create real value for guests and build loyalty.

This kind of purposeful action makes each step forward feel meaningful. Action bias pushes us to keep asking: “Is what I’m doing bringing me closer to my vision?”

3. Silencing the inner critic to build fulfilment

Jerome’s advice on managing the “inner critic” is very relevant for wellness and hospitality leaders, especially with the demands we face.

“You can’t give what you don’t have,” he says—a reminder that our wellness begins within. Over his career, Jerome has seen the power of silencing self-doubt, a skill that’s essential to showing up fully for others. That inner critic—the voice of insecurity—can shake a leader’s confidence, ultimately affecting how they lead their teams and themselves.

For wellness directors, this is critical. There’s often pressure to innovate, exceed expectations, and manage diverse teams, all while staying calm and present. Addressing self-doubt directly, as Jerome advises, allows us to operate from a place of strength and resilience. It’s not just about managing stress; it’s about showing up fully for ourselves first. This means creating time to recharge and silence that critic, so we’re better prepared to lead with confidence.

Jerome’s advice gives us a practical approach to staying centred and keeping our inner confidence alive, even when things get tough.

“In order to deal with the fruit, you have to first address the root.” Jerome’s words couldn’t be more fitting.

For wellness leaders in hospitality, mastering our mindset is foundational. By having a clear vision, acting with purpose, and quieting self-doubt, we create a strong base for resilience and fulfillment. Jerome’s journey—from the military to hotel management to sharing his insights—shows that mindset truly is at the root of successful leadership.

In our demanding industry, where challenges are a daily reality, this mastery isn’t just helpful; it’s essential.

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? #1 best-selling author, global wellness expert

? 40+ projects in 20+ countries across Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific

? Top brands: Abadía Retuerta, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Accor, Six Senses Resorts & Spas

? Interviewed over 150+ hoteliers worldwide