Springboard Hospitality

Cherise Lee Campbell is the Corporate Director of Talent Development & Culture at Springboard Hospitality, bringing over a decade of experience across HR, hotel operations, sales, marketing and F&B. Rising from HR coordinator to her current role, she champions a people-first philosophy, leading culture-driven initiatives that foster belonging, growth and operational excellence across multiple states. For Cherise, culture is not a buzzword. It is a living force that fuels guest experience, employee engagement and meaningful connection at every level of the organization.

Bringing a Culture-First Mindset to Talent Development

I’ve led the opening and transition of over 22 hotels across the U.S. and currently oversee talent development and culture for Springboard Hospitality, along with HR operations for 13 properties throughout Hawaii. My experience, from frontline operations to executive leadership, has given me a deep understanding of what team members truly need to thrive.

Regardless of location, every individual deserves to feel seen, heard and supported. That belief is the foundation of our culture. We’ve created an environment rooted in empathy, inclusion and opportunity.

One initiative I’m especially proud of is our Culture Champion Club. This program brings together team members from each property to lead efforts focused on community, wellness, safety, service and team engagement. It has grown into a grassroots movement that empowers employees to shape their workplace culture through genuine involvement, personal growth, professional development, and a strong sense of community. More than just a platform for sharing ideas, it’s a space where voices are amplified, differences are celebrated, and true belonging and engagement are cultivated.

Overcoming Talent and Culture Challenges in Hospitality

Hospitality is a dynamic industry, constantly shaped by evolving guest expectations, workforce trends and economic shifts. Managing multiple locations across time zones requires not only operational flexibility but also a deep commitment to people-first leadership.

At Springboard, we navigate these challenges by staying anchored in purpose. We prioritize open and honest communication, foster continuous feedback loops and build trust through consistent actions. Our approach to leadership development is both hands-on and heart-centered, cultivating talent from within and equipping future leaders with the tools and support they need to succeed.

Our recent merger with Hotel Equities has further strengthened this commitment. We’ve partnered with their team to launch a Professional Development Committee focused on growing our people, from line-level to leadership. Together, we’re building new initiatives that support both leadership development and operational excellence across our hotel teams. This collaboration expands our ability to provide meaningful training, mentorship, and career pathways for all.

  ​Culture is not a buzzword here—it’s the foundation of every guest experience, every team interaction, every success   

Beyond skills training, we support employee well-being through mental health initiatives, “Lunch & Learn” sessions and on-site events. These efforts foster connection and provide space for team members to recharge, bond and feel recognized for who they are—not just what they do.

By focusing on empowerment, inclusion and meaningful recognition, we’re building not just a workforce, but a culture that is resilient, responsive and ready for the future.

How Technology is Shaping the Future of Employee Development

With more than 2,000 employees across 14 states, technology plays a vital role in helping us stay connected and consistent. At Springboard, however, we see technology as a tool to enhance relationships, not replace them.

We use learning platforms like Traliant to deliver impactful training in areas such as workplace safety, harassment prevention, bystander intervention, active shooter preparedness and inclusive practices. These programs are essential for fostering a safe and respectful workplace for all.

We also offer training like Guest Service Standards to reinforce our “Above & Beyond” culture of care. These sessions go beyond service delivery; they reflect how we treat one another and how we create memorable guest experiences together.

To make training more engaging, many properties turn sessions into team-building events with snacks, group discussions and interactive activities. This approach encourages shared learning and strengthens team bonds. When training becomes an experience rather than a task, it enriches both knowledge and culture.

Additionally, we partner with Custom Insights to conduct annual engagement surveys and mid-year pulse checks. These surveys are anonymous and managed by a third party, giving us honest, candid feedback from every level of the organization. We use this insight to create action plans and hold leaders accountable for meaningful progress in key areas.

This ongoing dialogue keeps us aligned and responsive, ensuring that our strategies reflect the needs of the people who bring them to life every day.

Prioritizing People While Driving Business Forward

Our belief is simple: everyone deserves to belong. True belonging means being celebrated, respected and valued for who you are. Diversity, equity and inclusion guide every stage of the employee journey, from hiring to recognition, by removing barriers and creating equal opportunities.

We celebrate identity and culture through events like Pride Month, Disability Pride Month and so much more, fostering awareness and authenticity. Our Culture Champion Club empowers teams to lead locally through meaningful initiatives. By listening, encouraging feedback and fostering open dialogue, we build deeper engagement, loyalty and growth.

Preparing Hospitality Teams for the Next Generation of Service

Looking ahead, hospitality will continue to evolve through technology. AI-driven platforms, predictive analytics and virtual learning tools are transforming the way we lead and develop talent. But one thing remains constant: our commitment to the human experience.

At Springboard, innovation isn’t about chasing every new tool. It’s about using technology to simplify complexity and amplify what matters most. We adopt these tools to reduce friction, enable better decision-making and strengthen relationships.

To fellow leaders in hospitality and HR, my advice is this: focus on building trust before chasing trends. Listen deeply. Celebrate diverse voices. Create space for new leadership to rise. The strongest cultures aren’t built from the top down. They’re built together.

We don’t just aim to fill roles; we aim to spark purpose. We help people build careers, find meaning in their work and grow into the best version of themselves. Our people are the true champions of our success.

And that’s what makes our culture not only strong, but truly unforgettable.