Leading Two Independent Hotels & Winning General Manager of the Year | with Oksana Gyulnazaryan

The Modern Hotelier - Episode #344: Leading Two Independent Hotels & Winning General Manager of the Year | with Oksana Gyulnazaryan In this episode, hosts David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Oksana Gyulnazaryan, Area General Manager at Viceroy and Highgate, to discuss her journey in hospitality, leadership lessons, and the importance of creating unique, locally inspired guest experiences. From starting as a front desk agent to leading two distinctive Washington, D.C. properties, Oksana shares how working across different hotel brands, departments, and markets shaped her leadership philosophy. She also discusses her recognition as Viceroy Hotels and Resorts’ 2026 General Manager of the Year and what makes Viceroy Washington, D.C. and Hotel Zena stand out. Oksana explains how hotels can maintain consistent service standards while developing their own identities, build meaningful connections with local communities, and create team cultures that reflect their property's values. She also offers advice for aspiring hospitality professionals and shares why genuine passion for the industry remains essential. The conversation wraps up with a discussion about the future of hospitality, including how artificial intelligence and technology can support hotel teams, streamline operations, and enhance guest service without losing the human connection at the heart of hospitality. In this episode, you'll discover: How Oksana built her career from front desk agent to hotel leadership What leading two distinct hotel properties requires How Hotel Zena celebrates women's stories through art, design, and culture Why local partnerships and authentic experiences matter to today's hotel guests ************ TIMESTAMPS ************ 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Lightning Round 01:40 Roots and Education 03:33 Life in DC 04:07 Career Foundations 05:59 Joining Viceroy 06:50 Awards and Brand 08:03 Running Two Hotels 08:59 Zena Mission Culture 09:39 Local Partnerships 10:52 Advice for Newcomers 11:25 Hosts on Trends 13:21 AI in Hospitality 15:09 Wrap Up and Links ************ LINKS & RESOURCES ************ For full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode... Links: Oksana on LinkedIn:   / oksana-gyulnazaryan-68011039   Highgate: https://www.highgate.com/ Viceroy Hotels and Resorts: https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/ Join the conversation on LinkedIn:   / the-modern-hotelier   Connect with Steve and David: Steve:   / %f0%9f%8e%99%ef%b8%8fsteve-carran-00914510   David:   / david-millili   #hospitalitypodcast #hotelindustry #hotelmanagement #hoteloperations #guestexperience #hoteliers #hotelbusiness #luxuryhospitality