DEI Advisors, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering individuals to achieve personal success, has launched a website dedicated to stories of hospitality insight, experience and learnings.

While companies are making strides in diversity, equity and inclusion, personal growth and career development ultimately rest with each individual. “It's Personal Stories, a Hospitality Podcast” features accomplished industry leaders sharing insights. Through these conversations, founders hope to provide listeners with valuable learnings to support their journey. Since launching in 2022, principals Dr. Huilian Duan, Lan Elliott, David Kong, Dorothy Dowling and Rachel Humphrey have interviewed hundreds of hospitality leaders.

“Personal stories have a unique power to connect and inspire, and we believe personal empowerment starts with sharing these experiences — hence the name “It’s Personal Stories,” Elliott said. “Our goal is to gather and share even more stories of personal success to motivate and inspire individuals to dream boldly and pursue their aspirations without hesitation.”

Since the launch, principals have received feedback from more than 200 interviews with the hospitality industry's most recognizable leaders. Many listeners have found these leaders' stories of triumphs and setbacks deeply inspiring. They have also found the leaders' insights into navigating challenges, guidance on mentors, sponsors, and allies, and advice on other topics to be practical and beneficial.

All previous interviews will be housed at the "It's Personal Stories" website and are available on major podcast platforms (e.g., Spotify, Apple) and social media channels (YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook).