A Program Unlike Any Other in the Industry

Pebble Beach Resorts is unparalleled in the world of hospitality and golf, a perfect blend of history and beauty that lures travelers from all corners of the globe to make their own memories. And while the stunning scenery is woven into this property’s fabric, so too is the commitment from Pebble Beach employees to providing guests with a one-of-one experience.  

A critical component of fostering these moments with guests is ensuring team members have the resources to sharpen their skillset and are empowered to set their career on a track that inspires them. Enter the Pebble Beach Team Leader Program, an innovative track that is often referred to as an “MBA with a paycheck.”  

The program goes well beyond what can be learned in a classroom or on a screen as it offers hands on experience in a variety of disciplines from Food and Beverage to Rooms and Reservations. Over the course of the rotations, participants enhance their knowledge of the resort operations while bolstering their leadership skills. Alumni of the program can be found in key positions around the resort including two shining examples, Bryan Anthony, Vice President of Food & Beverage and Lauren Guajardo, Director of Rooms at The Inn at Spanish Bay.  

We caught up with both Anthony and Guajardo to reflect on how the program has shaped their careers and how it can do the same for future leaders in the hospitality industry.  

“Leadership, and the deep understanding for a work ethic that gains the respect of employees.”  

This is what Guajardo points to as the most important skillset she developed during her time in the program. Day in and day out, she uses these skills to lead her team through the frenetic pace of an oft sold-out venue. Just this past April, The Inn at Spanish Bay was a central hub for the grand return of Pebble Beach Food & Wine, an effort that Guajardo had a large hand in operationally.  

The Food & Wine event is always top of mind for Anthony well beyond those four days in April as he is tasked with leading the operation including working with chefs, both internal and from around the globe, in addition to world renowned wineries. He wears several other hats including managing the finances and marketing of the event, even stepping in front of the camera to field an interview request on occasion. 

When asked how the team leader program helped shape his leadership style, Anthony responded, “It showed me how to be adaptable to all situations while being challenged to think through scenarios and lead by example. It also helped me understand my genuine management style. I learned that I really enjoy motivating my staff, being positive every day and cultivating a team environment that is focused on overall team morale, which translates to great customer service.” 

Both Guajardo and Anthony’s days of participating in the program are well behind them but they continue to see the value of the program and the opportunity it creates for young professionals looking to break into the industry.  

“Each role has prepared me for the next one. Working from the ground up as a Team Leader has enabled me to know the operations and employees in-depth and my current role has come full circle in many ways,” says Anthony.  

Above all else, the culture and consistency at Pebble Beach Resorts is what powers the stellar team that guests interact with from The Lodge, to Casa Palmero, to The Inn at Spanish Bay.  

“The unity of each employee and the pride they all take to do their jobs at a high level,” Guajardo points to. “You can truly trust other departments to care and deliver the same level of service.”  

Opportunity abounds in the Team Leader program and there is always a place for aspirational individuals looking to make a career at one of the world’s top resorts. For current opportunities visit our Careers Page and perhaps you could be the next great success story to emerge from the Pebble Beach Team Leader Program.