His journey, from the courtroom as a pupil barrister to the vibrant world of luxury hospitality reflects a conviction that people are the common thread across every profession. Today, at the helm of both legal and people functions within Beachcomber, he champions a strengths-based approach to talent development, driven by his certification as a Gallup Coach. For him, success lies not in fixing weaknesses but in cultivating the unique strengths that allow individuals and teams to thrive.
In this conversation, he shares the values and lessons that continue to guide his path, the defining moment that anchored his passion for hospitality and his vision for addressing the human challenges shaping the future of luxury. At once strategic and empathetic, his perspective offers an inspiring roadmap for leaders navigating the ever-changing landscape of our industry.
Sebastian, your career spans several worlds: law, human leadership, corporate strategy… What core belief or personal conviction led you to explore such diverse, yet ultimately complementary fields?
I have always believed that the common denominator of any profession is people. Whether advising internal clients as Group Legal Counsel, leading my dedicated team members, or defining strategy with my colleagues of the Executive Committee, I’ve found that trust, clarity, and human connection are the foundations of success. Exploring and working in diverse fields is not about changing direction, it is about adding lenses through which to view the same ultimate goal: enabling Beachcomber and its Artisans to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
Looking back at your early days as a pupil barrister, what lessons, instincts or habits made a lasting impression on you and still shape your professional approach today?
Being a pupil barrister taught me three invaluable lessons: preparation is non-negotiable, listening is more powerful than speaking and integrity outlasts any tactical win. The thoroughness, curiosity and principled decision-making I learnt from my various Pupil Masters still guide me today, whether I’m navigating a complex legal challenge or a delicate human matter.
Your move into the world of luxury hospitality marked a major turning point. What first sparked your curiosity for this industry? And what was the defining moment that made you want to truly be a part of it?
Luxury hospitality at Beachcomber is the art of creating unforgettable moments for our Guests through the authenticity of our Artisans, something that immediately resonated with me. My curiosity was first sparked by the sheer orchestration behind the scenes: how teams of highly skilled professionals coordinate seamlessly to deliver exceptional Guest Experiences. The defining moment came during my first on-property immersion when I joined Beachcomber as Group Legal Counsel in May 2019. During lunch with a colleague, I noticed how a team anticipated a Guest’s needs before they even voiced. From that point on, I knew this was an industry where human excellence is both the ultimate goal and the daily practice.
As Chief People Officer & Group Legal Counsel at Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, how does your dual perspective, both legal and HR, shape your leadership style and strategic vision?
The legal perspective anchors me in risk awareness, fairness and compliance, while the HR lens keeps me focused on culture, strengths development, engagement and growth. Together, they give me a balanced leadership style which is strategic yet empathetic, decisive yet people-centric. This duality allows me to design policies and strategies that are not only legally sound but above all, humanly inspiring.
You're also a certified Gallup coach and a strong advocate for a strengths-based approach. How does this philosophy translate into your day-to-day way of identifying, nurturing, and developing talent, especially in a sector as demanding as luxury hospitality?
In luxury hospitality at Beachcomber, delivering exceptional Guest Experience is synonymous with a team sport and people shine brightest when they play to their strengths. My approach as a Strengths Coach is to first understand what energises each individual and what makes them unique, helping them identify and leverage their unique strengths profile. This not only boosts performance but also fosters engagement and retention. In practice, it means shifting from a “fix what’s wrong” mindset to “build on what’s strong” philosophy.
In your view, what are the most pressing human challenges facing the luxury hospitality industry today? And going forward, what do you believe will truly help us better attract, inspire, and retain talent in this evolving landscape?
The most pressing challenges are talent scarcity, generational shifts in expectations and the constant demand for agility and resilience in an uncertain world. To address them, we must move beyond transactional employment and create purposeful, growth-rich and genuinely caring workplaces. Authentic leadership, coaching, strengths development and a deep investment in employee wellbeing will be the real differentiators.
To wrap up on a more personal note… If you were:
– A destination: A coastal cliff in Mauritius rooted in heritage, yet always looking out to new horizons.
– An accessory: A well-worn leather journal – practical, full of insights and always ready for the next session of introspection.
– An emotion: Gratitude.
– A moment of the day: Sunrise, with a cup of coffee, my journal and my Bible – the perfect blend of reflection, introspection and possibility.
