In an industry defined by constant motion, Mark Wong, Senior Vice President of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), has learned that true leadership lies not in speed, but in stillness. Over three decades in hospitality, Wong has led through transformation — from guiding boutique hoteliers across continents to steering SLH through the volatility of post-pandemic travel. Yet, behind his calm precision lies an entrepreneurial spirit and a philosophy shaped by adaptability, empathy, and grace under pressure.
For Wong, strength today looks different from the ambition that fuelled his early career. It’s measured not by dominance, but by presence — the ability to listen, to stay centred in uncertainty, and to lead with heart. As he reflects on wellness, purpose, and the evolving mindset of the modern traveller, Wong offers a vision of leadership grounded in authenticity and regeneration — where travel becomes not just an act of discovery, but of renewal for both people and the planet.
1. You’ve led Small Luxury Hotels of the World through times of rapid change. How has your leadership style evolved over the years?
During my university days, I learned about the concept of discontinuous change, a principle I’ve carried with me throughout my career and personal life. My leadership style has therefore always been transformational, rooted in adaptability, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit, even within a global organisation.
There’s no fixed rulebook for effective leadership, especially in a world that changes as rapidly as ours. Over the years, I’ve learned to observe and listen deeply – to our guests, our hoteliers, and our colleagues across the industry. Often, the best ideas emerge organically from curiosity and collaboration.
The past decade has brought fast and furious shifts in travel from generational changes in traveller expectations to global disruptions both natural and man-made. To thrive, we must be more resilient and agile than ever. That’s why I encourage my team to think independently and to stay adaptable, so as to stay ahead of the game.
2. What does “strength” in leadership mean to you today — and how has that definition changed since you first started your career?
Earlier in my career, I saw strength as confidence and determination. Today, with over 30 years of experience, the “wiser me” understands it differently, as the ability to stay centred amid uncertainty, make decisions with clarity and compassion, and treat people with respect, even when we disagree. True strength is about being resilience and brave to explore when you do not have all the answers.
Photo credit: Phyllicia Wang
3. In your journey, have you encountered moments of doubt or burnout? How did you navigate them, and what helped you regain clarity or balance?
Of course, that makes me human. Working in hospitality means I’m constantly surrounded by people. As an introvert, I pour a lot of positive energy into those around me. But when my battery runs low, I retreat to quiet, restorative spaces like my home, which I helped design, as a place to recharge. During these moments, I step away from all work-related interactions and indulge myself in my personal passion which is interior design and decoration. The creative process of visualising, rearranging, and refining spaces helps me regain balance and clarity.
4. The hospitality world can be relentless. What personal rituals or habits help you maintain your mental wellness and sense of calm amid constant travel and pressure?
I treat every business trip as a personal journey of exploration as well. Once the meetings are done, I always make time to venture beyond the hotel, whether it’s a private tour of a local monastery, a visit to a nearby farm, or lunch at a humble noodle shop frequented by locals. These enriching experiences keep me grounded and connected to the essence of travel. I’ll stop travelling the day the fun ends.
5. What’s the most valuable leadership lesson you’ve learned from a challenging moment — and how did it shape the way you lead today?
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that uncertainty is inevitable and that panic is not an option. In challenging times, I’ve witnessed how calm, steady leadership can anchor an entire team. True leadership is about being present, transparent, and human enough to lead with empathy.
The Retreat Koh Chang
6. How do you find purpose in what you do beyond business performance? What keeps you motivated in an industry that never stops moving?
Purpose, for me, comes from seeing how our work touches people’s lives. From our hoteliers who pour their hearts into crafting meaningful stay experiences, to guests finding unexpected meaning in the places they visit. It’s important to me to nurture a global community where our member hoteliers can connect and learn from one another. We aim to create an inclusive space where every guest feels safe, seen, and inspired.
7. What do you think today’s gentleman seeks from travel — beyond comfort and exclusivity?
Today’s discerning gentleman values experiences that are regenerative and real. It is less about five-star material opulence and more about five-star personal relevance. They are seeking authenticity, connection and a sense of being part of something larger, whether that is a cultural tradition, community outreach or nature regeneration. Ultimately, he aspires to make a positive impact both in his own life and for the generations to come.
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
8. What destinations or hotels have personally inspired you — places that remind you why you fell in love with this industry?
Bhutan never fails to inspire me. There is something magical and timeless about its harmony of ritual, nature and simplicity. The owners of Gangtey Lodge and Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary have blended sustainability and wellness seamlessly with their environment and community. Both hotels are included in the Considerate Collection and Wellbeing Collection.
My recent visit to Ladakh left an equally deep impression. The majestic mountain ranges and untouched desert landscapes feel like scenes lifted from National Geographic. What moved me most was witnessing the owners at Dolkhar Ladakh and Lchang Nang Retreat transforming their ancestral properties into sanctuaries that celebrate local culture and preserve the soul of Ladakh.
Our industry needs more of these visionaries who are trailblazers. They remind us that the true purpose of travel is not just to explore the world, but to help regenerate it.
Gangtey Lodge- bath with mountain view
9. What advice would you give to men in leadership positions who struggle to slow down or disconnect?
It’s perfectly okay to slow down or disconnect from time to time. It’s not a sign of weakness. Slowing down doesn’t mean losing momentum; it means finding a sustainable pace for the long run. Prevention and longevity will be the foundation of future wellbeing. My advice is simple: give yourself permission to “stop to smell the roses.”
10. Looking back, what would you tell your younger self about ambition, balance, and the true meaning of success?
Work-life balance should begin from the very start, not when we’re forced to slow down. As a cancer survivor, I’ve learned that there’s far more to life than constantly pushing limits to build a career. True success is about how long you can stay in the race with purpose and balance rather than how quickly you reach the finish line.
Photos credit: Small Luxury Hotels of the World
