Sarah Diehl, Founder of Empowered Hospitality, is on a mission to redefine human resources in the hospitality industry. “I believe HR should be about creating cultures where people feel supported and valued,” Sarah said, setting the tone for her approach to transforming workplace environments. Her journey from operations to HR leadership, and eventually to establishing her own company, highlights her passion for supporting businesses and their teams. Empowered Hospitality has become a critical resource for hospitality organizations looking to optimize their HR processes and foster thriving workplace cultures.
The Birth of Empowered Hospitality
Sarah’s career began in operations, working as a general manager for Hillstone Restaurant Group. This experience shaped her understanding of the vital role HR plays in fostering a successful work environment. Sarah recalled, “That experience really lit a fire in me to provide others with the support I didn’t have.” In late 2016, Sarah faced a career-defining moment when she was laid off right before the holidays. Instead of letting this setback hold her back, she used it as an opportunity to pivot. While interviewing for new roles, she noticed a common trend: many small restaurant groups needed HR support but lacked the resources or understanding to hire a full-time HR director.
Seeing this gap, Sarah turned her conversations into consulting opportunities. “I realized there was a real need for flexible HR solutions,” she shared. By August 2017, Empowered Hospitality had its first employee. Today, the company has grown into a leading HR consulting firm, helping hospitality businesses improve compliance, culture, and employee engagement.
HR as a Driver of Business Success
For Sarah, HR is much more than back-office paperwork. It’s about building cultures where employees feel valued and supported, which in turn drives business performance. “HR is about maximizing your team’s performance and creating a positive environment that ultimately benefits the entire organization.” Her firm works closely with clients to ensure their HR strategies align with their business goals. Whether it’s defining roles, improving onboarding, or building systems for employee communication, Empowered Hospitality brings expertise and a people-first approach to every project.
One of the challenges Sarah frequently sees in hospitality is the disconnect between employees and the tools provided to them. In an industry where deskless workers are the norm, many HR and communication platforms fail to meet employees where they are. Sarah advocates for using technology that integrates seamlessly into employees’ daily routines—such as smartphone-friendly apps—to streamline communication and increase engagement. “Adoption is always a challenge,” Sarah noted. “Meet employees on a tool they’re comfortable using. Limit the number of apps they need to engage with and focus on making critical information easily accessible.”
Recruiting for Cultural Fit
Recruitment is another area where Sarah’s expertise shines. She emphasizes the importance of clearly defining what a company stands for—and what it doesn’t. “Represent who your brand is, and don’t be afraid to highlight what it’s not,” she advised. This transparency not only helps attract the right candidates but also ensures that new hires align with the company’s culture and values. Sarah shared an example of a client known for its “rock and roll” workplace culture. By showcasing their unique environment, the company was able to attract employees who genuinely resonated with their vibe. For other organizations, Sarah recommends analyzing their top performers to identify the qualities that make them successful and using those insights to guide future hiring decisions. “When you’re clear about your culture and values, you naturally attract the right people,” Sarah explained. “It’s not just about finding talent—it’s about finding the right talent for your unique environment.”
As the workplace evolves, so too does the role of HR. Sarah believes that listening to employees is key to staying ahead of the curve. From engagement surveys to one-on-one conversations, understanding what employees need to thrive is critical. “Today, more than ever, employees are individuals,” she said. “Everyone needs something different, and companies must be prepared to meet those individual needs.” Looking to the future, Sarah sees HR becoming increasingly proactive, focusing on building strong foundations rather than reacting to challenges as they arise. She encourages hospitality businesses to adopt this forward-thinking mindset and invest in their teams’ long-term success. “The workplace is changing rapidly,” she said. “The only way to keep up is to actively listen and adapt.”
Advice For Leaders
Sarah’s advice for hospitality leaders is simple: “Listen to your employees, meet them where they are, and invest in the right tools to support them.” By focusing on culture, communication, and employee engagement, businesses can create environments where both employees and operations thrive. She also advocates for clearly defining your company’s mission, including what you stand against, as a way to attract like-minded team members. “It’s all about creating a culture where people feel supported and valued,” Sarah concluded. “When you invest in your people, the results will follow.”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More
