Abel Ariza, the CEO of Singapore-based Everhaus Group, began his professional journey far from the boardroom. At the age of 23, he worked as a bellboy at the Ritz-Carlton Barcelona, managing luggage for some of the world’s most prominent figures, including Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Mariah Carey. While the role may have seemed humble, it became a formative period that instilled critical values in Ariza: discipline, humility, and the importance of valuing people.Each interaction offered a lesson in human connection. Handling luggage and attending to guests taught him the significance of presence, attentiveness, and professionalism—qualities that would later shape his leadership philosophy at Everhaus Group.
How ‘once bellboy’ Abel Ariza learned leadership lessons from Leonardo DiCaprio
Among the many memorable experiences, Ariza highlighted his encounter with Leonardo DiCaprio as particularly impactful. The actor broke hotel protocol to allow Ariza access to the guest elevator. After assisting him with his luggage, DiCaprio handed Ariza leftover casino chips and said, “Keep it. Build something you believe in.”This gesture left a lasting impression on Ariza. It reinforced the importance of pursuing personal ambitions, believing in one’s vision, and recognising that small acts of encouragement can have a profound impact. Beyond the symbolic value, this moment served as an early guidepost for Ariza’s approach to business leadership: empowering others, fostering trust, and valuing initiative.Other high-profile encounters also shaped his understanding of leadership. Bill Clinton, despite fatigue from travel, personally greeted every staff member, teaching Ariza the power of presence and recognition. Nelson Mandela, who requested his coffee at precisely 6:15 AM, exemplified the role of discipline in achieving broader goals. Even Mariah Carey’s humour and acknowledgment of his efforts demonstrated the importance of empathy, respect, and human connection in building meaningful relationships.
Source: LinkedIn
Applying Ritz-Carlton lessons to Everhaus Group’s corporate leadership
Today, as the head of Everhaus Group, operating across Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, Ariza draws directly on the lessons from his time at the Ritz-Carlton. He emphasises purpose-driven leadership, cross-cultural collaboration, and genuinely valuing people. Whether in luxury hotel corridors or corporate boardrooms, Ariza applies the same principles of attentiveness, discipline, and humility that guided his early career.Ariza’s approach underscores that leadership is not just about authority or decision-making; it is about seeing and acknowledging every individual. By prioritising people, he creates a corporate culture built on trust, motivation, and long-term engagement—echoing the ethos he absorbed from his interactions with global leaders and celebrities.Beyond this singular hotel encounter, Leonardo DiCaprio’s broader work as an actor and philanthropist has also left a lasting impression on Ariza. Known for films such as Titanic, The Revenant, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Inception, DiCaprio is also a committed environmental activist, founder of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, and a United Nations Messenger of Peace. The actor’s dedication to purpose-driven action and creating global impact mirrors the principles Ariza now applies in business leadership.
From bellboy to CEO: Abel Ariza’s leadership journey
Ariza’s story has resonated with thousands on LinkedIn, where readers emphasised that true leadership begins in small acts of presence, recognition, and discipline. Many noted that even brief encounters with influential figures can shape long-term professional and personal growth. Reflecting on his journey, Ariza wrote, “I built Everhaus on the same principles I learned at the Ritz—discipline, humility, and seeing people, not positions.”The journey from bellboy to CEO illustrates a powerful truth: early career experiences, combined with guidance from iconic figures, can form the foundation of effective leadership. By integrating humility, attentiveness, and human connection into corporate strategy, leaders can create environments where individuals thrive and organisations succeed.