From Story to Strategy: Building a Business People Believe In with Patrick Huey

Every business has a story, but the strongest ones do more than tell it. They bring it to life through their culture, decisions, leadership, and the experiences they create for both employees and guests.In this episode of Spa Insider, John Cowan sits down with Patrick Huey, Director of Operations, Global Wellbeing at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and creator and host of At the Podium, to explore the role story plays in building an authentic and enduring business.Patrick explains why your story is not something you manufacture for marketing. It begins with why you started, the problem you wanted to solve, and what continues to drive you. He also shares why that story must be supported by evidence, reflected in daily operations, and strong enough to guide the business through changing trends. Together, they discuss:How to uncover the real story behind your businessWhy purpose matters to both employees and guestsHow story shapes culture and creates emotional connectionWhy authenticity must extend beyond marketingHow to evaluate trends without losing your identityWhy feedback is more valuable than chasing perfectionWhy strong stories still need evidence and resultsPatrick also shares how his background as an actor shaped his understanding of the human condition, what motivates people, and how meaningful stories take shape. This conversation is an important reminder that the businesses people believe in are often the ones that know who they are, stay true to it, and make that purpose visible in everything they do.