Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Barbieri.
Hi Laura, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My career in Human Resources has been shaped by over 30 years in the hospitality industry. I began my career in 1993 with Marriott International, where I spent over 23 years, building the foundation for a career centered around people, operations, and growth. Very early on, my path took an international direction—after just five years working in my hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentina, I received my first international opportunity, becoming one of the youngest executives in the company to be expatriated.
That experience transformed not only my career, but also the way I see the world and people. Practically my entire journey with Marriott was within the international space, allowing me to live and work across different countries, cultures, and teams. It shaped a deeply multicultural perspective—one that continues to influence how I lead, make decisions, and connect with others today.
Those years gave me a strong operational foundation and a clear understanding that people are at the center of every successful hospitality business. Over time, my focus evolved from traditional HR into what I now define as People Operations—aligning business strategy with talent strategy to drive performance, culture, and sustainable growth.
Today, I serve as Corporate Director of People Operations at SAUCE Miami® Hospitality Atelier, where I lead the people strategy across a diverse portfolio of restaurant brands. My work focuses on building scalable HR infrastructures, supporting new openings, developing leadership teams, and strengthening the employee experience in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
Now based in Miami, I find myself in a city that naturally brings together many of the cultures that have shaped my career. It allows me to continue operating with that international mindset, in an environment where service, excellence, and attention to detail truly matter.
In parallel, through ONE People Plus®, I focus on coaching, mentorship, and strategic advisory. I work closely with leaders who are often navigating change—whether in their careers, their leadership style, or their organizations.
For me, bringing together my international experience, my operational background, and my passion for people is what makes this work meaningful. It’s about helping others grow, gain clarity, and move forward with intention.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges for me early in my career was navigating an international path on my own. Relocating to different countries without my family meant being physically distant from my support system, which can be emotionally difficult, especially in the early years.
At the same time, being a young woman in a corporate executive environment—at a time when it was far less common—came with its own set of challenges. I often found myself having to prove my credibility and earn my place in spaces where there were not many people like me.
Another key challenge was adapting to new cultures. Every move meant starting over—not just professionally, but personally. You’re not only learning a new work environment or company culture, but also the culture of the country, and even more importantly, the individual values and perspectives of the people you work with. I’ve always believed that each person carries their own “culture,” and understanding that has been essential to building trust and leading effectively.
While those experiences were challenging, they also became some of the most defining moments of my career. They shaped my resilience, expanded my perspective, and ultimately strengthened my ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I’m most proud of is not just one achievement—it’s the entirety of my journey. Every step, every country I’ve lived in, every challenge I’ve faced, and every time I had to start over has shaped who I am today. I’ve had to adapt, grow, and even revalidate my professional path in different places, which has required resilience, humility, and determination.
All of those experiences have transformed me. I’m not the same person I was years ago—not simply because of time, but because of everything I’ve lived and learned along the way. I truly believe I carry something that you don’t get from a school or a book. It comes from real-world experience, from navigating different cultures, from working with diverse people, and from understanding human behavior at a deeper level.
What sets me apart is that combination—strong operational expertise, global perspective, and a genuine ability to connect with people. I bring both structure and empathy to the table, and that balance allows me to create impact not only at the organizational level, but also at the individual level.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Before podcasts and blogs, I would say that books have played a fundamental role in shaping who I am today. One that had a profound impact on me is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s a simple yet powerful story about following your path, trusting the journey, and understanding that every experience has meaning. At different stages of my life, that message resonated with me in different ways.
It’s just one of many books that have influenced me over the years. I’ve always been drawn to those that help me better understand people—how we think, how we make decisions, and how we relate to one another. That curiosity is what eventually led me to study areas like Neuro-Linguistic Programming, which deepened my understanding not only of others, but also of myself.
As I was learning to understand people, I was also learning to understand my own patterns, values, and decisions. For me, that’s been one of the most valuable parts of the journey. I don’t really separate personal and professional growth—I see them as deeply connected. Who you are as a person is how you show up as a leader.
Today, like many people, I also enjoy podcasts. One I particularly like is The Mel Robbins Podcast—I enjoy the variety of guests and perspectives, and I always take something valuable from each episode. It’s a space where I continue learning, reflecting, and staying connected to new ideas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.onepeopleplus.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1peopleplus/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/labarbieri
- Other: https://www.saucemiami.com
