Ashley Poland
Director of People and Culture
Four Seasons Tenure
- First Four Seasons Assignment: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Employment History
- Four Seasons Resort Hualalai; Teach for America Ka’u Pahala Elementary
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Clemson University, South Carolina, USA
Birthplace
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
Languages Spoken
- English
As the Director of People and Culture for Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, Ashley Poland is tasked with creating a workplace that’s kind, productive, sustainable and radiates company values — namely The Golden Rule. “Success for us is making a positive impact in the community, making sure internal team members and external guests are happy and feel supported,” Ashley says. “It’s paying attention to the full experience.”
Ashley came to Minnesota from Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, where she served as Assistant Director of People and Culture. While she wasn’t looking to make a move, once she connected with the leadership team at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, her ears perked up. “Many of them had worked at Hualalai before,” she says. “They’re incredible — especially Florian [Riedel, General Manager]. He’s a leader who really cares for his people and practices what he preaches.”
Prior to Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Ashley dabbled in many aspects of hospitality, from public relations to restaurant service to working as a tour guide. But when she got the opportunity to move to Hawaii through Teach for America, she jumped at the chance to teach fourth grade. Thinking she had found her path, she planned to attend graduate school for child psychology after taking a year off. In the interim, however, while working in Recreation at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, a new career trajectory was born. “I was really enjoying it, and then an opportunity opened in the Learning and Development department,” she says. “It was right up my alley; I felt like I could make a positive impact on people. I never left.”
For Ashley, that impact starts with a compassionate approach, whether you’re working with guests or coworkers. “Everyone we meet is dealing with something,” she says. “It’s important to make sure we’re always treating each other with kindness and embodying The Golden Rule — especially in stressful situations.”
Outside of her role with Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, one will find Ashley exploring the area’s many restaurants, hiking the state’s scenic trails, paddleboarding on the many lakes, and hitting the beach with her boyfriend Cole, and her dog Campbell.
