Ask an HR Expert
Our team of HR advisors is standing by to support you.
Victor Simmons, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CDE — HR & Workplace Culture Executive Advisor
Victor is a senior HR and workplace culture executive, advisor, and speaker with more than 25 years of leadership experience across hospitality, corporate, and multi-location organizations. He specializes in leadership effectiveness, workplace culture, employee engagement, and inclusive people strategy. Victor has supported executive teams, general managers, and HR leaders through growth, transformation, and complex workforce challenges. He is known for practical, candid guidance that helps leaders move from reactive people management to intentional culture and performance leadership.
Areas where Victor can help:
Leadership Effectiveness
- Coaching managers to lead with accountability, emotional intelligence, and performance clarity.
Workplace Culture & Engagement
- Diagnosing culture issues and improving trust, morale, and team alignment.
Employee Relations & Conflict Situations
- Guidance on handling sensitive employee issues, complaints, and workplace tension.
Manager Coaching Conversations
- How to address performance, behavior, and standards without escalation.
Retention Strategy
- Reducing preventable turnover through leadership and culture practices.
Inclusive Leadership & DEIB Strategy
- Practical approaches to inclusive leadership and belonging at work.
Strategy for Growing Organizations
- Building people practices that scale with company growth.
Hospitality Workforce Leadership
- People leadership strategies specific to service and guest-focused environments.
Organizational Transition Support
- Leading teams through restructuring, change, and uncertainty.
Talent Development
- Developing future leaders and strengthening internal pipelines.
Ilda Palermo - HR Advisor
Ilda is fluent in English, French, and Italian. She’s a seasoned human resources professional with more than 30 years of experience in the hotel industry. Her specialties include recruitment, employee relations, training and development, performance management, and compliance with labour laws and regulations. She has been part of over 40 collective agreement negotiations and has successfully transitioned hotels to new brands, overseen renovations, and navigated ownership changes.
Areas where Ilda can help:
Harassment/Discrimination
- Policies and directives to follow in the event of a complaint
- Employer obligations
Salary and benefits comparisons
Preparing for labour negotiations/management meetings/arbitrations
Recruiting process
- Best practices and strategies to use
- Coaching future leaders
- Interview guidelines
- Making the offer