Every journey begins before the first entry.
The Captain’s Log is coming soon. I am preparing the first reflections with the same curiosity that has guided me through hospitality, leadership and the occasional adventure at sea.
Join me on the bridge and be among the first to receive a note when the journey begins.
Join the Captain’s Bridge →Why Diario del Capitano?
I recently earned my boating license, mainly for a very simple reason: my family and I love fishing.
Being Italian, with my wife and children living in Abu Dhabi while I work in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, my life moves regularly between desert and sea. I travel back three or four times a month to spend time with them and, whenever we can, head out fishing together.
The Arabian Gulf has become part of our family life, just as the Mediterranean, with its beautiful Italian coastline, remains part of my roots. Two different seas, both close to my heart.
After more than twenty years navigating the complexities of the hospitality industry, I thought becoming a captain might be relatively straightforward. Apparently, the maritime authorities had other ideas.
And so, with my license secured and my family ready for our next fishing adventure, Diario del Capitano was born. The Italian title translates into English as The Captain’s Log.
Beyond the nautical inspiration, this journal represents another kind of voyage: through hospitality, leadership, human behavior, practical wisdom and academic discovery.
As I continue my doctoral journey, I intend to share occasional reflections on professional experience, family adventures and the questions that academic inquiry brings into focus.
Sometimes the starting point may be a luxury hotel, a memorable dinner or an everyday observation. Other times, an idea from Aristotle, Peter Drucker or contemporary research.
The ambition remains the same: observe, question, learn and explore the changing world of hospitality.
Welcome aboard. Two seas, countless observations and absolutely no guarantees of catching fish.
Your Captain,
Nicola Mandolini
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Letters from the Captain’s Bridge
Occasional reflections on hospitality, leadership, learning and life. Receive a note when a new Captain’s Log entry is published.