Why Nicholas Clayton, Capella Asia CEO, puts ‘life priorities’ first

This story was originally published in XXIV magazine 2018

Nicholas Clayton, CEO of the Capella Hotel Group Asia, has been busy this year. Not only is the hotel group expanding across Asia, its Singapore hotel hosted the high-profile meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The group’s rapid expansion means the creation of a number of priorities, all of which must be managed in real time, Clayton says.

“What has been of the utmost importance is to balance urgent responsibilities with those activities which build long-term, lasting value for the organisation.”

And with great responsibilities comes great devotion to “life priorities”, Clayton says. “When one is so passionate about professional responsibilities, it is easy to justify spending an inordinate amount of time at work. I want to enjoy a full life focused on the following priorities: health, relationships and career.”

Clayton’s attention to detail at work translates into his personal life. When on holiday, he’ll notice a suite’s highlight feature, or a building’s charming history. When he travels with his family, money isn’t as big a factor as the facilities or features that may impress him, making the trip more memorable.