Michelle Leon-Guerrero

Michelle Leon-Guerro
Chief Administrative officer
Hawaiian Host Group

Michelle Leon-Guerro is a Mentor Hawaii Cohort 10 mentor. Learn more about the program here.

About Michelle

Michelle Leon-Guerrero serves as Chief Administrative Officer at Hawaiian Host Group (HHG), overseeing the company’s Operations and Talent Management departments. She has successfully led a turn-around of one ofHawai‘i’slargest farming and manufacturing companies with a team of over 450 people across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Talent Acquisition, Talent Management Services, and Corporate Communications. Under Michelle’s leadership, HHG implemented major initiatives such as a $12 million investment in its Honolulu chocolate manufacturing facility to retain and upgrade jobs for the future in Hawai‘i. She also overseesHHG’scommunity partnerships & donations which totaled over $400,000 in 2023. Prior to joining HHG, Michellewas Director of Benefits for ProService Hawaii, a portfolio company of Silver Lake Partners, and the largest Professional Employer Organization (PEO) in the state. During her time at ProService, the benefits and insurance programs grew to serve more than 35,000 employees. Michelle has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Travel Industry Management from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and an MBA in Human Resources from the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawai‘i. She actively contributes to the local and international business communities as a board member of the Hawai‘i Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the US-Japan Council, where she fosters collaboration and service within the business sector.

Question and Answer with Michelle

What is your preferred communication style when mentoring (in-person, video conference, phone, informal check-ins, structured meetings, etc.)?
In-Person Meeting, Video-Conference, Informal Check-In, Meal

Why do you want to become a mentor in this program?
I want to become a mentor in the Young Professionals Program to support and inspire the next generation of leaders. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to receive guidance from mentors who helped me navigate both business and life challenges. I see this as an opportunity to do the same for others—to help young professionals grow, develop their confidence, and overcome obstacles as they work toward their goals. Mentorship is a way to share insights, offer support, and contribute to future leaders as they shape our business and community. It’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute to their growth and success, and I see mentorship as an opportunity to pay it forward and continue fostering strong relationships and leadership in business.

What specific skills, knowledge or experience can you share with your mentee?
I bring over 20 years of experience in mentoring and people development, which has allowed me to build a deep understanding of helping others reach their full potential. A key strength I can share with my mentee is the ability to navigate the various stages of career and life transitions. Whether it’s providing guidance on setting professional goals, overcoming challenges, or balancing work and personal life, I am equipped to offer practical advice and insights that can support their growth. My experience enables me to help them identify their strengths, address opportunities for development, and confidently move forward in their journey.

What are your expectations for a mentor-mentee relationship?
My expectation for a mentor-mentee relationship is that it is a mutual, two-way partnership built on open communication, trust, and a shared commitment to growth. I hope for my mentee to invest as much effort into the relationship as they expect to receive, recognizing that their active participation is key to making the most of this experience.

I see this relationship as an opportunity for both of us to learn and grow together. I aim to be a sounding board for their ideas and challenges, sharing insights and guidance while also looking to them for fresh perspectives. Open communication is essential, and I encourage my mentee to ask questions, seek opinions, and bring their authentic self to the table. By establishing a genuine connection, we can build a relationship rooted in collaboration and a shared desire to give back and pay it forward.

How do you approach problem-solving and conflict resolution?
When it comes to problem-solving and conflict resolution, I like to keep things straightforward and collaborative. My first step is to understand the issue fully by gathering all relevant information and listening to different perspectives. This helps me get to the root of the problem rather than just dealing with the surface-level symptoms.

For resolving conflicts, I focus on creating an open dialogue where everyone involved can share their views. I find it helpful to stay calm and objective, aiming to understand where each person is coming from. The goal is always to find a practical solution that everyone can agree on while maintaining a positive working relationship.

How do you envision success for your mentee, and how will you measure it during the program?
Success for my mentee means building a good relationship where they feel more confident about who they are and what they bring to the table. It’s also about sparking a desire in them to share their own experiences and knowledge with others in the future, paying it forward just like this program encourages.

I’ll know we’re on the right track if they’re applying what they’ve learned, taking action toward their goals, and showing growth in how they approach challenges. Success is about helping them make the most of this experience and seeing them come away with skills and insights they can use in their career and life.