“Hotel managers and operating managers should have a strong grasp of understanding cash flow and flow through. This skill involves the ability to track and manage the movement of cash into and out of the business, and more importantly, to understand and maximize the “flow through” rate.”

— Navneeth Vijayan Kalathil

It's been a few years since we last featured you. What has changed? What's new with you?

I've always embraced change, and the resurgence of the travel industry has brought about abundant opportunities. I'm thrilled to be among those benefiting from this upturn, as it has led to my promotion from Deputy Director to Director of Finance. This new role has taken me to the vibrant city of Bangkok, where I am overseeing the multi-branded Bangkok Marriott Hotel & Marriott Executive Apartments Thonglor Sukhumvit.

While l am missing the Maldives and its wonderful people, I'm immersing myself in the rich Thai culture and savoring the exquisite local cuisine. Although the location, responsibilities, and faces are new to me, I continue my journey with Marriott International, embracing its esteemed values, now into its ninth year.

We have to ask, will AI replace your team? If not, why?

Absolutely, the adoption of AI is set to reshape our existing processes. As AI assumes responsibility for the laborious and monotonous tasks that currently consume a lot of time and energy, I anticipate a future where my team enjoys an enhanced work-life balance. This shift is likely to pave the way for fresh avenues aimed at streamlining operations and boosting efficiency.

My outlook is positive; I'm enthusiastic about the prospect of AI freeing us up to prioritize personal well-being, cherish moments with our families, and relish the continuous learning journey. I remain convinced that AI won't lead to job losses but will instead refine our tasks, leading to more effective work practices. It's essential to proactively adapt and prepare for what lies ahead, rather than resist the technological advancements designed to eliminate drudgery. The choice is ours: to either resist the change or to embrace and lead it as it arrives.

To give you an example- Imagine a world where your coffee machine, powered by AI, not only brews your coffee to perfection but also predicts when you need that extra shot of espresso for those Monday mornings. Meanwhile, you get to enjoy breakfast with your family, instead of frantically pressing buttons and waiting for the machine to beep. As you leave for work, your AI assistant has already sorted your emails, leaving you to tackle the creative tasks you love. The catch? You just have to make sure not to get jealous of your coffee machine's efficiency. So, are we ready to team up with AI and maybe even learn a thing or two from our smart gadgets?

What is the one financial skill that hotel managers or operating managers should master?

In addition to Revenue Management, hotel managers and operating managers should have a strong grasp of understanding cash flow and flow through. This skill involves the ability to track and manage the movement of cash into and out of the business, and more importantly, to understand and maximize the "flow through" rate. Flow through refers to the percentage of incremental revenue that converts to profit after accounting for variable costs. It's crucial in evaluating how effectively a hotel is converting additional top-line revenue (like that from increased occupancy or room rates) into bottom-line profit.

Managers need to be adept at controlling costs and ensuring that increased revenues lead to proportionate increases in profitability, without unnecessary increases in variable costs. This balance is key to financial sustainability and growth in the hospitality industry.

Share with us 5 skills that you think will be critical for a hospitality career in the future?

Digital Literacy: With the increasing role of technology in hospitality, from AI-driven customer service to digital booking platforms, being tech-savvy is essential. Understanding and leveraging digital tools and platforms will enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency. Digital literacy plays a crucial role in safeguarding data privacy, ensuring that our sincere smiles are rooted in genuine care as we protect our guests, company, and owners from scams and potential legal complications.
Emotional Intelligence (EI): The ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others, is vital in the hospitality industry, where exceptional customer service and team management are key. This conviction stems from my belief that AI cannot supplant the human element in hospitality.
Cultural Intelligence: As globalization continues, the hospitality industry serves an increasingly diverse clientele. Understanding and appreciating cultural differences will be critical for creating inclusive, personalized guest experiences.
Sustainability Knowledge: With a growing focus on environmental and social responsibility, knowledge of sustainable practices in hospitality will become increasingly important. This includes everything from energy efficiency to waste reduction and ethical sourcing.
Adaptability and Resilience: The hospitality industry is dynamic and subject to changes in consumer behavior, economic conditions, and even global events like pandemics. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances, think creatively in problem-solving, and bounce back from setbacks will be invaluable. COVID was an example !

What is your favourite interview question & why?

"If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?"

This question is a classic icebreaker that encourages candidates to share personal interests and values in a relaxed and engaging way, setting a friendly tone for the rest of the interview and some humour.

What makes you strange?

A cherished friend to colleagues, an avid street photographer in leisure, who revels in the joy of long drives, dance, and lively gatherings. A person who delights in both surprises and the playful art of pranks.