Exclusive Interview | Ujwala Sonawane, Principal, Magarpatta College of Hospitality
/Passion and commitment is the only key, Self motivation and setting up goals of self, and to constantly work towards your goals is the mantra.Exclusive Interview | Pooja Gaur, Cluster AM, Marketing and PR Communications, Jaipur Marriott Hotel and Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur
/Breaking Boundaries: From Medical School Dropout to Marketing MavenExclusive Interview | Rajib Roy Choudhury, Sr General Manager, Vedic Village Spa Resort
/When hiring for the hospitality industry, we typically look for a combination of technical skills, personality traits, and specific attributes that are crucial for success in a customer-oriented and service-driven environment.Exclusive Interview | John Benjamin, Cluster Revenue Manager for Accor Hotels in Dubai
/To ascend to the pinnacle of the hospitality industry, a blend of exceptional guest-centricity, strategic vision, and leadership acumen is imperative. Mastering the art of service, embracing innovation, and staying attuned to market trends is vital.Exclusive Interview | Rajnish Chopra, Founder of RC Hospitality Solutions
/I always tell senior leaders, just get your Basics of Basics right.Exclusive Interview | Avnii Maleeyvar, Pastry Chef, Vivanta by Taj, Bengaluru
/The challenge lies in finding the delicate balance between creative presentation and ensuring that each component harmonizes with, rather than overpowers, the star of the show - the main dish.Exclusive Interview | Manish Khot, Executive Chef, BLU Oasis Hotel & Resort, Dubai - UAE
/What according to you does it take to become a successful chef? Follow the 3 D's That is -Determination, Dedication, and Devotion, these D's will help you achieve your goals. Also never give up at any time, nothing is impossible. Exclusive Interview | Siddharth Saraf, Cofounder, Vaum Tonics
/Looking to the future, Vaum envisions becoming synonymous with a lifestyle that prioritizes health without compromising on pleasure.Exclusive Interview | Rohit Bajpai, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore
/The paramount quality required for thriving in any industry, particularly within the realm of hospitality, is an unwavering passion for one’s work. It has been astutely stated that “The only way to do great work is to love what you do” In this context, I firmly believe that to excel in the hospitality industry, one must not only be hardworking but also inherently passionate about their role.Exclusive Interview | Chef Vadim Shin- Yazu Restaurant Brand Chef
/Good communication and teamwork are needed because cooking is a group effort. Leading a kitchen and a team takes leadership and organization.-Chef Vadim Shin
Read MoreExclusive Interview | Pramod Singh, Group General Manager, Golkonda Hotels and Resorts
/Golkonda Resort & Hotels is a Hyderabad based Hospitality operation, We feel proud Hyderabadi, Son of Soil in terms of extending Nizami Delicacy to all our esteemed clients of the tech city, at the same time we try to be contemporary yet native. Exclusive Interview | Chef Curie Fernandes, Faculty- Patkar Varde College ( Department of Hospitality & Catering) & Owner - Slice of Heaven
/For aspiring culinary students embarking on this delectable journey, my advice is straightforward yet profound: embrace the virtues of patience and continuous learning.Exclusive Interview | Manuj Bahl, Cluster General Manager, Howard Johnson by Wyndham, Roopnagar Udaipur
/Confidence, Communication, Culture Fit followed by ability to produce results and Job Knowledge are my 5 Point check list when I look for a team member.Exclusive Interview | Rishi Kumar, General Manager, Indore Marriott Hotel
/Marriott's core philosophy, echoing the words of Mr. Marriott himself, centers on the belief that we must take care of our associates, who, in turn, will provide exceptional care to our guests. This principle is not just a theory but a practice deeply ingrained in our approach.Exclusive Interview | Sukhbir Singh, General Manager,Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Hyderabad
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What defines you outside of this job role, gives an insight into the person.
Sukhbir Singh | Novotel Hyderabad Airport
Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
Over the course of more than two decades, my professional journey has been both engaging and diversified. I initially aspired to work in the front office, leading me to undertake internships at The Oberoi and TAJ. However, my significant breakthrough into the industry occurred in the year 2000 when I joined the Sales team at ITC Hotels, marking a pivotal moment in my career trajectory. Since then, I have consistently strived for excellence, leveraging my expertise with renowned brands such as ITC Hotels, The Oberoi Hotels, American Express, Regus, and ACCOR.
Throughout this period, I have assumed various roles within the hospitality sector, transitioning to American Express for a substantial five-year tenure before briefly contributing to the operations at REGUS. This professional odyssey has facilitated my progression from Sales to the proficient management of extensive hotel portfolios.
What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Possessing a strong drive for excellence, a robust passion for achievement, exceptional interpersonal communication abilities, and a steadfast commitment to continuous learning and development.
What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?
A strong dedication to effective interpersonal communication, coupled with a commitment to customer-centric engagement. Continuously pursuing knowledge with a diverse range of interests.
What advice would you give to a young, aspiring hotelier for their internship?
The internship is an opportunity to observe and soak up experiences. It’s an opportunity to observe the professionals deliver the service in real-time. So instead of focusing on “WHAT” you get to do as an intern, the objective should be to see theoretical knowledge from college being played out in action and its impact.
What is the single factor that got you your promotion?
A resolute dedication to personal development and growth.
What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?
The Industry is growing and the growth is here to stay. Environmental consciousness is at the center stage of all policies.
What tech would you like to see in operations? What operational problems need tech solutions?
Global brands have been early adopters of tech solutions. However, the industry continues to look for avenues to use technology in optimizing revenues, controlling costs, reducing our energy consumption, and at the same time making the guest journey as seamless as possible.
What is the one tech/app/software feature you would like to see? This could be for guests, operations, etc.
Perhaps tools that help with furthering control on energy without compromising guest convenience.
Two things you would like to change in the industry.
This Industry is truly captivating, offering individuals the opportunity to fully unleash their potential. With its rapid and sustained growth, it certainly appears to be the ideal sector to be a part of for the foreseeable future.
What is your favorite question for a candidate interview and why?
What defines you outside of this job role? It gives an insight into the person.
Featured
Exclusive Interview | Kammelh Kishorre, Founder & Managing Director & Examiner – Revenue Management, RedSKY Hospitality
/The future of hotel revenue management hinges on data driven strategies, personalization, automation, and advanced analytics will undoubtedly shape the industry. Hotels that harness the potential of these trends will not only optimize revenue streams but also elevate guest experiences.Exclusive Interview | Kalpesh Kature, Executive Chef, Renaissance Hotel Ahmedabad
/We are willing to go to great lengths to satisfy the unique, and sometimes unusual, culinary preferences of our patrons, thus ensuring that their dining experiences are truly memorable.Exclusive Interview | Anil Bhat, Chief Executive Officer, The Hotel School
/I advocate for the formalization of overtime compensation. This would not only reward employees for their additional efforts but also hold managers accountable for extending work hours unnecessarily. In the long term, this could lead to reduced attrition rates, increased employee motivation, and ultimately, an enhanced guest experienceExclusive Interview | Chef Rungtiwa Sorlae, Thai Cuisine Specialty Chef, Sheraton Grand Whitefield Hotel and Convention Centre
/A delicious reminder of the power of food to connect us to our roots and tell a story that transcends time.Exclusive Interview | Payal Joshi, Room Division Manager, Doubletree by Hilton Bengaluru Whitefield
/I think passion, patience, perseverance and people are the key to success in this industry. While the first three are your personal traits as an individual but when it comes to people, then, the ability to build a great team that helps you grow is equally important. So for me it’s the 4 Ps.
