This week, the general manager of The Ritz-Carlton in Perth gave us the 411 on all things hospitality. He also filled out our Midweek Interview.
The challenge for the industry is…
Finding the right ladies and gentlemen – not necessarily for the skills, but the genuinely passionate ones.
The things I like about my job are…
Waking up in the morning excited for what’s to come as every day is different in this industry – as they say “no two days are alike”. Each day can bring different challenges as well as different successes.
And the frustrations are…
Dealing with people who do not share the same passion for what we do, who do not understand our core of creating magic, and don’t believe in what we do.
If I didn’t work in hospitality, I would be…
No, I cannot see myself in any other industry. It has always been hospitality and it has always been gratifying for me.
My favourite airline is…
I do not have one. I enjoy any travel experience where they provide personalised service and deliver my expectations.
My proudest moment was…
And still is – being able to align my vision and utilise my personality and approach in setting up a team in the hotels, and to see these become successful because of the culture that I built with the team.
I try to relax by…
Listening to music. Music is always present when I wake up in the morning, when I have breakfast with the family, on my way to work, when I jog, and even in the office – my team knows I like to keep the music on as it keeps me calm, grounded, and relaxed.
If I can, I always try to avoid…
Having to surround myself with pretentious people and toxic relationships, whether it may be personal or business. I always try to surround myself with positive people.
I really wish I had…
Explored more of all the destinations I worked in.
The best advice I’ve ever received was…
To stay true to my values – integrity and honesty. I was told by some of my best mentors to keep my values in whatever I do, whether personally or professionally. Another big piece of advice that I always give my team is not to take anything for granted.
I don’t understand why people…
Do not appreciate what’s given to them and take what they have from life for granted.
My greatest weakness is…
Sweets! Especially dark chocolate.
And my greatest strength is…
Dealing with people. I think I am where I am because of how I get along with my peers, how I share my knowledge and learnings, and how I create trusting and lasting relationships with the people that surround me.
If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would…
Put some into a trust fund for my kids, enjoy part of it together with my family, and at the same time use part of it to do good for others.
If I was prime minister, I would…
Stop politicking and face life problems rather than creating politics on top of politics.
If I could be someone else for one day, I would be…
Chris Hemsworth! Not because of his looks… but because he really comes across as a genuine person, somebody who cares about humanity, and is very passionate about his country, Australia.
I’ve always wanted to travel to…
New York! I have never been there and it definitely is on my bucket list.
My favourite holiday was…
A few years back with my family in New Zealand. We went twice during winter and summer at the same spot in Queenstown and both provided different, but beautiful and memorable experiences.
