People say that Hospitality is not a highly skilled job. To those people I’d like to say – work an 8-hour shift in a hot kitchen. Report for a 7 a.m. Housekeeping shift when a group is checking out. Tend the bar of a busy restaurant on Friday night. Walk a day in the shoes of these talented individuals who are consistently undervalued. I know, I have. My 27-year career has taught me to stay calm in the face of challenging situations, to keep the focus on what matters and to deliver consistently. Because a hotel never sleeps. A shift is incomplete without preparation for the next day, every successful event is a stepping stone to the next, and every satisfied guest is the best cheerleader of your efforts. I have opened 6 hotels and converted 2 properties, in 5 cities across Middle East & Asia. As a General Manager, you are expected to be the central cog of a very large machine with countless moving parts, performing optimally in dynamic situations. This has helped me develop and hone crucial skills like influencing stakeholders, project management, negotiation & problem solving. As GM, I am responsible for the overall cohesion, well-being, & success of a large group of individuals who work independently, at times with competing interests. As a leader I am known for my empathy. Having grown through the ranks, I understand the motivations and aspirations of my team. I am invested in their continuous development and success. As an individual I have benefitted immensely from multiple opportunities to grow and the generosity of my mentors. I believe in paying it forward. And hence I won the Gallup Award. Currently I am working as a Hospitality Consultant & Mentor. My goal is to share my experience with current and aspiring managers, in Hospitality and other industries that can benefit from my multi-faceted experience. Connect with me to explore opportunities in Hospitality, Real Estate, Corporate Services and Learning & Development. Words to live by:“The process is more important than the results. And if you take care of the process, you will get the results.” ~ M.S. Dhoni, renowned Indian cricketer known for his wicketkeeping and batting prowess on the field and his leadership of the Indian cricket team. The original “Captain Cool”.