Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?

 I started my journey when I’m very little just the age of 16y, by the time even I did not completed grade school, I started my very first job at kurubaa Maldives as a waiter in 1996. First 10 years of my journey I keep moving from one resort to another resort to see what’s the best. In  2009 I have got an opportunity to work in abroad (Oman) so I moved to Oman as a butler in six senses zighy bay which is my very first front office operations experience, After one year in Oman move back to the Maldives and rejoined the same company ( Soneva Fushi) as a butler. Later on moved to Anantara Kihavah (MINOR HOTELS ) as a butler from there I have learned a lot of supervisory skills, managerial skills, and different online short courses so on. After 6 years with Kihavah I moved to Oman again for the pre-opening of Anantara jabal Al akdhar I was there as a Villa operations manager after successful pre-opening I move back to the Maldives and joined Kanuhura Maldives a villa manager and got promoted to FOM, later move to vakkaru Maldives as a FOM and now I’m here in Milaidhoo Maldives 

Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?

I strongly believe success comes when we are oriented, hardworking, results-driven, willing to learn, and hands-on with our work on a daily, We also need to be dedicated to our family members (staff) to ensure they can continuously learn and grow. The industry requires people who are committed, organized, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, have leadership potential, and most importantly, are team players.

Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring?  If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?

when someone applies for a job I don’t ask how many years of experience the candidate has in a similar role, I always ask from candidates are you, TEAM PLAYER? I am willing to teach the person, so I always look for a passion with a good personality and peoples who is willing to learn,

Editor: What advice would you give to a young, aspiring hotelier for their internship?

 Always do believe that you have skills and willingness to adapt to work, and set your mind in same. Don’t let others set your career goal. 

Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?

Especially last year lot of things has been changed Sustainability has been trending for quite some time now in the industry 

Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.

I would like to see the government take initiative and implement a platform For Rewards & Recognition – A Step up for recognition of Resort Workers and Fair review system - between expertise and locals

Editor: What is your favorite interview question and why? 

Where do you see yourself in short-term 1-5 years and long-term 5-10 years?