Exclusive Interview | Amit Mondal, F & B Manager, Club Mahindra Acacia Palms, Goa
/“Perseverance and hard work combination of these two things with experience will make you a great hotelier”
Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
To be very frank after my H.S I landed up in this industry in a hurry burry but as I stepped up the ladder of the industry facing each challenge with more determination than the previous I gradually started loving this industry more than anything else.
Maybe love for different kinds of food is the basis of my career that started back in 2007 at Sun – n- Sand Hotel Goa as Assistant Steward and where I am now as Food & Beverage Manager at the prestigious Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited.
Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Perseverance and hard work. It’s a combination of these two things, nothing else. This along with experience is what will make you a great hotelier.
Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?
I look for somebody with the right attitude and the passion to learn, even if they aren’t as qualified or have a long work experience.
To work with me is easy. I like to have people with good energy, agile and lots of great ideas.
Editor: What advice would you give to a young, aspiring hotelier for their internship?
Be agile, don’t get demotivated, and understand that you will become a great leader only if you know how to do grunt work.
Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?
Smart hotels, sustainable hotels, robot staff, VR and AR, touchless technology, safety & hygiene protocols with continuous improvement, and unique brand experiences are all big trends right now. The sharing economy, OTAs, digital guest experiences, global tourism, young markets, and the power of social media are all trends that had to stay powerful.
Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.
From the ongoing pandemic, we have learned that we should focus on domestic tourism more than international tourism. It will boost our industry in maintaining sustainable economic growth.
The benefits of employees and their families should be upgraded, and the future is secured. Then only employees will be enthusiastic about this industry.
Editor: What is your favorite interview question and why?
What was your greatest failure and how did you deal with it? It talks a great deal about a person when they are able to accept their failures, and share learnings. It also shows the humility of the person and their Genuity.
