Exclusive Interview | Antoraj Mariasusai, Director of Human Resources, InterContinental Doha the City
/“What would you like to change in hospitality?
Hiring Process Without Resumes. Focusing solely on human potential and providing employment to anyone willing and able to work. I believe this approach is 100 % possible in Hospitality.”
Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
My perception towards HR begun during my Industrial Training days as a waiter in India as a part of my Hotel Management, based on my dealings with HR & the horror stories passed on to me from colleagues. Such experiences in past gave me an innate passion to choose HR as my profession and change the view by providing a positive impact on people where they feel belonged. Trusted. embraced. Mentored, grown & welcomed.
I would rather say, It’s no secret that HR choose me and turned me out to be the youngest Strategic and innovative Director of HR & Training at the age of 25 in the Middle East. I Graduated Masters from Swiss & from the University of Yale with over 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry, working with leading hotel brands in 8 different countries, and currently working with InterContinental Doha the City. Qatar. People and their differences constantly dare me to understand their ways of thinking, feeling, and acting, which is a daily challenge I must be prepared for. It may not always be the day that I had planned when I went into the office, but I love the “x” factor of not knowing exactly what my day will bring and all the surprises that come my way. I thrive in that ambiguity & thus my journey continues
Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Being successful in the hospitality industry is about more than just a passion for your craft. Of course, you do need passion, but you'll also need a whole host of other skills if you want to make a career out of it. Developing your hospitality skills is an ongoing process that requires regular practice – don’t expect change to happen overnight. However, knowing exactly what you need to improve will lay the groundwork and motivate you to apply it daily. Whether you work in the operation of administration, you’ll grow and find success through experience and constant learning by Mastering your soft skillset & enrolling in further education/training. Networking in the hospitality industry is vital as your connections have the potential to take you far and wide. The hospitality industry is fast-paced, which, naturally requiring individuals who are adaptable, resilient, and able to use their initiative. The hospitality industry will throw plenty of curveballs at you - and fast - that you’ll need to know how to react to within a moment’s notice, a creative & practical approach to problem-solving is essential to be successful in this business
Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?
There are certain qualities we customarily look for while hiring, such as organization, punctuality, a team player, a positive attitude, and so on. To me, the key trait that a new hire can have is human skills, emotional intelligence, mindset, integrity & Knowing the why, as well as the what regardless of the job title or function.
Editor: What according to you can trainees do while they are training at hotels to make it a win-win for them & the hotel/unit?
It is vital for Trainees to have Self-belief, optimism, and confidence. Stepping out of my comfort zone and trying to figure out what the task and the scope are often more required to succeed. Trainees are always under the spotlight. We are always excited to see what these young minds can achieve and are able to do.
Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry in terms of HR?
I see the future HR will be seen as a department that empowers, engages & create experiences by living winning ways values instead of hiring and firing. A department that coaches, mentors instead of seen as the police of the organization. A department that Shapes and leads the strategy by having key seat at the table and create employee experience instead of focusing only on payroll & benefits. Unlocking human potentials instead of filling gaps in jobs, Emphasizing soft skills, favoring flexibility, virtual interviews/performance reviews, one size breaks all approach instead of one size fits all approach.
Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.
Hiring Process Without Resumes. Focusing solely on human potential and providing employment to anyone willing and able to work. I believe this approach is 100 % possible in Hospitality. I believe that everyone has an idea and everyone can contribute and it doesn’t matter what grades they scored or university they went to, if they have a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and want to excel, give them the best chance.
The concept of leading with Heart & not with Title and to Stop Pressuring employees to be always positive & offer freedom of emotional expression. I believe that, If we don’t give our employees consistent freedom of emotional expression at work, means the three basic human needs of Safety, Belonging and Respect are not being met. Leaders have to understand that employees showing stress or sadness isn’t unprofessional. It’s human and authentic.
Editor: What can we expect in the coming year?
Looking at the drift in the industry, we can expect the brands with a personality that connects both existing and prospective guests will continue to grow with their presence. sustainable and purposeful such as Digitalized guest experiences & Contactless Technology, Virtual & augmented reality, Experiencing economy & essentialism, Green solutions, the path towards health & wellness will set new benchmarks for hospitality
