Exclusive Interview | Anuraag Kadam, Human Resources Manager, Conrad Pune
/“Be yourself and always be humble and curious to learn”
Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
My tryst with hospitality began in the year 2010 and while unknown to me, my fruitful journey in HR was not planned. My learning at the hospitality school helped me become a confident and outgoing personality which truly was a life-changing element for me. It was during my industrial training, that my interest leaned towards the human resources field where I enjoyed the guest’s interactions and found happiness in assisting them. My operational journey in human resources began in 2013 with Park Hyatt Goa and I currently head the human resource vertical at Conrad Pune.
Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Success is never easy and it doesn’t come overnight. One should be constantly disciplined, passionate, and dedicated to their work. If you have the vision to grow, never hesitate, be adaptive to changes and have the will to be a lifetime learner, you will gradually succeed in this industry.
Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?
Attitude is the foremost attribute I look for – Attitude cannot be taught or inculcated, it comes within. Commitment & Ability to work with the team comes secondary. Hospitality is all about people serving people, technical knowledge can be taught or learned but if you don’t have the right attitude – organizational culture can go for a toss.
Editor: What advice would you give to a young, aspiring hotelier for their internship?
Be yourself and always be humble and curious to learn. Ask questions at every point of your training, and take every day as new learning. In order to get successful, you need to step out of your comfort zone and give your 100% at work. Be positive at every point, remember your internship will be the most difficult tenure of your degree – make the best of it.
Editor: What is the one tech/app/software feature you would like to see? This could be for guests, operations, etc.
Artificial Intelligence has been sort of dominating our industry. Personally, I would love to see software that can read the minds of employees – want to be so quick in gauging if anyone is feeling demotivated or needs immediate attention. This will help in controlling attrition and enhance work-life balance.
Editor: What is your favorite interview question and why?
What does being a Manager mean to you? This question helps me to understand how the candidate views the role of a manager and you can understand his/her thinking towards work, whether he is a potential leader or a Boss. Whether likes to give orders and demand results or work along with the team to achieve goals. His/her answers will help you to determine if the candidate is the right choice for your organization.
