Exclusive Interview | Fahim Khan, Housekeeping Manager, Millenium Central Downtown Dubai
/“To succeed in the hotel industry first you have to be passionate and stubborn. Believe in yourself, just focus on your goal with consistency. ”
Tell us about your journey ? How did it start all?
My journey in the hotel industry began in 2016 when I joined Accor Group of Hotels after completing my Hotel management studies from Heritage institute of hotel & tourism Agra. Starting out without any external support, I relied solely on my own determination and self-motivation. Despite facing numerous challenges, I remained steadfast in my goal to become a successful hotelier.
Upon relocating to Dubai, my ambition to excel in the industry only grew stronger. Despite facing skepticism from some of my colleagues , friends and relatives , I remained undeterred. Instead, their doubts fueled my determination to prove them wrong.
I dedicated myself to continuous improvement, often spending sleepless nights strategizing on how to enhance my skills and knowledge. Through sheer hard work and perseverance, I eventually rose through the ranks to become a Manager at the age of 25 . earning recognition as the youngest Manager in 2021.
Subsequently, I had the privilege of working with esteemed brands such as Accor, Kempinski, Hilton, and The Heart of Europe World Island. Despite hailing from a family with a background in business rather than employment, I pursued my passion for hospitality, becoming the sole member of my family to work in the hotel industry.
My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and relentless dedication. It's a reminder that with determination and hard work, any goal is attainable, regardless of the challenges we may face along the way.
What makes you strange?
My passion for work is fueled by my creative mindset and innovative ideas. I always strive to approach challenges with a positive attitude, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth. When faced with criticism or setbacks, I use them as motivation to perform even better than before. My drive to excel extends beyond personal achievement; I am equally passionate about leading my team and department to success, aiming to consistently maintain our position at the top of our industry.
What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
To succeed in the hotel industry first you have to be passionate and stubborn. Believe in yourself, just focus on your goal with consistency.
if you have a dream & if you have the love for it , just keep working, just keep doing it, just keep enjoying it. There will be a lot of hungry dayes, sleepless nights. There will be a lot of situations where you have to look for hope in hopeless situations although it's hard, but if you do it consistently. one day you will be successful & reach your goal.
Formula to get success in Hotel industry:
Passion
Patience with Positive attitude
Self belief & confidence
Consistency
Share some of your secrets in keeping & engaged, safe and happy team ?
As a Manager I believe in creating a positive and supportive work environment where staff members feel valued and motivated. I foster open communication, provide regular feedback and recognition, and encourage professional development opportunities. By setting clear expectations, leading by example, and promoting teamwork, I strive to create a motivated and high-performing team. I respect each and every individual in my team and give importance to their opinion & ideas.
What does not exist in the world but you would like it to?
A device to instantly understand the thoughts and emotions of others, fostering deeper understanding and connection between individuals.
What does the future look like?
In the evolving landscape of the hotel industry, technological innovations, shifting consumer demands, and sustainability initiatives will shape its future. As individuals within the industry, implementing projects focused on integrating smart technology for enhanced guest experiences and adopting sustainable practices can pave the way for success and resilience in the years to come.
