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

Gaurav - In my high-school, I was keen on doing something unconventional, so took the road less travelled by opting for Hotel Management. After completing 3 years at IHM Lucknow, I started my career as a housekeeping associate with the iconic Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur and got through the prestigious the OCLD, which helped me setup a strong foundation for my onward journey in the industry. Having worked with brands like Oberoi Hotels, Hyatt Hotel Corporation, IHG Hotels & Resorts and currently with Radisson Hotel Group, I gained rich experience in all aspect of hotel operations & project management.

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

 Gaurav - I believe in a 3-point approach to success:

• Whatever you do, look at it as a calling and a purpose and not as a job, it will take you a long way.

• Be consistent, even passion gets lost after a point what takes you ahead is consistent efforts and showing up every day. Even if it gets boring, which it will sometimes, you still make a choice to show up every day.

• A strong moral compass, having a strong character with integrity is important if the compass doesn’t point true north you end up cheating yourself.

Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring?

 Gaurav - Integrity is what I strongly look for while selecting or hiring apart from ticking off the basic competencies required for the job. Competencies can be taught and enhanced in an individual, even attitude can be improved by giving the right conditioning however integrity cannot be taught or passed on, it is innate to an individual.

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

 Gaurav - I would like to give two advices to the young aspiring hoteliers, as these helped me in my journey.

First being, IF YOU REST, YOU RUST - which means do not get complacent or move into the comfort zone as that is where learning stops and growth ends. Keep learning and taking new challenges and responsibilities as that will help you grow and transform your future for better.

Second advice will be, YOU BECOME WHAT YOU EAT - whether it is the food that you eat or books that you read or the content you consume, your body and mind will absorb that and will transform you accordingly. Hence choose your food & content carefully, rather strategically.

Editor: What is the one tech/app/software feature you would like to see? 

 Gaurav - the one tech/app/software I am very keen to see come to life in near future is to capture real-time guest feedback or satisfaction level while they are still in the hotel premise so that corrective measures can be taken before they checkout.

Editor: What is your favourite interview question and why?

 Gaurav - There are many questions that I use frequently while interviewing a prospect, but I have 2 as my all-time favourite questions.

First one being “what do you do in your spare time?” and second one may sound very cliched but “what’s the plan for the next 5 years?”

The first one helps me assess their passion and attitude towards their life, the second one helps me understand their vision. For me both are important because if a person does not have a vision or passion for themselves then what will they bring to the table for the organization.

Editor: What does your role entail? (as Director Pre-Opening Operations - South Asia)

 Gaurav – My role as Director Pre-opening Operations - Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia, involves setting up the hotel operation for all upcoming new hotels for the group in the region. Ensure all the brand & legal compliances are met before the hotel opens its door for the guests. It is a fun job where I get to travel across the country, meet people with different cultures & help them transform their dreams into reality.