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

With a sudden drift from his wish that I should teach and preach the upcoming generation to‘She should become a Chef’, my father thrusted me in the hands of Anjuman-I-Islam’s A.K. Hafizka Institute of Hotel  & Tourism Management Studies. A non-interested me, started taking interest to survive in this industry and I see through the world today as an Executive Housekeeper, not as a Chef!

Creativity, Innovations would have come across as a chef too, no doubts! But the ‘eye for detail’ in me felt more at home in the Housekeeping profession, with its endless avenues for offering guest delight through decor  & interiors being an icing on the cake!

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

You gotta be ‘SPEAR headed’ to succeed in this industry !

• Self Motivated - As you climb up the ladder of hierarchy you really got to be Self-Motivated, you would hardly find anyone motivating you. It drives oneself to keep going even in the face of set-backs, to take up opportunities and to commit to what you want to achieve!!

• Patience and Perseverance - Patience gives you the ability to accept or tolerate delays, problems or sufferings without becoming annoyed or anxious.

• Enthusiastic - You should be enthusiastic about your own ideas and bring the energy to makeit infectious! Your enthusiasm should equally contribute in infecting  & influencing others to participate in your idea to mutually benefit!

• Staying Abreast - Staying abreast of new developments is an ongoing job with substantial risk and rewards and will help you to stay ahead of the curve!! It is very important to make sure you know all the most recent facts about a subject or situation. By being aware of the latest developments in your industry, you can anticipate changes and take proactive steps to adapt to them thus mutually benefiting!

• Rhythm - Follow your own Rhythm of Life ! Listening to your heart  & living a life, from a perspective that aligns with your wants  & needs!

What does the future look like?

With AI overtaking the generation, the future looks very much promising only for the ones who could leverage this technology. The industry has to cope up with incorporating these new AI initiatives in their menu of experiences offered to the guests, the back end jobs, for analysing, forecasting  & all such similar repetitive tasks, else may remain far in the competition.

Wellness Experiences is another important focus in the hospitality industry and is shifting from just physical health to a more holistic approach encompassing mental and emotional health as well. Industry will cherish if their designs consider these!

The above and any such aspects that will push the Guest delight a notch above are what the industry should always focus on!

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

Integrity - Something that’s got to be naturally inborn - as it cannot be trained or taught! The rest of the attributes can be trained & edified!

What is your favourite interview question & why?

• Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

To understand whether the candidate has a clear vision & how determined he/she is!

• Why do you think you are suitable for this job?

To understand the unique qualities skills  & experiences possessed by the candidate that he thinks will help in contributing more to the table.

Share some of your secrets in keeping an engaged, safe and happy team.

- Keep it ‘Happening’ - No matter what you are doing, keep it Happening & enjoyable!

- Keep it Different n allow space for Guesses! As whats new this time! Monotonous environment will be boring! - It can be new learning, different way of conducting briefing or debriefing! Conducting a training session etc. The objective is retention ! So it should be special  & memorable!

- Keep regular small outings even if it is a cutting chai at a dhaba! - Remember, they are away from the family  & they ought to feel like family with u  & the team! Care for them like your own family!

- Don’t be dead serious with work - Bring in some Cheers with Peers Moments!!

-Grow with them ! Remember if only they grow with you, they ought to cherish everyday spent with you! You yourself would grow, only if others grow!

- Do not micro mange your team! Train them right  & give them freedom to explore their learnings!