Exclusive Interview | Manohar Nimbhore, Learning and Development Manager, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach
/“What changes with AI?
I have wondered about this quite often and I truly hope that one day we would have a software that automatically receipts the employee history as soon as the candidate applies for any position across any hotel in the country. This shall be possible irrespective of the mode of application- online/offline or brands within India.”
Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
From an Associate to a Hotelier, my journey has undergone several turns moulding me into the person that I am today. My hospitality path commenced in the year 2002, wherein I pursued Hotel Management at Dr. D.Y Patil IHM Pune. It was then, when I took up a part time job as well at Hotel Kalasagar Pune to put my learnings into action.
Upon completion of my four years degree, I went to United Kingdom to undertake my studies further in the Hospitality segment and I soon got an opportunity to work with Hilton Brighton Metropole, Sofitel Luxury collection at Gatwick Airport, Menzies Checkers hotel and spa until 2010.
Furthermore upon my return to India, I offered my services for the brands like Four points by Sheraton Pune, Sodexo, Sayaji Group of hotels, Al,Naba catering services at Oman , The Lalit Golf course and spa – Goa , ITC Grand Goa , The Evolve Back ( Orange county ) Luxury resorts as a various position like Learning and development Manager to L&D Head at the national Level.
Presently, I work at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach as a Learning and Development Manager where I get a chance to impart my knowledge for all the employees and to add value to business. To enhance myself at the same time, I am additionally pursuing a MA in psychology from Ignou.
I strongly believe in continuous learning and have proudly been certified HRBP from CHRMP. Certified internal auditor ISO 22000: 2018, Certified Life coach, NLP practionier.
I would sum it up as a resourceful ride of 8 years gathering experience in Hotel sector with numerous brands and an overall experience of over 10 years in the Learning and development / Human Resources segment.
What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
As per me, no industry demands anything extraordinary. A person’s will, hard work and dedication is what takes one closer to the summit. In addition to that, consistency in performance, people management skills, teamwork, innovation, creativity at work and most important of all the hunger for continuous learning as a learner is what aids the person to scale heights.
What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring?
If I were hiring for a particular position, I often look out for the suitable profile match. By this I mean that the laid out skills sets of the job profile shall match the candidate’s organizational culture. I trust that a person can be molded with right guidance and exposure, making the candidate a fit for any position. However, fundamental qualities, which cannot be inculcated viz., respecting people, creative & innovative mindset, passion to serve guests, integrity, pleasing personality and more but monitored are the factors upon which the candidature is considered valid.
What advice would you give to a young, aspiring hotelier for their internship?
I would like to let the young aspirants know that the hotel industry is expanding and shaping up in its own way. This would get us more opportunities and options to choose from. One should have enough patience and strive towards improving one’s knowledge, skills and attitude. Moreover, it is equally important for one to figure out one’s own passion and start working towards it. Keep your focus until you reach your goal. Nothing is impossible, it is just a word.
What changes with AI?
I have wondered about this quite often and I truly hope that one day we would have a software that automatically receipts the employee history as soon as the candidate applies for any position across any hotel in the country. This shall be possible irrespective of the mode of application- online/offline or brands within India.
