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

It was all thought off when I was in 6th Standard to become a hotelier. The aim was to get admission in a good hotel management school to get the basic right and then to fly from there. Fortunately got admission in IHM, Ahmedabad, one of the finest faculties of that time.

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

Passion, Patience, correct attitude is most important, able to give up on personnel desires, common sense, hard work & honesty

Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring?  If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?

I look for the attitude of the candidate, the way he|she carries him|her self, the hunger of career, common sense

Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?

Candidates are not honest enough with themselves, maybe lack of initial training (basic) or career counselling. Everyone wants to grow very fast, eye for GM position in 5 years and change their jobs frequently. Leaving job unprofessionally and other hotels accepting these people who intend to join without clearance.

Editor: Tech is now an enabler for great hospitality. Can you share with us some of the tech that goes into creating your guest experience?

Potential traveller shops a lot, it is important to leave a mark|impression. He will select you on the basis of X factors like automated SMS, google hotel location, order from his own mobile from his room, getting itineraries, pick up details, things to do from travel desk before he starts his travel...etc

Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.

It is a great industry, gave everything that I have today. But still, I always think about the recruitment process of GMs in India. Its unlike foreign countries where they accept on the basis on your experience, knowledge. They take you here on the basis of 'whether this guy has worked with me before or not or in the same company of mine or not. Referrals are fine but its too much here. Gms who are 60+years old, having donkey's years experience does not leave the position and work on compromised salaries, young guys from AFOM, AFNB, FOM FBM etc work on much lower salaries, Gms are working at salaries of 45-55K a month, tell me the potential of the people .... if we can change this system, it will be a great relief for people who are deserving to work in good brands.