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

It all started 25+ years ago when I was a teenager, I used to get fascinated by looking at 5-star hotels. Our family used to visit these places occasionally- As in on big celebrations or achievements. I always use to think about life inside these hotels.

I have always been a social person, so meeting individuals or groups every day was something I always used to get excited about. While in my higher secondary education, I researched the hotel business and got enticed towards it, and finally got into the IHM for learning the art of the hotel business.

Trust me it’s an art! If you are good at art, you can be a very good hotelier.  

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

“You need to think like an artist and work like an army officer.”

This industry requires patience, that’s what I mean when I say an artist- if you have this in you, you can succeed by leaps and bounds. As this industry gives a slow progression initially and makes you disciplined- but when you learn what is required, you are bound to grow faster. Also, this industry gives you wings to work in all sorts of situations and makes you really tough as a person.

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

I always look for smarter people, at least smarter than me- who are like street-smart. They should know how to work smart and work faster, without compromising on basic underlining ethos. Also, prefer simpler people who aim for perfection and are ready to learn throughout their journey. I strongly believe that if we strive for perfection and chase it relentlessly, along the way, we shall achieve excellence.

 So if you have the above traits- well I am looking for you

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

My advice to the young aspiring brigade is that the hotel business is like a never-ending business! also, It is truly rewarding! You need to be patient enough to reap the fruits which will come slowly, Once you take a leap you will be proud of yourself.

 Never shy away from getting recognised as a “HOTELIER”

Editor: What is the one tech/app/software feature you would like to see?  This could be for guests, operations, etc. 

Resolving complex operations by technology has already happened. Much work is needed on the training front, which is still a big challenge in the hospitality business being so much driven by human intervention and a higher attrition rate.

India still needs to develop multi-skilling aspects and a lot of it has to do with our hotel school education practices.

Editor: What is your favorite interview question and why?

 There are two

1)   Innovation a candidate brought in during his work, as in what challenges that person was able to resolve in his previous role. Did he face any major roadblocks and was he able to resolve them?

As I think every challenge or roadblock has a solution, we just need to find it. It is important to understand if a person is a problem SOLVER or NOT.

2)   I generally also ask about -what life he has outside of this core work, such as - If he has a personal vision of his own. Is he working towards achieving it? This tells me if a person follows discipline in his personal life which is a very important trait in the hotel business.