Exclusive Interview | Sonia Sharma, Human Resource Manager, Oblu Select Maldives
/“I always believe in nurturing talent by guiding them in the right direction. ”
Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
Journey Started in 2010 as HR Recruitment Consultant in a small city of India (Amritsar, Punjab). Not sure whether it was my destiny or co-incidence 😊that I got an opportunity in Hospitality industry in Nov 2011. It was not an easy move as Hospitality industry is still a TABOO in small cities of India, however when it is your destiny then everything gets into place on its own. I was not from Hotel Management background and everything was very new to me, however with the support of my seniors and determination to become successful in Human Resources, I kept on taking all challenges and moving forward.
Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
It is not about how to succeed in this or any other industry, i believe that an individual should have a goal in his/her life and determination and focus to reach out there. Be Strong, Never Loose your Focus and Keep moving until and unless you reach out to your goal in life. There are many ways to succeed in your career, however its an individual who decides to choose which way. I was lucky enough that I got mentors in my life who have always guided me and helped me to grow.
Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?
I firmly believe that if an individual have a positive attitude and eagerness to learn, he/she can become an asset to an organization. Skills can be taught easily as it is a professional competency, however behaviour being a personal competency cannot be changed until and unless an individual knows about and willingly work on the improvement.
If someone wants to work with me: I always believe in nurturing talent by guiding them in the right direction. I am a firm believer of providing Equal opportunity as per the capability of an individual to shape up their career.
Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?
These days there is lot of competition in the market in terms of Hospitality Schools and Hotels as well. Hence the quality in hospitality industry has been deteriorated with time.
Digitalization is the biggest trend these days in our industry which has its own impact, Yes on one hand it is very user friendly, However on the other hand it miss that personal and human touch which is very important in our industry.
Editor: Tech is now an enabler for great hospitality. Can you share with us some of the techs that go into creating your guest experience?
Tech/app enabled rooms with attributes like key less check in, in room controls, online in room dining order placement facilities etc
Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.
• Taking back Hospitality Industry where the quality of product and people was always the first approach
• Enhanced hygiene and safety protocols and standards
