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

Every great story begins with a dream and the courage to pursue it. Despite the initial challenges, these experiences teach us valuable lessons and help us to grow. Starting small doesn't limit our potential for success. With passion and hard work, we can achieve our goals and become leaders in our industry. Learning from scratch and overcoming obstacles are all part of the journey to success.

In 2005, I commenced my journey as an Operations Trainee at The Grand in New Delhi. Later, in 2008, I joined Ambassador-IHCL SeleQtions in the same city, where I grew from a Captain to a Restaurant Manager and eventually to the Food & Beverage Manager at Taj Ganges, Varanasi. After successfully leading the Food & Beverage team, I was promoted to the Operations Manager of the hotel. Before joining Pilibhit House, Haridwar- IHCL SeleQtions, I worked at the Taj Ganges and Taj Nadesar Palace, Varanasi.

With my IHCL values, leadership guidance, hard work, and determination, I climbed the position to become the Hotel Manager at Pilibhit House, Haridwar- IHCL SeleQtions. Along the way, I was fortunate to learn from some of the most prominent leaders in the industry, which gave me valuable insights and lessons that helped me achieve my goals and reach new heights. I've realized that teamwork and support are essential in overcoming challenges in the hotel industry. Together, we can achieve great things.

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

In the hospitality industry, success requires a combination of values, work ethics, passion, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. It's a dynamic and ever-evolving industry, so we must stay ahead of the trends, anticipate guest needs, and continuously innovate. Building a strong team and fostering a positive work culture are also crucial factors. By empowering and nurturing our team members, we create an environment where they can thrive and provide outstanding service. Lastly, a customer-centric approach and a relentless pursuit of excellence are vital. At IHCL, we believe that every guest interaction is an opportunity to exceed expectations and create lasting impressions. Let's strive for Tajness and make every guest feel valued and special.

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

When it comes to selecting or hiring individuals, we take pride in our ability to identify a perfect combination of skills, experience, and personal attributes. While technical skills are undoubtedly critical for specific roles, we also prioritize essential qualities such as passion, professionalism, a positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a genuine commitment to delivering exceptional service. We look for individuals who are team players, adaptable, and demonstrate a robust work ethic, as we are confident that these traits are essential for success in any role.

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

For a successful internship, it is important to adapt to the company's values, embrace a learning mindset, build strong rapport, strive for excellence, be adaptable, seek feedback, and remember your goal of building a successful career in hospitality.

What is the single factor that got you your promotion?

Based on my experience, getting a promotion generally depends on various factors such as your performance, leadership skills, dedication, work ethic, ability to exceed expectations consistently, taking on extra responsibilities, having strong problem-solving abilities, and positively contributing towards the goals of the organization. I strongly believe in the mantra "Stay Focused" to achieve success.

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

Hotels are adapting to evolving guest needs with trends such as technology integration, sustainability, personalized and experiential travel, wellness travel, and social media influence. These trends drive innovation and unique offerings in a competitive marketplace.

What tech would you like to see in operations? What operational problems need tech solutions?

Hotels can revolutionize their operations and enhance their guests' experiences by embracing technology. With the right technological solutions, hotels can streamline operations, provide personalized experiences, make data-driven decisions, optimize revenue, and ensure the safety and security of their guests and staff. By embracing innovative technology, hotels can unlock their full potential and create unforgettable experiences for their guests.

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

AI-powered facial recognition systems improve hotel operations through streamlined check-in, enhanced security, and a seamless guest experience. Additionally, AI is increasingly used in revenue management systems to optimize pricing strategies, leading to higher revenue and profitability for hotels.

Two things you would like to change in the industry. 

The hospitality industry is on the brink of transformation, driven by a growing movement towards sustainability and inclusivity. By reducing carbon footprints, minimizing waste, conserving resources, and promoting responsible tourism, we can create a more sustainable future for our stakeholders and the world around us. By promoting diversity in hiring, creating inclusive work environments, and embracing cultural diversity, we can foster innovation, enhance guest experiences, and contribute to a more equitable and harmonious society. Together, we have the power to make a positive impact and create a brighter future for all.

What is your favorite question for a candidate interview and why?

My favourite question will be How do you balance work and life? This question is an opportunity to evaluate awareness, adaptability, accountability, and communication abilities. See their response and gain valuable insights to manage your work-life balance with more ease and confidence.