Exclusive Interview | Yash Raghav, General Manager - Training, Sarovar Hotels Pvt Ltd
/“In my experience, I have realised that while making a vision in life, we should never consider our weaknesses as the decision making criteria. If you are weak today, but you are passionate, the journey to the destiny will shape you. Life is a very good teacher.”
Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
I started my career in 2003 with Oberoi flight Services, Delhi in F&B Operations, moved to TajSATS in 2004 and then to Air Sahara in 2005. When Jet Airways took over Air Sahara in 2006, many of us had to leave the job, I got through Café Coffee Day in their Airline division, CCD was the first player who stated Onboard selling of Food & Beverage in Low Cost Airlines with Air Deccan. While working with Café Coffee Day, I somehow developed interest towards training & public speaking. Moved to IEC Institute of Hotel management Greater Noida.
In 2010, I got my first break in Learning & Development with Country Inn & Suites, Ahmedabad, I was extremely fortunate that I got mentored by great leaders and got opportunities with many different hotels. In my experience, I have realised that while making a vision in life, we should never consider our weaknesses as the decision making criteria. If you are weak today, but you are passionate, the journey to the destiny will shape you. Life is a very good teacher.
Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Keeping a positive attitude towards life, following your core values, your behaviour, continuous learning are some core competencies
Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?
Hire for Attitude, Train for skill is the mantra I follow. If someone wants to work with me, simply share the resume 😊
Editor: What advice would you give to a young, aspiring hotelier for their internship?
Future is really bright, be proactive, be observant on how things are done in the hotel, be a team player, dress appropriately, make network, ask questions, stay curious, work on your communication skills.
Editor: What changes with AI?
AI is here to make our life easier, creating content has become very simple. Human intelligence with AI is an awesome combination.
Editor: You don many hats. Hotelier | Learner | Mentor | Trainer | Coach | Leader | Public Speaker | Toastmaster. Some of these overlap and some you need to create both time and mindspace. Tell us your secret.
For me it is all about doing what you like, and when you like what you do, you are able to take time out. And yes, planning & scheduling the tasks help. I use Google calendar for reminders and Google sheets for daily and weekly planning. It is important for me to measure where I spend my time. What can be measured, can be managed.
