Managing a hotel is like steering a ship in ever-changing weather

As I look back on my 23-year journey in Hospitality, every experience has been a new challenge and an opportunity to step up towards success. I’ve been lucky to have my growth journey traverse through reputed brands like Hilton and Radisson and IHG, where I am today. Indeed, this brand has given me great room to grow offering extensive training modules, taskforce exposures and accelerated fast-track programs.

During my two-year tenure at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar, I have been able to position the Hotel in a different league altogether, setting new records in the sectors of revenue, guest experience, colleague engagement and adherence to quality. My team has left no stone unturned to reach where we stand today. Our strong focus on creating a Happy Team with work-life balance, in a psychologically safe environment, our substantial increase in social media presence, and our dynamic pricing have been the key enablers in creating the magic.

Yes, it’s like being on a ship with ever-changing weather to steer through. To keep ahead in pace, only a high-risk appetite coupled with mindfulness are the ways to ensure survival and success. One has to consistently work towards building and sustaining a high-performing team, constantly think of the bigger picture while keeping an eye on finer details. From guest welcomes and service quality to profitability and revenue drivers, you have to have your ear on the ground at all times to run a tight ship.

WORK ISN'T LIFE

But I strongly believe that Work isn’t Life. Everyone has their dreams and concerns, families to support and personal battles to fight. We all have our flaws and challenges, fears and goals. But as long as we can pause during those rough tides to acknowledge each other as people, we can find a way through.

I believe my strengths are being conscientious, positive, transparent and resilient.  Of course, having my share of amazing bosses has helped me on my journey. An important lesson I learnt from them is how the inherent need of every individual is to be respected. I strongly believe in training my mind to maintain internal harmony at all times and under all situations. No day is exactly the same, that’s the beauty of life! My mantra to keep the scales from dipping is “Stay calm…this too shall pass.”

Apart from my role as a General Manager, I lead and drive guest experience and brand standards for the entire SWA Region. It’s a role that I love performing. Therefore, brand building and excellence is a field I want to move into in my future years. I feel this is critical and needs constant alignment and strengthening to differentiate oneself from the competition and to be a preferred choice in the market.

THE WORLD TREATS YOU AS YOU TREAT YOURSELF

As a woman, I haven’t faced any unique challenges. I had to do the same juggling and balancing between professional and personal demands as any other human. However, the "Glass Ceiling" is not merely a theory - it is real and we all need to join hands to break it. I have been very fortunate to have a strong and supportive family, but as a society, we have a long way to go. 

My message to aspiring women Hoteliers is: “The world treats you exactly the way you treat yourself.” So love yourself, respect yourself and fly free to touch the sky!"