Tête-à-tête with Executive Chef Sarika Kamble

It was in March 2020 that the lockdown in the country to control the impact of COVID-19 pandemic had been enforced. One year has passed and we still are observing elements like online meetings, work from home, online food selection and deliveries, online entertainment, etc. BW HOTELIER interacted with Sarika Kamble, Lady Executive Chef- ibis Pune Viman Nagar, who is the only female in the culinary department at ibis Pune Viman Nagar, to understand her journey before and after the pandemic.

Chef Kamble stated, “Changed working dynamics due the COVID-19 pandemic, has in fact brought a lot of positive impact on our lives. Pandemic has made us more focused on hygiene and cleanliness. It has taught us to value our health and be grateful for what we have.”

When asked if working in the post Covid scenario makes her anxious because of the risk to health, associated with the same, that Kamble said, “No, working outside does not make me anxious because I am aware that my organisation and the hotel specifically are taking all the necessary steps required to avoid any spread of COVID-19. We are following all protocols and guidelines as per Accor initiative of All Safe procedures along with the ones outlined by government.” 

As the pandemic has jolted hospitality sector, now domestic tourism/ local tourism is the segment on which the sector is primarily dependent for generating its revenue. According to Kamble, the first ever step towards this revolution and revival would be to assure their customers about the safety of dinning and staying facilities at their hotels which she believes is being done by the hospitality sector by keeping guests informed on the measures taken from time-to-time.

Satisfied with the measures taken at ibis Pune Viman Nagar to keep COVID-19 infection away, Kamble commented, “We have stringent measures outlined as per All Safe Protocols by Accor which we are followed diligently to ensure everyone's utmost safety.”

Braving challenges of the past

For reaching the top floor, a person needs to climb the stairs or take the elevator for that matter. And each of these paths pose unique challenges which define our personality and profession. Addressing the question on her biggest professional challenge, Kamble commented, “In my profession my biggest challenge was being the only girl in the culinary department. But I believe that I have been able to be a part of this transformation journey, from then to now where we have many women joining the culinary department. I think it was a bold and a brave decision which in fact made me reach where I am today and also to be an inspiration for many who aspired to join the culinary department and become a chef.”

Taking steps to change the gender disparity 

Globally, women hold only a handful of the managerial positions and the percentage of women in the boardrooms of publicly listed hospitality companies are also quite low. If we consider the Indian hospitality scenario, Kamble believes that work is in progress.

“Definitely the picture has changed today we find a lot of women in every field and at managerial positions. As a lot of organisations have a very good work & life balance and promote gender diversity. The environment in the organisations is now very women friendly and they encourage and support women to grow. At ibis Pune Viman Nagar we have seven women in the leadership team including our GM who is also a lady.”

Hospitality sector: a great place to work

The profession of a Chef brings with it, its own set of nuances that once mastered can bring joy to the faces of many. Addressing the aspirants Kamble commented, “Being a chef, I would definitely encourage new talent & specially women to join the hospitality industry and in culinary department as I believe that women naturally possess great culinary skills and are very creative when it comes to culinary innovations and thinking out of the box.”

When it comes to any workplace, one’s safety takes a central stage in choosing or continuing with one’s career. Kamble has no qualms about that aspect in her workplace as she mentioned that her workplace and Accor group all over the world have an active sexual harassment redressal mechanism in place. “I definitely feel safe working in the organisation,” she stated.

She further said that at Accor, they have many women working across various hotels and brands in the culinary department. In fact, there exists a ‘All Women kitchen’ managed by all female chefs at one of their outlets in ibis and Novotel ORR in Bengaluru.

Although, Kamble doesn’t work during night shift, she is satisfied with all safety measures taken and followed at her workplace which gives her and her female colleagues a safe and comfortable working experience.