Business Leaders interview: Mario Rabi

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

I'm a passionate business leader with a solid background in hotels, business strategy, real estate management, development, and corporate transformation. I hold a BBA in Marketing and an MBA in International Business from the University of North Texas, as well as a BSc in International Affairs from the American University of Beirut. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with renowned brands like Four Seasons, Hyatt, Ritz Carlton, and IHG, and other privately held groups, where I have taken on leadership roles in significant projects and asset management. This includes overseeing a $1.6 billion portfolio with iconic properties like St. Regis Miami, St. Regis Washington DC, and Grand Hyatt Berlin. I have been involved in hotel openings, shaping business strategies, and making impactful real estate investments. Currently, I am playing the role of COO, leading the development of a new hospitality brand in Saudi Arabia, while also managing a boutique consultancy with offices in Dallas, Doha, and Riyadh, specializing in hospitality, business advisory, real estate, sports events, and marketing.

What motivates you in your work and what do you find most fulfilling about being a business leader?

What truly motivates me is the chance to make a difference and see results of my efforts come to life. I’m passionate about using my life and business experience to find creative solutions that help businesses grow. The most fulfilling part of being a business leader is seeing the positive impact on people I work with and guests we serve. I am naturally driven and love to inspire those around me to excel in both life and business. Whether it’s guiding a team through a challenging project or helping a company navigate change, knowing that my work helps others succeed is what drives me every day.

How did you develop your leadership skills and how would you define your leadership style?

I developed my leadership skills through a mix of hands-on experience and continuous learning. Working with great people and top brands gave me the chance to lead diverse teams and manage complex projects, which taught me the importance of clear communication, adaptability, and empathy. I have invested in education, earning degrees and certifications from institutions like the UNT, Cornell, and Harvard, helped shape my style.

I would define my leadership style as; collaborative, equalitarian and results driven. I believe in empowering others, giving them the tools and support to excel, while setting clear goals and expectations. For me, leadership is about inspiring!

Innovating is crucial in our very diverse industry. How do you stay ahead of trends and incorporate them into your global strategy?

The issue is keeping up with trends, and it is about continuous learning and staying connected with industry leaders. I make it a priority to keep up with the latest research, attend conferences, and maintain networks.

When it comes to incorporating trends, I focus on aligning them with business goals and market needs. Whether it's adopting new technologies or responding to a shift in consumer preferences, I always strive for continuous improvement – in our ever-changing world.

What do you consider to be the key component(s) of effective business operational development?

Clear communication, strong leadership, and adaptability! It’s crucial to set clear goals, empower your team, and be flexible enough to adjust strategies as needed. Regularly reviewing and refining processes ensures the business stays efficient and open to changes.

How do you approach identifying areas for improvement within a company's operations?

By analysing current operations and gathering feedback from the team and guests/ clients. I look for patterns in the performance, listen to insights from those on the ground, and assess where we are falling short. This helps me pinpoint specific areas that need attention and develop action-plans to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Where do you think the most promising investments should be focusing on and/or made on?

Technology and Sustainability! Investing in technologies can streamline operations and improve customer experiences, while sustainable practices address growing consumer demand for environmental responsibility and lead to long-term cost savings. Also- exploring new markets and innovative sectors.

What is or are your biggest career achievement(s)?

• I achieved quantified financial results across 7-properties in the US and EU, part of a $1.6 billion portfolio. By expanding services and creating an internal project team, I helped three properties reach positive GOP within a year, saved the group over $15 million annually, and added $9 million in F&B revenue within 12 months.
• My team and I earned the 'Best Luxury Resort' award in the Maldives for two consecutive years.
• During COVID-19, I published a self-help book called The Sage and The Dragon, drawing on my life experiences to offer hope and guidance. I’m currently working on my second book, set for completion in October 2024.
• I successfully managed the opening of two properties in Qatar simultaneously, despite a political blockade and challenging conditions.

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

The most important leadership lesson I’ve learned is that empowering and trusting your team is crucial for success. For example, when I led the turnaround of three properties in the $1.6 billion portfolio, I focused on offering ideas of improvement and added services, while giving each property team the autonomy to make decisions and innovate. This approach not only helped us achieve positive profitability quickly but also boosted team morale and creativity. The results were motivated team, satisfied guests and added revenues.

Another instance was when I lead opened two properties in Qatar under challenging conditions. By trusting my team and supporting them through tough circumstances, we managed to overcome the obstacles and complete the project on time. These experiences taught me that great leadership is about inspiring and enabling others to do their best work.

How did you identify and seize opportunities for advancement in your career?

It is all about who I will work with, company values and groups vision!  I seize career opportunities by staying proactive and being open to new challenges. For example, I took on the responsibility of leading a $1.6 billion portfolio, on a corporate role, which allowed me to work with high-profile properties and achieve notable results. This move not only advanced my career but also helped me gain valuable recognition.

Another instance was when I embraced the challenge of opening properties in Qatar despite difficult conditions. By jumping into roles that pushed my limits and allowed me to make a real impact, I created opportunities for growth and advancement.

Have you achieved everything you wanted in your career so far? 

I have achieved a lot in my career, including managing a $1.6 billion portfolio and opening properties under tough conditions. I’m also proud of suggesting and leading innovative projects- property and corporate level, creating concepts, and currently developing a new hotel brand. However, I believe there’s always room for growth and new challenges. I’m excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.

How important is personal development to your success, and how do you approach it?

Personal development is important to me because it keeps me growing and adapting in a fast-changing industry. I make it a priority to invest in my learning, like attending professional development programs at Cornell and other leadership courses. I also value feedback, stay curious, and take on new challenges. This way, I keep enhancing my skills and stay ready for new opportunities that come my way.

How do you prioritise tasks when everything feels like a priority?

I use Time-Boxing. I break tasks down into manageable chunks and set specific time limits for each one. Then, I assess their impact and prioritize based on what will have the most significant effect on the day and deadlines. I communicate with my team to align our efforts. By organizing tasks based on urgency and importance and staying flexible, I can focus on what matters most while keeping everything else on track.

What was the hardest decision you have taken as a leader?

One of the hardest decisions I faced as a leader was during the Covid downturn in 2020, when I had to make significant budget cuts for a major hotel opening project in Qatar. We were facing tough financial constraints, and I had to decide which aspects of the project to scale back or put on hold, which included laying off some team members. It was incredibly challenging because I knew it would impact people's livelihoods and team dynamics.

What steps do you take to measure your own performance?

• I set written clear goals- specific and measurable.
• I actively seek input from my team, family, peers, and guests to understand how my decisions and leadership are impacting my performance.
• I take time to reflect on successes and areas for improvement, adjusting strategies and approaches based on what I learn.
• I conduct 360 feedback!

What does success mean for you as a business leader?

Success for me means keeping others motivated. Achieving personal and professional goals while making both, home and work great places, It’s about achieving results, inspired team, happy guests and owners. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about making a positive impact on both the business and the people involved.