WE ❤️ HOSPITALITY - Heydon Mizon

The last year has been terrible for the hospitality sector. Most businesses have seen extreme financial challenges and its reputation as an employer has been severely affected.We are now hearing from many, many of our clients about their fears for the future from staff shortages to skills gaps and top mid-senior talent moving to other sectors.Krishnan Doyle is sharing his conversations with service industry leaders and operators on all that is good about hospitality & catering with the purpose to improve the sector's reputation as one of the largest employer worldwide but also as a great place to develop your career.

How did you get into hospitality?

I worked several jobs to pay for college and then Uni, one of those was in an off-licence chain owned by Allied Domecq. At the time Allied owned Carlsberg Tetley brewery, Dunkin Donuts, Baskin Robbins and circa 3000 pubs. I was offered a position on their international graduate scheme and never looked back.

Do you think it is important to have studied hospitality to be a success in the sector?

No. I studied law but there is no doubt that additional sector related education will help.

Which leader / figure inspired you and why?

I am constantly inspired by people that I have and continue to meet for a variety of reasons. I love to learn, love to hear differing insights and I soak up as much as people will share with me.  From the day I joined the sector, people have willingly afforded me their time and experience and it is those that put people first that have inspired and shaped my passionate views of today.

What keeps you in the sector and why to you enjoy working in it?

It’s fun, it provides opportunity for development based on merit and it’s a great people-based business that everyone can relate to.

Tell us about the development / training that you give to your teams and management

From day one, training is constant and personal development is on the agenda as much as you wish. We provide huge amounts of off job training accompanied by on job experience, we spend a of time with those starting their management careers and their progression is monitored, shaped and supported on a regular basis- we won’t lose sight of someone with talent, passion and drive. Training of all kinds, to suit different learning styles is available and there is training available at all levels, for all roles and to suit all skill sets, career progression is mapped with regular role and pay milestones. 

What advice would you give to those starting out in the sector?

The skills you learn here will be transferable to any role, anywhere. Your skills will grow rapidly, you will learn to work with people, understand process and discipline, understand business metrics, develop your coaching and leadership and have fun. Embrace the learning, ask questions, put your hand up to develop and throw yourself into the learning provided to a level that suits you. 

If you could go back and tell yourself one piece of advice as you started your career, what would it be?

Honestly, it would be to drink a little less in the early years and to balance work with sport/ exercise to ensure I was as healthy and effective as possible.

If you would like to take part as a leader in this thriving sector, get in touch with Krishnan (krishnan@corecruitment.com)